The drought is over.
The Detroit Pistons are back in the playoffs after Friday's 112-99 win over the Washington Wizards thanks to a big game from Reggie Jackson.
Jackson poured in 39 points on 14 for 20 shooting, and also added nine assists as the team improved to 43-37.
"We’re just happy to get it done in front of our fans… a fan base who hasn’t been there in a while," Jackson told reporters following the game. "As an organization, we haven’t been there in a while."
The Pistons will be returning to the playoffs for the first time since the 2009 season, ending the NBA's third-longest playoff drought.
On the flip side, the game officially eliminated the Wizards from playoff contention, meaning they will miss the postseason for the first time since 2013.
The 3-point line was a big factor in the win, as Detroit hit 43.8 percent of its long-range attempts.
Stud of the Night
Yeah, the San Antonio Spurs were dealt a 102-98 to the Nuggets in Denver, but Tim Duncan turned back the clock a little bit. The 39-year-old center scored 21 points on 9 for 15 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds as well. Expect a couple vintage scoring games from "The Big Fundamental" in the Spurs playoff run.
Dud of the Night
Zach Randolph was off on Friday night. The Memphis Grizzlies forward scored 13 points on 6 for 20 shooting in a 103-93 loss to the surging Dallas Mavericks.
Tweet of the Night
The Wizards (38-41) may have lost to the Pistons, but Markieff Morris had a stellar game with 29 points on 10 for 20 shooting, including a long buzzer beater in the third quarter.
.@Keefmorris from WAY downtown! #WizPistons pic.twitter.com/NhJpQYTXkV
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) April 9, 2016
Looking Ahead:
Boston Celtics (47-32) at Atlanta Hawks (47-32) 7:30 P.M.: The playoffs start in one week, but both these teams can’t afford to take it easy until then. With identical records, both teams are battling for third place in the Eastern Conference. A loss here could mean a potential second-round matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers, or even dropping to the six seed in the bunched up East.