The 2001–02 NBA season was the Pistons' 61st season, the 54th in the National Basketball Association, and the 45th in the Detroit area. During the offseason, the Pistons acquired Clifford Robinson from the Phoenix Suns and Jon Barry from the Sacramento Kings. Under new head coach Rick Carlisle, the Pistons won 14 of their first 20 games, but then suffered a 7-game losing streak. However, after a 19–20 start, they would win 15 of their next 18 games, returning to the playoffs after a one-year absence, finishing first place in the Central Division with a 50–32 record. Ben Wallace was named Defensive Player of The Year, Corliss Williamson was named Sixth Man of The Year, and Carlisle was named Coach of The Year.

In the first round of the playoffs, they would defeat the Toronto Raptors in five games, and advance to the second round for the first time since 1991. However, in the semifinals, they would lose in five games to the 3rd-seeded Boston Celtics after winning Game 1. Following the season, Jerry Stackhouse was traded to the Washington Wizards, and Dana Barros was released.

The season saw the team revert to its traditional color scheme of red, white and blue.

(2) Detroit Pistons vs. (7) Toronto Raptors Last Playoff Meeting: This is the first meeting between the Pistons and Raptors.

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