1960–61 Detroit Pistons season

The 1960–61 NBA season was the Detroit Pistons' 13th season in the NBA and fourth season in the city of Detroit. The team played home games at Olympia Stadium.

The Pistons finished 34-45 (.430), 3rd in the Western Division. The team advanced to the playoffs, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers 3-2 as Laker Elgin Baylor dominated the series with a 39.4 ppg average in the series. Detroit was led on the season by forward Bailey Howell (23.6 ppg, 14.4 rpg, NBA All-Star), center Walter Dukes (11.7 ppg, 14.1 rpg, NBA All-Star) and guard Gene Shue (22.6 ppg, 6.8 apg, NBA All-Star).

Season standings

 * x – clinched playoff spot

Playoffs

 * - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
 * 1
 * March 14
 * @ Los Angeles
 * L 102–120
 * Gene Shue (20)
 * Walter Dukes (11)
 * Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
 * 0–1
 * - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
 * 2
 * March 15
 * @ Los Angeles
 * L 118–127
 * McMillon, Shue (24)
 * Walter Dukes (12)
 * Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena 4,253
 * 0–2
 * - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
 * 3
 * March 17
 * Los Angeles
 * W 124–113
 * Bob Ferry (30)
 * Detroit Olympia 3,422
 * 1–2
 * - align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"
 * 4
 * March 18
 * Los Angeles
 * W 123–114
 * Gene Shue (29)
 * Detroit Olympia
 * 2–2
 * - align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"
 * 5
 * March 19
 * @ Los Angeles
 * L 120–137
 * Bob Ferry (25)
 * Bob Ferry (16)
 * Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena 3,705
 * 2–3
 * Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena 3,705
 * 2–3

Awards and records

 * Gene Shue, All-NBA Second Team