Duren and Cunningham Lead Pistons to Victory Over Thunder

Duren and Cunningham Carry Pistons to Success

Jalen Duren delivered a dominant performance with 29 points and 15 rebounds, while Cade Cunningham also answered the call with 29 points and 13 assists. The center and point guard of the Detroit Pistons perfectly exploited the absence of many opposing key players to secure this top-tier matchup.

Cade Cunningham did Lu Dort dirty 😭

pic.twitter.com/whO6VqDYqP

— 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕯𝖊𝖙𝖗𝖔𝖎𝖙 𝕿𝖎𝖒𝖊𝖘 📰 (@the_det_times) February 26, 2026

Duncan Robinson also contributed with 16 points, allowing the Pistons to strengthen their position as Eastern Conference leaders with an impressive record of 43 wins and 14 losses.

Thunder Hampered by Injuries

Oklahoma City Thunder approached this game under particularly difficult conditions. The defending champions had to play without five of their six top scorers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen), Isaiah Hartenstein (calf), Chet Holmgren (back), Ajay Mitchell (abdomen), and Jalen Williams (hamstring). Isaiah Joe, the only key player present at tip-off, even left the game at halftime due to a hip contusion.

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Despite these absences, the Thunder showed character thanks to Jaylin Williams, who posted a career-high 30 points, and Cason Wallace who added 23 points. The visitors even managed to pull within three points (108-105) with 5 minutes and 6 seconds remaining.

Jaylin WILLIAMS

30

PTS

11

REB

4

AST

DET

124116

OKC

The decisive moment came on a possession where Detroit grabbed four offensive rebounds, capped off by a 3-pointer from Javonte Green that definitively sealed the game’s outcome. This loss drops Oklahoma City to 45 wins and 15 losses, ending a strong stretch of five wins in six games.

Both teams will play Friday night: the Thunder will host Denver while the Pistons will welcome Cleveland.