Jalen Duren dominates Pelicans in Cunningham’s absence

The Detroit Pistons erased their previous night’s loss to the Hawks by dominating the New Orleans Pelicans 129-108 Thursday night. Jalen Duren was the driving force behind this victory with a double-double of 30 points and 10 rebounds, along with 7 assists.

Without Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart, the Pistons found unexpected offensive solutions. Kevin Huerter, starting in place of the also-absent Duncan Robinson, answered the call with 22 points on 9/14 shooting. Daniss Jenkins, replacing Cunningham in the starting five, added 19 points and 9 assists.

Jalen Duren 30 PTS, 10 REB, 7 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK, 10/12 FG, 10/12 FT, 86.8% TS vs Pelicans pic.twitter.com/YX25VyjTK6 https://t.co/ee92qenWuH

— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) March 27, 2026

Exceptional 3-point shooting for Detroit

The key to the Pistons’ victory lies in their long-range success. Usually one of the worst teams in the league from beyond the arc, Detroit shot 53.6% from 3-point range (15/28). Huerter and Jenkins were particularly efficient, combining for 9 makes on 14 three-point attempts.

On the Pelicans side, Zion Williamson scored 21 points on 8/13 shooting, but didn’t receive enough support. Former Piston Saddiq Bey added 17 points, but no other player exceeded 13 points. New Orleans was also hampered by their poor free throw shooting at just 45.8% (11/24).

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The game was decided early in the fourth quarter. After the Pelicans cut it to 92-88, the Pistons hit five consecutive shots, including three from 3-point range, to deliver a fatal 15-2 run in three minutes. New Orleans coach James Borrego called a timeout, but the damage was done.

With this third consecutive loss, the Pelicans (25-49) are officially eliminated from play-in tournament contention. The Pistons continue their progress under JB Bickerstaff’s leadership and will travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, while New Orleans will visit the Toronto Raptors on Friday.