Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren Shine as Pistons Trio Represents in 2026 NBA All-Star Game
INGLEWOOD, CA - The Detroit Pistons didn’t just show up to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game - they made their presence felt. Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and head coach J.B. Bickerstaff were all front and center for Team USA Stars, and if you’ve been following Detroit’s rise this season, their All-Star spotlight felt like a natural extension of what’s been a breakout campaign.
The Pistons, currently sitting atop the Eastern Conference with a league-best 40-13 record and a .755 winning percentage, are no longer just a rebuilding story - they’re a force. And with Cunningham and Duren playing key roles in the All-Star festivities, it’s clear the league is taking notice.
Duren’s Vision Seals the Win
In the opening round-robin matchup between Team USA Stars and Team World, the game went down to the wire - and then some. After Anthony Edwards drilled a clutch three to tie it at 32 and force overtime, the pressure ratcheted up. Overtime in this format is sudden death to five points, and every possession matters.
Enter Jalen Duren.
With the Stars trailing 3-2 and the shot clock dwindling, Cade Cunningham found himself doubled and kicked the ball out to Duren. Rather than forcing a shot or panicking, the big man showed poise, pivoted, and found Scottie Barnes on the perimeter. Barnes buried the game-winner from deep, sending Team Stars into the next round and giving Duren a highlight-reel assist in the process.
It was the kind of play that doesn’t always show up in the box score but says everything about a player’s feel for the game. Duren didn’t just make the right play - he made the winning play.
Cunningham’s All-Star Impact
Cade Cunningham wasted no time reminding fans why he’s the engine behind Detroit’s resurgence. After a brief breather following a timeout, he returned to the floor and immediately made his presence known.
First, he set up Devin Booker for a smooth midrange jumper, showcasing his court vision and unselfishness. Then came the exclamation point: a steal, a burst in transition, and a dunk to get himself on the board. It was classic Cunningham - smart, opportunistic, and explosive when the moment called for it.
Throughout the night, he looked comfortable orchestrating an offense loaded with talent, a testament to his growth as a floor general and leader.
Pistons Get Their Flowers
Before tip-off, the Intuit Dome crowd gave Cunningham, Duren, and Bickerstaff a warm welcome during team introductions. It was a well-deserved nod to a trio that’s helped flip the Pistons’ narrative from lottery regulars to legitimate contenders.
And let’s not forget the threads - Cunningham and Duren suited up in sharp red jerseys with navy blue trim, representing Team USA Stars with style and swagger.
A New Format, A New Stage
This year’s All-Star Game brought a fresh twist. Instead of the traditional East vs.
West or Team LeBron vs. Team Giannis setups we’ve seen in years past, 2026 introduced a three-team round-robin format.
The field featured two squads of U.S.-born players - USA Stars and USA Stripes - and one international juggernaut in Team World.
The structure? Simple: Team A plays Team B in Game 1.
Winner moves on to face Team C in Game 2. The loser of Game 1 then plays Team C in Game 3.
After all three matchups, the two teams with the best records (or best point differential, in case of a tie) advance to the championship game.
It’s a format designed to keep the energy high and the games competitive - and so far, it’s delivering.
Rosters Loaded with Talent
Here’s a quick look at who’s suiting up across the three squads:
Team USA Stars
- Cade Cunningham
- Jalen Duren
- Scottie Barnes
- Devin Booker
- Anthony Edwards
- Chet Holmgren
- Jalen Johnson
- Tyrese Maxey
Team USA Stripes
- LeBron James
- Kevin Durant
- Stephen Curry (injured)
- Jaylen Brown
- Jalen Brunson
- De’Aaron Fox
- Brandon Ingram
- Kawhi Leonard
- Donovan Mitchell
Team World
- Luka Dončić
- Nikola Jokić
- Victor Wembanyama
- Karl-Anthony Towns
- Jamal Murray
- Pascal Siakam
- Norman Powell
- Alperen Şengün
- Deni Avdija
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (injured)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (injured)
How to Watch
The action tipped off at 5 p.m. ET from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Fans can catch all the games on NBC or stream them live on Peacock.
The Pistons’ All-Star trio didn’t just show up - they made an impact. Cunningham’s leadership, Duren’s playmaking, and Bickerstaff’s presence on the bench are all signs of a franchise that’s not just enjoying a hot season, but building something sustainable. If this All-Star performance is any indication, Detroit’s stars are shining - and they’re just getting started.