Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren Lead Pistons Past Warriors in Statement Win
The Detroit Pistons rolled into San Francisco on the second night of a back-to-back, looking to shake off a tough loss to the Suns. What they delivered instead was a gutsy, high-energy win over the Golden State Warriors - a performance that showcased leadership, resilience, and a growing sense of identity.
From the opening tip, Detroit looked locked in. Duncan Robinson came out firing, knocking down four threes in the first quarter to give the Pistons an early cushion. That hot start set the tone for a night where the Pistons largely controlled the tempo and scoreboard, eventually walking away with a 131-124 win - one that felt more commanding than the final margin suggests.
Cunningham Sets the Tone - On and Off the Ball
Cade Cunningham was the heartbeat of the Pistons’ effort. He poured in 29 points, dished out 11 assists, and grabbed four rebounds, but his impact went beyond the box score. Midway through the game, after a lapse in transition defense, Cunningham didn’t hesitate to hold his teammates accountable - a fiery moment that underscored his growing role as the leader of this young squad.
That kind of vocal leadership matters, especially on a team still building its identity. And it clearly resonated. Jalen Duren responded immediately, locking in on both ends and helping steer the Pistons through a late-game push from the Warriors.
Duren Dominates the Glass, Powers the Paint
Duren came into the night as one of just three players in the league averaging at least 15 points and 10 rebounds, and he didn’t disappoint. He finished with 21 points and 13 boards, including six offensive rebounds that gave Detroit a handful of second-chance opportunities - the kind of gritty, effort-based plays that win games on the road.
While his 50% shooting from the field was a dip from his typical efficiency, Duren’s physicality and persistence on the glass more than made up for it. He was a constant presence in the paint, setting screens, rolling hard, and battling for every loose ball. On a night when the Pistons needed every edge they could get, Duren delivered.
Jenkins Earns Crunch-Time Trust
One of the more telling moments of the night came in the fourth quarter, when head coach J.B. Bickerstaff opted to close with rookie Daniss Jenkins over Ausar Thompson. It was a strategic move - Jenkins’ shooting provided much-needed floor spacing - and it paid off.
Jenkins, who finished with 12 points, four assists, and two rebounds, continues to earn trust in late-game situations. He’s not just fast - he’s poised.
And with veteran Tobias Harris taking time during a break in play to offer some guidance, it’s clear the Pistons see something in the young guard. Jenkins is learning fast, and his development is becoming one of the more intriguing storylines of Detroit’s season.
Thompson Does the Dirty Work
Ausar Thompson’s stat line won’t jump off the page - seven points, eight rebounds, six steals - but his fingerprints were all over this win. He was a defensive menace, flying around the court, jumping passing lanes, and disrupting the Warriors’ rhythm. On offense, he showed off his handle and agility, weaving through defenders with slick crossovers and spins that had the Chase Center crowd buzzing.
He didn’t need to score to make an impact. Thompson’s energy, versatility, and defensive instincts gave the Pistons a jolt every time he was on the floor.
Detroit Closes Strong - Again
This win marked Detroit’s 21st clutch victory of the season - the most in the league. That stat isn’t just a number; it’s a reflection of a team learning how to win close games, how to execute under pressure, and how to trust each other when it matters most.
Even with Steph Curry exiting midway through the game due to injury, the Warriors made a push late. But Detroit didn’t flinch.
They stayed composed, moved the ball, and got stops when they needed them. That’s the sign of a team that’s maturing - and fast.
Up Next
The Pistons return home to face the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. With momentum on their side and a growing sense of confidence, Detroit is starting to look like a team that’s not just playing hard - but playing to win.