The Detroit Pistons walked into New Orleans on Wednesday night without their floor general Cade Cunningham-and walked out with a gritty, wire-to-wire win that speaks volumes about the team’s depth and identity.
Cunningham was ruled out just hours before tipoff due to illness and a lingering wrist issue, leaving the Pistons without their All-Star starter. But if you thought that would slow them down, think again.
Daniss Jenkins stepped into the starting lineup for the sixth time this season and once again showed he’s more than just a placeholder. The second-year guard poured in 17 points, dished out four assists, and knocked down two threes, helping Detroit secure a 112-104 win over the Pelicans.
This was a game defined by toughness, and Detroit brought it in waves.
While the Pelicans actually edged the Pistons in points in the paint (54-48), that stat doesn’t tell the whole story. Detroit controlled the glass, out-rebounding New Orleans on their home floor, and racked up more stocks-steals plus blocks-throughout the night. The Pistons’ physicality set the tone early and never let up, something Pelicans head coach James Borrego acknowledged postgame.
“I think we struggled with their physicality,” Borrego said. “We just didn't handle it very well offensively...
They had their hands all over Murph and Fears and Queen. That's what they do to every team, though.
You just got to go through it and figure it out... They do it as well as anybody.”
That’s high praise coming from a coach who knows what it takes to build a defensive-minded, hard-nosed roster. And it’s a testament to how far Detroit has come this season.
Even without their offensive engine in Cunningham, the Pistons leaned into the formula that’s gotten them to 32 wins so far this season-balanced scoring, perimeter shooting, and interior dominance.
Duncan Robinson stayed hot from deep, hitting four threes for the sixth straight game. His ability to stretch the floor continues to be a crucial element of Detroit’s spacing, especially when Cunningham is off the floor. Robinson’s consistency from beyond the arc has become a stabilizing force in Detroit’s offense.
But the anchor on both ends of the floor was Jalen Duren. The 20-year-old big man turned in a monster 20-point, 15-rebound double-double, going 7-of-11 from the field and controlling the paint on both ends. Duren’s blend of physicality, touch around the rim, and rebounding instincts has been on full display all season-and this game was no exception.
He’s now averaging nearly 18 points and 11 rebounds per game, and it’s becoming harder and harder to ignore his case for a spot in this year’s All-Star Game. If he keeps stacking performances like this, Duren could very well be joining Cunningham in Los Angeles for All-Star Weekend.
This win wasn’t just about who was missing-it was about who stepped up. And once again, the Pistons proved they’re more than just a one-man show. With a young core that’s learning how to win in different ways, Detroit continues to build momentum-and respect-one tough win at a time.