Detroit’s lengthy injury report was a tad shorter with tonight’s return of Jalen Duren, though, other starters Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, and Tobias Harris would continue watching from the bench.
The depleted rotation hasn’t slowed down the Pistons so far and tonight would be no different.
After making the NBA Finals last season, the Indiana Pacers are seeing quite different results this year without injured Tyrese Haliburton and veteran Myles Turner. As Indy looks for their second win, Detroit’s depth continued its recent shine over the past week or so as Indiana really couldn’t keep it close all night to the tune of a 127-112 Pistons victory.
That’s 10 straight wins.
The recent story of Daniss Jenkins’ NBA-level play hit new levels with a career-high 26 points. He shot 52% from the field and had eight assists as Detroit’s starting point guard once again. Based on his play over the past couple of games, it’ll be really interesting to see where he fits when everyone is healthy as this team has a weakness as the backup point guard spot.
Jalen Duren picked right up when he had left off prior to his ankle injury. He was the most dominant big on the court and Indiana had nobody that could compete with him. He had a game-high 31 points and 15 rebounds shooting 12-for-13 from the field as his athleticism was on full display – he made a couple jumpers again, too. JD was the first player since Dwight Howard in 2010 to have 30+ points and 15+ rebounds on 90%+ field goal percentage.
Javonte Green had his second consecutive game with 20 or more points as he shot 7-for-11 from the field and made all five of his free throws. Duncan Robinson and Isaiah Stewart each made multiple three-pointers while Ron Holland saw 31 minutes of hustle that found him six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks.
Tonight’s game was the first of a back-to-back as Detroit will play again tomorrow night in Atlanta at 8PM EST. The Pistons are now 12-2 and have won 10 straight games to lead the Eastern Conference.
Go Stones.
