With Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart already on the injury report, the Detroit Pistons were even more shorthanded tonight with Duncan Robinson ruled out. Kevin Huerter started at SG in place of Robinson and he’d give Detroit an early 14-11 lead after a corner three thanks to a behind-the-back assist from Jalen Duren. New Orleans would outscore Detroit the rest of the way and a Zion Williamson layup at the buzzer gave the Pelicans a 33-31 lead after the first quarter.
Daniss Jenkins again filled
in for Cunningham in the starting lineup and had back-to-back threes early in the second quarter to help recapture the Detroit lead. The Pistons would extend their lead to double digits due to hot shooting beyond the arc, including a nice step back three from Huerter. Jalen Duren finished a strong first half with an off-the-dribble midrange jumper for his 17th point.
Detroit would take a 65-56 lead going into halftime. JD’s 17 points led the way for Detroit, but their first-time backcourt of Jenkins and Huerter were making an impact as well – they combined for 21 points and five made threes. Zion Williamson (13), former Piston Saddiq Bey (12), and Dejounte Murray were the halftime leaders for the Pelicans.
Duren kicked off the second half with a deep touchdown pass to Ausar Thompson for an easy bucket in transition after throwing a lob to Tobias Harrison on the previous possession. Huerter would add another three-pointer on the night to give Detroit an 88-75 lead with three minutes left in the third. Yet, the Pelicans would close the quarter on an 11-2 run to bring it back within six.
With a 92-86 lead heading into the final frame, Detroit needed to push the New Orleans deficit back to double digits and send the Pelicans home. After a quick Pels bucket, Huerter hit a movement three to put the Pistons up seven early in the fourth. Duren would then find Javonte Green for a corner three to give them their double digit lead again. A Jenkins three from a Ron Holland assist would force James Borrego to call a timeout and gave Detroit a 15-2 run to start the quarter.
A Duren right-handed hammer was another poster for him on his way to his 30th point and Detroit would push the lead to 20 with a couple minutes left. JB Bickerstaff would be able to empty the bench early in this one on the second game of a back-to-back, and Chaz Lanier, Bobi Klintman, and Tolu Smith were able to get in on the fun. Detroit would go on to win
Jalen Duren approached triple-double territory with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. He shot the same from the field as he did from the free throw line: 10-for-12. He has been the focal point of the offense since the Cunningham injury and he’s thriving. Could he be the 20+ PPG scorer next to Cade that we’ve been looking for?
Elite starting backcourt Daniss Jenkins and Kevin Huerter were fantastic. Jenkins had 19 points and nine assists while Huerter added 22 points. They combined to shoot 9-for-14 from beyond the arc – no other Piston had more than two made threes. The two would play the most minutes of anyone else on the team with Huerter leading the way at 34.
We have now reached single digits in regards to games left on the schedule. Detroit will travel to Minnesota to take on Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves on Saturday night.
Go Stones.
