NBA: Jalen Duren helps Pistons extend hot streak at Pelicans' expense

Jalen Duren poured in 20 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, while Danniis Jenkins added 17 points as the Detroit Pistons defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 112-104 on Wednesday night.

Jenkins started in place of All-Star Cade Cunningham, who missed the game due to a left hip contusion and illness. The Pistons also played without Caris LeVert, who was sidelined due to illness.

Detroit shot efficiently throughout the game, with Duren converting 7 of 11 shots from the field. The win marked the Pistons’ fourth straight victory and their seventh win in eight games.

Duncan Robinson played a key role, hitting four 3-pointers and finishing with 15 points. Ausar Thompson added 12 points and nine rebounds, while Tobias Harris contributed 10 points and six rebounds.

The Pistons dominated in transition, outscoring the Pelicans 36-16 in fastbreak points, helping New Orleans suffer their 14th loss in 16 games.

For the Pelicans, Saddiq Bey led the team with 20 points and was perfect from the free-throw line, making all 11 attempts. Trey Murphy III and rookie Micah Peavy each scored 17 points.

New Orleans star Zion Williamson struggled, scoring only four points in 15 minutes before leaving the game due to illness. The Pelicans also shot poorly from long range, making only 7 of 32 attempts (21.9%).

Detroit took control early with a 13-0 run, with Jenkins, Robinson and Harris all hitting 3-pointers. The Pelicans fought back and cut the lead to 34-30 by the end of the first quarter, led by Peavy’s two 3-pointers.

The Pistons maintained a 78-72 lead heading into the fourth quarter and then extended their advantage with an 11-5 run. Jenkins scored five points and Duren added four during that stretch, helping Detroit pull away for good. -Field Level Media/Reuters