NBA: Pistons snap skid, resume domination of Nets

Jalen Duren scored 26 points in just three quarters, while Cade Cunningham added 21 points and 15 assists as the Detroit Pistons stormed to a 138-100 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night in New York, ending a season-worst four-game losing streak.

Three nights after blowing a 23-point lead at home to Brooklyn, Detroit took control early and had the game wrapped up by halftime, securing their second lopsided win over the Nets this season.

Duren was nearly unstoppable, converting three dunks and shooting 9 of 10 from the field. Cunningham, returning after sitting out Saturday’s loss, made eight of 10 shots, tallied 15 assists—three shy of his career high—and sank four 3-pointers. The Pistons shot 56.5% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc (16 of 32).

Duncan Robinson scored 15 points on perfect 6-of-6 shooting, while Marcus Sasser added 14. Ron Holland II and Daniss Jenkins contributed 16 and 14 points, respectively. Detroit led by double digits for the final 41 1/2 minutes, marking their third-biggest margin of victory this season.

The Nets struggled to find consistency, losing for the 11th time in 13 games. Brooklyn shot 42% overall and made only 13 of 38 3-point attempts. Michael Porter Jr. led the team with 19 points, while Noah Clowney, Nic Claxton, and rookies Drake Powell and Nolan Traore combined for just 6 of 21 from the field. Jalen Wilson scored 14, and rookie Danny Wolf added 13 points.

The Pistons built momentum early, leading 38-27 after the first quarter. A 13-point streak pushed Detroit’s lead to 53-29 on two free throws by Jenkins with 6 1/2 minutes left in the half. Duren’s dunk gave the Pistons their first 30-point lead at 66-36. Detroit held a commanding 73-40 advantage at halftime and led 105-73 after three quarters before resting their starters.

With this win, the Pistons improved to six wins in their last eight meetings with Brooklyn.

-Field Level Media/Reuters