Pistons 112–104 Pelicans: Jalen Duren’s 20–15 Double-Double Powers Detroit to Fourth Straight Win
The Detroit Pistons controlled Pistons vs Pelicans from start to finish, never trailing in a 112–104 road win over the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center.
Behind a dominant interior performance from Jalen Duren and timely scoring from Daniss Jenkins, Detroit extended its winning streak to four games, marking its best run of the season. New Orleans, meanwhile, continued to slide at home, unable to erase an early deficit that lingered all night.
First Half: Pistons Set the Tone Early
From the opening possession, Pistons vs Pelicans tilted Detroit’s way.
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First Quarter: Pistons 34, Pelicans 30
Duren opened the scoring with a cutting dunk just 16 seconds in, and Detroit’s offense flowed immediately, with balanced scoring and strong ball movement. -
Second Quarter: Pistons 34, Pelicans 32
New Orleans stayed within striking distance behind aggressive guard play and interior attacks, but every push was answered. Detroit consistently punished defensive lapses with drives, put-backs, and timely perimeter shots.
At halftime, the Pistons led 68–62, having dictated tempo and controlled the paint.
Second Half: Pelicans Push, Pistons Close
The pattern held after the break.
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Third Quarter: Pelicans 22, Pistons 21
New Orleans narrowed the gap slightly, cutting the deficit to 89–84 entering the fourth.
Early in the final period, the Pelicans repeatedly trimmed the margin to two points, threatening to finally flip the game. Detroit, however, refused to break.
In winning time:
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Duren dominated the glass, creating extra possessions
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Jenkins delivered key buckets and free throws
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Detroit protected the ball and executed late
The Pistons closed with poise, sealing a 112–104 win without ever surrendering the lead.
Box Score Highlights
Detroit Pistons (112)
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Jalen Duren: 20 points, 15 rebounds — interior force on both ends
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Daniss Jenkins: 17 points — steady scoring and late-game composure
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Team scoring by quarter: 34 – 34 – 21 – 23
New Orleans Pelicans (104)
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Multiple players in double figures, but no sustained run
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Team scoring by quarter: 30 – 32 – 22 – 20
Takeaways From Pistons vs Pelicans
Pistons: Momentum Building
Four straight wins reflect growing confidence and cleaner execution. Detroit leaned on paint dominance, emerging guard play, and improved late-game decision-making.
Pelicans: Slow Starts Costly
Another home loss in which New Orleans played from behind throughout, struggling to get key defensive stops when momentum was within reach.
Final Word
Pistons vs Pelicans never truly swung in doubt.
With Jalen Duren controlling the paint and Daniss Jenkins delivering timely offense, Detroit cruised to a 112–104 wire-to-wire victory, extending its winning streak to four and signaling real momentum as the season progresses.
