ReportWire

Tag: Jalen Duren

  • J.B. Bickerstaff Had This Message Before Pistons Beat Defending Champs

    [ad_1]

    The Detroit Pistons didn’t let circumstances fool them.

    Even with the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder missing much of their core, Detroit treated Wednesday night like a playoff test and passed it. Behind dominant performances from Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, the Pistons held off a late surge to secure a 124–116 win at Little Caesars Arena.

    The victory pushed Detroit to 43–14, winners of six of their last seven, and owners of the NBA’s best winning percentage.

    Before tipoff, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff made it clear the Pistons weren’t overlooking anyone, no matter who was unavailable.

    “Those guys, no matter who’s on the floor for them, they’re champions — that means a lot,” Bickerstaff said via the Detroit News. “You don’t get to that level, compete at that level, go through as difficult scenarios as it is to win a championship and not understand how to step up when your time is called.”

    That mindset proved crucial.

    Thunder Rally, Pistons Respond

    Detroit appeared to be in control after building a 17-point lead, but Oklahoma City showed its pedigree in the fourth quarter. The Thunder clawed their way back, cutting into the margin and forcing the Pistons to execute down the stretch.

    Detroit did just that.

    “There were some really good moments where we did the things that we needed to do, and then there were times where I felt like we let them back in the game,” Bickerstaff said. “But again, our guys find a way.”

    Cunningham took over late, pouring in 13 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter while adding 13 assists and three blocks. It was a statement bounce-back performance and a reminder of his ability to close games when it matters most.

    Duren Dominates the Paint

    With Oklahoma City without key frontcourt pieces, Jalen Duren made them pay. The Pistons’ big man finished with 29 points and 14 rebounds.

    “He’s unstoppable, and teams have to make very difficult decisions,” Bickerstaff said. “Coverages have to change, and it opens it up for everybody else.”

    That interior dominance helped Detroit overcome a cold start from beyond the arc, where the Pistons missed six of their first seven three-point attempts and briefly fell behind by double digits.

    A Two-Star Formula That Works

    When Cunningham and Duren both score 20 or more, Detroit is nearly unbeatable. The Pistons improved to 10–1 in games where the duo hits that mark — a stat that underscores how balanced this team has become.

    Even with contributions from role players like Duncan Robinson, who added 16 points, the Pistons’ success continues to revolve around their two franchise cornerstones.

    “Our guys’ hearts are in the right place,” Bickerstaff said. “They’re trying to do the things we ask them to do.”

    Against the champs, shorthanded or not, Detroit once again proved it belongs at the top of the league.

    [ad_2]

    Jeff Bilbrey

    Source link

  • Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Duren Hit With Suspensions After Pistons-Hornets Fight

    [ad_1]

    The NBA has officially handed down discipline following Monday night’s heated Pistons–Hornets altercation, and Detroit forward-center Isaiah Stewart is facing the steepest penalty.

    On Wednesday, the league announced that Stewart has been suspended seven games for leaving the bench area, aggressively entering an on-court altercation, and fighting during the incident late in Detroit’s win over Charlotte.

    According to the NBA, the length of Stewart’s suspension was influenced not only by his role in the fight, but also by what the league described as his “repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts.”

    What Happened

    The incident occurred with 7:09 remaining in the third quarter of the Pistons’ 110–104 victory at Spectrum Center on Feb. 9. The situation escalated after Hornets forward Moussa Diabaté committed a defensive foul on Pistons center Jalen Duren, leading to a physical confrontation between multiple players.

    Stewart left the bench area and entered the fray, which significantly increased the severity of the league’s discipline.

    Additional Suspensions

    The NBA also issued the following penalties:

    • Miles Bridges (Hornets): 4-game suspension for fighting and escalating the altercation
    • Moussa Diabaté (Hornets): 4-game suspension for fighting and escalating the altercation
    • Jalen Duren (Pistons): 2-game suspension for initiating the altercation and fighting

    All four players were assessed technical fouls and ejected from the game.

    When the Suspensions Begin

    • Stewart and Duren will begin serving their suspensions Wednesday when the Pistons visit the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena.
    • Bridges and Diabaté will also begin serving their suspensions Wednesday when Charlotte hosts the Atlanta Hawks.

    Impact on the Pistons

    Stewart’s absence is a significant blow for a Pistons team already navigating lineup instability. Known for his physicality, defensive toughness, and emotional edge, Stewart has long walked the fine line between intensity and discipline — a balance that once again came under scrutiny with this ruling.

    Detroit will now need to reshuffle its frontcourt rotation for an extended stretch as Stewart serves one of the longest suspensions of his NBA career.

    For better or worse, Isaiah Stewart’s reputation continues to follow him, and the league made it clear this time that prior incidents mattered when determining punishment.

    [ad_2]

    Jeff Bilbrey

    Source link

  • Jalen Duren Pulls Out of Slam Dunk Contest, MSU Standout to Replace Him

    [ad_1]

    Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren will no longer compete in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

    Duren, who was originally selected as one of the featured participants for All-Star Weekend, has officially withdrawn due to injury, according to league sources. While the exact nature of the injury was not disclosed, the decision was made out of caution with the Pistons focused on his long-term health.

    Taking Duren’s spot will be former Michigan State standout Jase Richardson, adding an intriguing twist to this year’s contest.

    Richardson isn’t just stepping in as a late replacement; he’s carrying some serious legacy with him. His father, Jason Richardson, won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest twice (2002 and 2003) and is widely remembered for some of the most iconic dunks in contest history.

    Now, the younger Richardson gets a chance to carve out his own moment on one of the league’s biggest stages.

    For Duren, the focus remains on recovery and the remainder of the season. For Richardson, it’s a golden opportunity to honor his family name, and possibly steal the show.

    [ad_2]

    Don Drysdale

    Source link

  • Detroit Pistons All-Star to Compete in Slam Dunk Contest

    [ad_1]

    Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren is officially taking his talents to one of All-Star Weekend’s biggest stages.

    According to a report from NBA insider Shams Charania, Duren has accepted an invitation to compete in the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, which will take place in Los Angeles during All-Star Weekend.

    It’s a fitting spotlight for the 22-year-old big man, who has emerged as one of the league’s most explosive finishers and is making his first career All-Star appearance this season.

    Duren will be joined in the dunk contest by Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant, setting up a field heavy on size, power, and above-the-rim athleticism.

    For Pistons fans, this is another sign of Duren’s growing national profile. The former 13th overall pick has taken a major step forward during the 2025–26 season, averaging 18.0 points and 10.7 rebounds while shooting an elite 63.5 percent from the field. His combination of strength, quickness, and vertical pop has made him a nightly highlight — and a natural fit for the dunk contest stage.

    While Detroit’s season has had its ups and downs, Duren’s invitation is a reminder that the Pistons’ young core continues to gain league-wide respect.

    Now, he’ll have a chance to put on a show — and maybe bring a little hardware back to Detroit.

    [ad_2]

    Jeff Bilbrey

    Source link

  • Detroit Pistons Reportedly Interested in Trading for Future NBA Hall of Famer

    [ad_1]

    If you thought the Detroit Pistons were done making noise… apparently not.

    According to former NBA big man Kendrick Perkins, the Pistons are “very interested” in pursuing a trade for Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis, who is suddenly right back in the rumor mill less than a year after being dealt in the blockbuster Luka Dončić trade.

    Pistons Are 13–2 and Looking Like a Real Problem

    Detroit has opened the season 13–2, sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference while Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson are playing like one of the NBA’s most exciting young cores.

    So the idea of adding a star-level big? Yeah… people are paying attention.

    Perkins said he’s hearing Detroit is one of the teams circling Dallas as the Mavericks reshape their front office and future after firing GM Nico Harrison.

    Mavericks Expected to Explore an Anthony Davis Trade

    Multiple reports indicate Dallas is preparing to move Davis after an incredibly rocky start. The Mavs are 4–12 and sitting near the bottom of the West, and with Davis sidelined again, this time with a left calf strain, it’s unclear when he’ll return.

    Davis has played just five games this season. For the year, he’s averaging:

    • 20.8 points
    • 10.2 rebounds
    • 2.2 assists
    • 1.6 steals
    • 1.2 blocks
    • 52% shooting

    Last season, he put up nearly identical numbers, but availability has once again been the question.

    According to DallasHoopsJournal, multiple teams still interested in Davis would prefer he slim down to regain the mobility he’s known for.

    Detroit’s Angle: Star-Hunting While Young Talent Blossoms

    The Pistons have the record, the momentum, and the young pieces that suddenly make them one of the most attractive landing spots in the league. If they wanted to pursue a splash, and if Dallas is actually ready to break things up, Detroit could be a real player.

    Davis is owed:

    • $54.1M this season
    • $58.5M next season
    • $62.8M player option for 2027–28

    That’s a massive contract, but contenders (and teams on the cusp of contending) always kick the tires on star availability.

    Detroit being labeled “very interested” is notable, especially from someone as plugged-in as Perkins.

    What’s Next?

    The Mavericks are reportedly working with Davis’ camp, including agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, to determine whether to shop him during the season.

    If Dallas is open for business, the Pistons are officially in the conversation.

    And with the team sitting 13–2… who could blame them?

    [ad_2]

    Jeff Bilbrey

    Source link