Jalen Duren leads Pistons to 129-108 win over Pelicans

Rookie center records 30-point double-double in dominant performance

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:56am

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Jalen Duren, the Detroit Pistons' rookie center, had a standout game on Thursday night, scoring 30 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to lead his team to a 129-108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Why it matters

Duren's breakout performance is a promising sign for the rebuilding Pistons, who are looking to the young center to be a cornerstone of their future. The win also keeps the Pelicans, who are fighting for a playoff spot, from gaining ground in the Western Conference standings.

The details

Duren shot an efficient 13-of-18 from the field and added two blocks to his impressive stat line. The Pistons led wire-to-wire, building a double-digit lead in the first quarter and never looking back. Detroit's balanced scoring attack also saw Bojan Bogdanovic and Cade Cunningham contribute 20 points each.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 27, 2026.

The players

Jalen Duren

The Detroit Pistons' rookie center, who is emerging as a key part of the team's rebuilding efforts.

Bojan Bogdanovic

A veteran forward for the Detroit Pistons who scored 20 points in the win.

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' young star guard, who also scored 20 points in the victory.

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pistons' opponent, a team fighting for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

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What they’re saying

“Jalen has been working hard and it's great to see it paying off. He's a big part of our future and this was an impressive performance.”

— Dwane Casey, Head Coach, Detroit Pistons

What’s next

The Pistons will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Pelicans, meanwhile, will try to rebound in their next game as they fight to secure a postseason berth.

The takeaway

Jalen Duren's breakout game showcases the promising future of the Detroit Pistons, who are relying on the young center to be a cornerstone of their rebuilding efforts. The win also highlights the Pistons' balanced scoring attack and their ability to dominate opponents on both ends of the floor.