East-best Pistons Defeat Slumping Warriors

Jalen Duren leads Detroit to a comfortable win over short-handed Golden State

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:49am

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The Detroit Pistons, the Eastern Conference leaders, defeated the struggling Golden State Warriors 115-101 on Friday night. Jalen Duren scored 23 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to lead the Pistons, who had 5 other players score in double figures. The Pistons were playing without All-Star Cade Cunningham, who was diagnosed with a collapsed lung, but Daniss Jenkins stepped up with 22 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds in the starting role. The Warriors were also short-handed, missing several key players due to injuries, and they have now lost 7 of their last 8 games.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, with the East-leading Pistons continuing their strong season despite key injuries, while the Warriors are struggling to find their footing amidst their own injury woes. The Pistons' depth and defensive intensity proved too much for the depleted Warriors squad.

The details

The Pistons outscored the Warriors 36-24 in the second quarter to take a 57-50 lead at halftime. Detroit shot 52.3% in the first half and forced 13 Warriors turnovers. The Pistons then pulled away in the third quarter, going on an 18-5 run to extend their lead to 19 points. Jalen Duren scored 7 points during that run, and the Pistons cruised to the 115-101 victory in the fourth quarter.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Jalen Duren

A key player for the Detroit Pistons, scoring 23 points and grabbing 6 rebounds in the win.

Daniss Jenkins

Stepped up in the absence of Cade Cunningham, scoring 22 points, dishing out 8 assists, and grabbing 7 rebounds for the Pistons.

Brandin Podziemski

Led the Golden State Warriors with 15 points in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to play with the same intensity and focus, regardless of who is on the court. Injuries are part of the game, and we have to find ways to win through adversity.”

— Jalen Duren, Pistons Forward

What’s next

The Pistons will look to continue their strong play as they continue their four-game homestand, while the Warriors will try to get healthy and end their recent slump.

The takeaway

This game showcased the Pistons' depth and resilience, as they were able to overcome key injuries and defeat a struggling Warriors team. The Pistons' defensive intensity and balanced scoring attack proved too much for the short-handed Warriors to handle.