Pistons Rout Hornets, Inch Closer to 60-Win Season

Detroit's dominant defense limits Charlotte to just 10 points in the fourth quarter

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:51pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the intense energy and action of a basketball game between the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets, with players' forms broken down into abstract shapes and colors.The Pistons' dominant defensive performance against the Hornets showcases the team's depth and commitment to imposing its will on opponents as they close in on a 60-win season.Charlotte Today

The Detroit Pistons cruised to a 118-100 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, led by a dominant defensive performance that held the Hornets to just 10 points in the fourth quarter. The win puts the Pistons one game away from reaching 60 wins on the season, a milestone the team's longest-tenured player, Isaiah Stewart, says would "mean the world." Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren led the way for Detroit, which is now 16 games ahead of Charlotte in the Eastern Conference standings.

Why it matters

The Pistons' blowout win over the Hornets showcases the team's defensive prowess and depth, which will be crucial as they head into the playoffs. Detroit's ability to limit the Hornets to just 10 points in the final quarter demonstrates the team's commitment to imposing its will on opponents, a goal Cunningham had set earlier in the season.

The details

The Pistons dominated the Hornets in the fourth quarter, going on a 16-2 run to pull away. Detroit finished the game with 62 paint points, 45 bench points, 27 second-chance points, 22 points off of 15 Hornets turnovers, and 20 fast-break points. Jalen Duren led the Pistons with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Cade Cunningham added 14 points, 7 assists, and 2 rebounds.

  • The Pistons and Hornets had a contentious altercation in February that led to four suspensions and over $1 million in salary forfeited.
  • Isaiah Stewart is two games into his return from a Grade 1 left calf strain and is expected to be a crucial part of Detroit's postseason rotation.

The players

Jalen Duren

An All-Star center for the Detroit Pistons who finished with a team-high 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists in the win over the Hornets.

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' star point guard who added 14 points, 7 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block in the victory.

Isaiah Stewart

The longest-tenured Piston, who is two games into his return from a calf injury and is expected to be a crucial part of Detroit's postseason rotation.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The head coach of the Detroit Pistons, who praised his team's defensive effort and transition play as the keys to their dominant performance.

Grant Williams

A veteran player for the Charlotte Hornets, who acknowledged that the Pistons "really just, in words, punked us" in the blowout loss.

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What they’re saying

“That was us at our best. That group that started the fourth quarter, I thought, did a great job. (Daniss Jenkins), Ron (Holland II), (Javonte Green), that group was all over the place. They were active. They picked up. They pressed. They set the tone. … (They) made it extremely difficult. And then, I thought we did a great job of finishing possessions.”

— J.B. Bickerstaff, Head Coach, Detroit Pistons

“I think it shows how good we can be when we are locked in. Whenever we are playing as a team and playing connected, especially when we are on the defensive end, I feel like no one can beat us, nobody can score on us. This is just a testament to being locked in and having each other's back.”

— Jalen Duren, Center, Detroit Pistons

“You've got to give credit to them. They did a phenomenal job tonight. They really just, in words, punked us.”

— Grant Williams, Veteran Player, Charlotte Hornets

What’s next

The Pistons will end the regular season on the road against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, with a chance to reach 60 wins and further build on the cohesion they've established all season.

The takeaway

The Pistons' dominant defensive performance and balanced scoring attack in their blowout win over the Hornets showcases the team's depth and commitment to imposing its will on opponents. As Detroit closes in on a 60-win season, the team appears primed for a deep playoff run with its stifling defense and versatile offensive attack.