Rockets Snap Pistons' Winning Streak Behind Durant's Big Night

Houston defeats Detroit 111-104 in hard-fought battle, ending the Pistons' 4-game win streak.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:22pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game, with the players and court broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant red, blue, and yellow colors, capturing the energy and intensity of the match.A cubist interpretation of the hard-fought battle between the Rockets and Pistons, with the Rockets' defense and Durant's scoring prowess fracturing the game into a dynamic, geometric display.Houston Today

The Houston Rockets defeated the Detroit Pistons 111-104 on January 23, 2026, ending the Pistons' 4-game winning streak. Rockets star Kevin Durant scored 32 points, adding 7 rebounds and 3 assists, while Alperen Sengun and Reed Sheppard also scored in double figures for Houston. The Rockets outscored the Pistons 34-20 in the pivotal 3rd quarter to take control of the game.

Why it matters

This was an important win for the Rockets, who have been trying to build momentum after a slow start to the season. The Pistons had been on a hot streak, so this victory shows the Rockets can compete with the top teams in the league. The close game also highlights the defensive strengths of both squads.

The details

Kevin Durant led the way for the Rockets, scoring 32 points on efficient 7-of-8 shooting in the 3rd quarter. Alperen Sengun and Reed Sheppard added 19 and 18 points respectively. The Rockets' defense clamped down in the 3rd, holding Pistons stars Cade Cunningham and Duncan Robinson to just 2 shot attempts in the first 8 minutes of the period.

  • The game was played on January 23, 2026.
  • The Rockets outscored the Pistons 34-20 in the 3rd quarter.

The players

Kevin Durant

The star player for the Houston Rockets, who scored 32 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists in the win.

Alperen Sengun

A key contributor for the Rockets, scoring 19 points in the victory.

Reed Sheppard

Also a standout for Houston, pouring in 18 points to help defeat the Pistons.

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' star player, who was limited to just 2 shot attempts in the pivotal 3rd quarter.

Duncan Robinson

The Pistons' sharpshooter, who also struggled to get going in the 3rd quarter against the Rockets' defense.

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What they’re saying

“We knew the Pistons were on a roll, so this was a big win for us. Kevin really set the tone in that 3rd quarter and our defense stepped up when we needed it.”

— Alperen Sengun, Rockets Forward

What’s next

The Rockets will look to build on this win when they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. The Pistons, meanwhile, will try to bounce back when they host the Sacramento Kings on Sunday afternoon.

The takeaway

This hard-fought victory shows the Rockets can compete with the top teams in the league, even when facing a hot opponent on a winning streak. It was a true team effort, with Durant leading the way but also strong contributions from Sengun and Sheppard. The Rockets' defense also stepped up in the 3rd quarter to seize control of the game.