Key Takeaways:
- Detroit Pistons overcame the short-handed Oklahoma City Thunder with a 124-116 win
- Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham each tallied 29 points, with Duren also recording 15 rebounds and Cunningham providing 13 assists
- Thunder’s Jaylin Williams achieved a career-high 30 points despite the absence of five of Oklahoma City’s top six scorers
Match Overview
On Wednesday night in Detroit, the Pistons showcased their dominance with a 124-116 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in a clash between conference front-runners. Demonstrating all-around contributions, Jalen Duren amassed 29 points and collected 15 rebounds, whilst Cade Cunningham matched him in scoring and dished out 13 assists.
Thunder Affected by Key Absences
The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the contest severely undermanned, missing five of their six leading scorers: Shai Alexander-Gilgeous (abdomen), Isaiah Hartenstein (calf), Chet Holmgren (back), Ajay Mitchell (abdomen), and Jalen Williams (hamstring). Only Isaiah Joe remained in the starting line-up from the team’s top six scorers, but his night was curtailed when he exited at halftime with a bruised hip.
PLAY THE SONG pic.twitter.com/LV8Bqdk0bT
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) February 26, 2026
Detroit Maintains Winning Momentum
Duncan Robinson contributed 16 points for Detroit, whose Eastern Conference-leading side have now emerged victorious in six of their last seven matches, improving their record to 43-14.
Thunder’s Williams Delivers Career Performance
Despite the depleted roster, reigning champions Oklahoma City Thunder were kept competitive by Jaylin Williams, who delivered a career-high 30 points, while Cason Wallace followed closely with 23 points. Nevertheless, the Thunder, who had previously won five of their last six games, dropped to a 45-15 record.
Key Moment in Closing Stages
With just over five minutes left and Detroit’s lead trimmed to 108-105, Javonte Green seized the moment by hitting a three-pointer immediately after the Pistons secured four offensive rebounds on a single possession, halting Oklahoma City’s momentum.
| Team | Stat Leaders | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Next Fixture | Current Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Pistons | Jalen Duren & Cade Cunningham | 29 (each) | 15 (Duren) | 13 (Cunningham) | Host Cleveland on Friday night | 43-14 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | Jaylin Williams | 30 | 11 (Williams) | 6 (Wiggins) | Host Denver on Friday night | 45-15 |
Looking Ahead
Oklahoma City Thunder will return home to face Denver on Friday night, whilst the Detroit Pistons are set to welcome Cleveland the same evening.
