Detroit Pistons Extend Winning Streak to Four with Dominant 112-104 Victory Over Pelicans
The Detroit Pistons are officially one of the hottest teams in the NBA. On Wednesday night, Detroit continued its mid-season resurgence, securing a wire-to-wire 112-104 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. This win marks the fourth consecutive victory for the franchise, signaling a significant shift in momentum for a young squad that is beginning to find its identity on both ends of the floor.
From the opening tip-off at the Little Caesars Arena, the Pistons established a physical presence that the Pelicans simply could not match. Detroit never trailed in the contest, a testament to their improved execution and defensive focus. While the Pelicans attempted several rallies in the second half, the Pistons had an answer for every run, maintaining their composure and closing out the game with professional precision.
Jalen Duren Dominates the Interior
The catalyst for the Detroit Pistons winning streak has been the play of their frontcourt, and Wednesday night was no exception. Jalen Duren put together one of his most complete performances of the season, finishing the night with 20 points and a massive 15 rebounds. Duren’s ability to control the glass gave Detroit second-chance opportunities while limiting the Pelicans to one-and-done possessions on the other end.
Duren’s 15 rebounds were particularly impactful considering the Pelicans' size. He consistently beat New Orleans defenders to the spot, establishing deep post position and finishing efficiently around the rim. His chemistry with the Detroit guards allowed for high-percentage looks throughout the night, ensuring that the Pistons' offense remained steady even when their perimeter shooting cooled off.
Daniss Jenkins and the Supporting Cast Step Up
While Duren provided the muscle inside, Daniss Jenkins provided the spark from the perimeter. Jenkins finished with 17 points, showcasing his ability to create his own shot and navigate the Pelicans' defensive rotations. His scoring was crucial during the second quarter when the Pistons pushed their lead into double digits, providing a secondary scoring option that kept the New Orleans defense off-balance.
The Pistons' depth was on full display as the bench contributed meaningful minutes to preserve the lead. By moving the ball effectively and finding the open man, Detroit finished with high assist numbers, reflecting a selfless style of play that has become a hallmark of this recent Detroit Pistons winning streak. The team’s ability to find contributions from multiple players has made them a much more difficult scout for opposing coaches over the last week.
A Wire-to-Wire Defensive Masterclass
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the 112-104 victory was the fact that the Pistons never trailed. In the modern NBA, where double-digit leads can evaporate in minutes, Detroit’s ability to maintain the lead for 48 minutes speaks to their growing maturity. They set the tone early with a 10-2 run to start the game and never looked back.
Defensively, the Pistons were locked in from the start. They forced the Pelicans into tough, contested mid-range jumpers and successfully clogged the paint to prevent easy layups. Even as the Pelicans' star players attempted to take over in the fourth quarter, Detroit’s help defense remained disciplined. The Pelicans, who have struggled with consistency throughout the season, found themselves forced into turnovers and shot-clock violations at critical junctures of the game.
The Significance of the Detroit Pistons Winning Streak
Winning four games in a row is a major milestone for this Detroit roster. After several seasons of rebuilding, the pieces are starting to fit together. This streak has not just been about luck; it has been about a systematic improvement in late-game execution and defensive rebounding. By defeating a Pelicans team that was desperate for a win, the Pistons have proven they can compete with—and beat—established Western Conference opponents.
For the Pelicans, the 112-104 loss adds to their recent woes as they continue to slide in the standings. Despite some late-game heroics, their inability to get stops early in the game proved to be their downfall. They will need to address their defensive lapses if they hope to snap their current losing skid and remain in the playoff hunt.
As the Pistons look ahead, the focus will remain on maintaining this level of intensity. With Jalen Duren playing at an elite level and the backcourt finding its rhythm, Detroit is no longer a team that opponents can afford to overlook. The Detroit Pistons winning streak has breathed new life into the city's basketball fans, and if Wednesday night was any indication, this team is just getting started.
