Pistons' Duren Drops 33 in OT Win

Jalen Duren's 33 points were accompanied by 16 rebounds, marking a dominant performance for the Pistons' center. This outing was a key factor in the Pistons overcoming a nine-point deficit late in the fourth quarter to force the extra period. The game, which lasted over three hours, was notably interrupted by an 18-minute delay during the third quarter. A power surge caused the arena's horn to blare continuously, forcing the scoreboard to be temporarily shut down. The Cavaliers were playing without their starting backcourt, as both Donovan Mitchell (groin strain) and James Harden (thumb fracture) were sidelined with injuries. Jarrett Allen led the short-handed Cleveland squad with 25 points and nine rebounds. With the win, the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons improved their record to 44-14. The game-tying moment came with just 4.7 seconds left in regulation when Daniss Jenkins was fouled on a three-point attempt and made all three free throws to tie the game at 114. The Pistons' victory was part of a dramatic night in the NBA that also saw the Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Denver Nuggets 127-121 in another overtime contest. In that game, reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander returned from injury to score 36 points for the Thunder.