Jalen Duren Ties Career-High in Pistons OT Win
Detroit Pistons stunned the Cleveland Cavaliers with a late-game surge, erasing a deficit in the final three minutes before prevailing in overtime. Jalen Duren tied his career-high with 33 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, powering Detroit's comeback win. This marks a high point for the young Pistons, who have struggled to close out games this season.
The Detroit Pistons' victory was snatched from the jaws of defeat, as they trailed by nine points with only 2:44 remaining in regulation. The comeback was even more improbable as star guard Cade Cunningham fouled out with 1:56 left to play. A bizarre 18-minute delay in the third quarter, caused by a malfunctioning scoreboard horn that wouldn't stop blaring, added a strange interruption to the contest. The game, which lasted 3 hours and 22 minutes, eventually resumed using a manual airhorn for signals before the scoreboard was restored. Jalen Duren's 33 points matched his career-high, which he previously set against the Dallas Mavericks on November 1, 2025. His performance was crucial down the stretch, especially after Cunningham's exit, and marked his fourth 30-point game of the season. The win improves the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons' record to 44-14. For the Cavaliers, who fell to 37-24, the loss came while playing short-handed, as they were without starters James Harden (thumb) and Donovan Mitchell (groin). Cade Cunningham was instrumental before fouling out, contributing 25 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. For the Cavaliers, Jarrett Allen posted 25 points and nine rebounds, while Evan Mobley added 23 points and 12 rebounds. The two teams won't have to wait long for a rematch; they are scheduled to face each other again on Tuesday in Cleveland.
