Detroit is enjoying a strong campaign as one of the best teams in the entire league. They pulled off an overtime win over Cleveland, who has been making its way up the East standings with a solid stretch of games.

Fans came in droves to react to the game, hoping for a better showing while being positive about the win. Here are some of their reactions.

“Epic win! Both teams stepped up. The Cavs didn’t have Donovan Mitchell and a few others, while our Pistons still miss Isaiah Stewart,” one fan said.

“I didn’t enjoy going to OT against a shorthanded Cavs team. BUT… at the same time we’ve gotten our fill of wins while we were shorthanded. Boys battle when it matters. And those who battle harder get the win. #DetroitBasketball,” another remarked.

“Celebrate the win, but stay locked in. every dub is proof that preparation met opportunity. stack them up, stay humble, and keep building the scoreboard only tells part of the story. the grind continues,” one commented.

“WHAT A COMEBACK WIN,” one replied.

“Got the win and JB benched Levert for Sasser, I prayed for times like these,” a fan said.

How Pistons played against Cavaliers

Pistons fans can want more from their team after beating the Cavaliers. Nonetheless, the playoff ceiling remains high for them.

Five players scored in double-digits for Detroit in the win. Jalen Duren dominated with a performance of 33 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks. He shot 11-of-19 from the field and 11-of-15 from the free-throw line. Cade Cunningham came next with 25 points and 10 rebounds, Ausar Thompson had 18 points and eight rebounds, Ronald Holland II put up 12 points and three rebounds, while Tobias Harris provided 11 points and six steals.

Detroit improved to a 44-14 record on the season, boasting the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They are 5.5 games above the Boston Celtics and seven games above the New York Knicks.

The Pistons will look forward to their next matchup, being on the road. They face the Orlando Magic as tip-off will take place on March 1 at 6 p.m. ET.

The post Pistons’ thrilling overtime win over Cavs has fans thinking NBA Finals appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The veteran guard, who has been a steadying force for the Cavs since arriving via trade, found himself at the center of a heated exchange during the second half.

While the specific “diss” remains under wraps, it was enough for the officiating crew and arena security to step in. After a brief discussion near the baseline, security escorted a group of fans from their seats. Schröder, never one to back down from a verbal spar, seemed unfazed as he guided the offense through the most bizarre environment of the NBA season.

A fan was ejected from Cavs-Pistons for something he said to Dennis Schroder.pic.twitter.com/gvOOIH0dV7

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 28, 2026

Before the ejections and the power surge that broke the arena’s buzzer, the game featured some legitimate heavyweight basketball. The Cleveland Cavaliers were forced to lean heavily on their frontcourt with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden both sidelined.

Evan Mobley played massive minutes to keep Cleveland in it, finishing regulation with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Sam Merrill also stepped up in a big way, knocking down critical shots to finish the fourth quarter with 20 points.

On the other side, the Detroit Pistons continued to rely on their young core. Jalen Duren was an absolute force in the paint, racking up 33 points and 16 rebounds. Cade Cunningham almost matched that scoring output, dropping 25 points of his own while dishing out seven assists to keep the Pistons’ offense fluid despite the lack of a functioning game clock.

The score sat deadlocked at 114-114 when the “manual” air horn sounded to end the fourth quarter. We are headed to free basketball in Detroit.

The post Pistons fan ejected after Dennis Schroder diss appeared first on ClutchPoints.

For nearly 20 minutes, players and fans sat in a bizarre limbo as arena technicians scrambled to silence the noise. The glitch did more than just stop the sound; it wiped out the game clocks and the shot clocks, forcing the officiating crew to take more manual measures.

To keep the game moving, the arena staff eventually resorted to using a handheld air horn to signal the end of possessions and quarters. It was a scene more reminiscent of a local rec league than a professional NBA environment, but the officials had to make it work.

A horn delay?

That's what's currently going on in Cavs-Pistons

(via @omarisankofa)pic.twitter.com/D4QVx9G2HL

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 28, 2026

Despite the “street ball” atmosphere, the stakes remain incredibly high. The Detroit Pistons entered the night at 43-14, looking to tighten their grip on the top seed in the East. They currently hold a slim lead in a game that has become a total defensive grind. Jalen Duren has been a monster in the paint for Detroit, capitalizing on a Cleveland Cavaliers frontcourt that is working overtime.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are fighting uphill without their primary star power. Donovan Mitchell is sidelined with a groin strain, and the team just announced that James Harden is out after fracturing his right thumb. In their absence, Evan Mobley has stepped up as a playmaker, keeping Cleveland within striking distance despite the lack of a functioning scoreboard.

As we head into the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, the score is sitting at a tense 96-91 in favor of the Cavaliers, but with the way this night has gone, anything can happen.

Between the manual air horn blasts and the lack of a game clock, this game is officially off the rails. One thing is for sure: whoever walks away with the win tonight will have earned it in the strangest environment of the season.

The post Pistons-Cavs forced to use air horn after malfunction causes delay appeared first on ClutchPoints.

During a segment on “ESPN Tip-Off,” Shaq believes the 24-year-old guard is one of the most “complete” players in the league right now. The former legendary center turned NBA analyst loves the way Cunningham plays and thinks he deserves the MVP trophy for helping turn the Pistons into a true contender once again.

“I watched [Cunningham] play the other day, and he has a complete game,” said Shaq. “He does everything right. Not mostly right, he does everything right all the time. The way he plays, his pace, how he’s playing, and [the Pistons] got that look. Kenny, you know what I’m talking about. Like, ‘We’re on a mission this year.'”

"[Cade] does everything right. Not mostly right, he does everything right all the time."@SHAQ discusses why he thinks Cade Cunningham should be MVP

Watch Cavs-Pistons All-Access at 7 ET on ESPN and the ESPN App pic.twitter.com/8x6AlpxB1V

— ESPN (@espn) February 27, 2026

The fifth-year veteran earned his second All-Star nod this season, as he’s been one of the most efficient players in the league so far. Through 51 games played, Cade Cunningham is averaging 25.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 9.8 assists (career-high), and 1.5 steals (career-high) per contest while shooting 45.9% from the floor and 33.9% from beyond the three-point line.

Cunningham and the Pistons reached the playoffs last season but ultimately fell short after being bounced out by the New York Knicks in the first round. It was the first playoff appearance for the franchise since the 2018-19 season. This year, Detroit plays like they have something to prove, and Cade Cunningham’s performances are playing a huge factor in their success.

The post Pistons guard Cade Cunningham gets MVP nod over Jaylen Brown from Shaq appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“The best player on the team with the best win percentage, to me, is the guy that deserves to be MVP,” Bickerstaff said. “He doesn’t take nights or times or possessions off defensively. He’ll score his 25 and make his teammates better.”

Cade Cunningham certainly has a major case for the MVP Award, and JB Bickerstaff is right to campaign for his player. Cunningham has taken a huge leap this year as the driving force behind the Pistons’ success. The team is currently 43-14 and in first place in the Eastern Conference standings. To put it in perspective, the No. 2 seeded Boston Celtics are five and half games behind them.

As Bickerstaff mentioned, the Pistons’ 75.4 win percentage is the best in the league, slightly ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder whose 45-15 record puts them at an exact 75 percent.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cunningham is in his fifth season in the NBA. He was selected to his second consecutive All-Star appearance. He’s appeared in 51 games this year at a little over 34 minutes per game.

Cunningham’s been averaging 25.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 9.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocked shots with splits of 45.9 percent shooting from the field, 33.9 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 81.2 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

The post JB Bickerstaff’s clear message for Cade Cunningham’s MVP campaign appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Star center Jalen Duren believes the Pistons can win a championship now. He has an all-in mindset that he shared in a recent article from Andscape.

“To some people, it might sound crazy, but we are looking to win a championship. We’re not looking to wait. We feel we have the guys. We have the coaching staff. We have the mentality, play style to do so. And we’re trying to go get it.”

The Pistons are loaded with talent. They have six players averaging double figures in scoring, with Cade Cunningham leading the way at 25.4 points per game. Duren is at 18.2 and adds 10.6 rebounds. Cunningham is also second in the league in assists per game at 9.8.

Detroit has all but locked up the top seed in the East. That won’t happen for a few more weeks if they continue to play at the level they have all season. The next four games are not easy as they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers twice, the Orlando Magic, and the San Antonio Spurs. Three of those four are on the road, as these next four games will be a great test for them that will almost feel like a playoff series.

We will see in due time if the Pistons are able to get close to winning a championship in 2026.

The post Pistons star Jalen Duren’s all-in mindset on winning a championship right now appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In a recent interview with Vincent Goodwill of ESPN, Wallace addressed the similarities many have drawn between his Hall of Fame career and Stewart’s evolving role in Detroit’s frontcourt.

“I definitely see it,” Wallace said.

Stewart, 24, is producing one of the most efficient stretches of his career. Across 48 games and 13 starts, he is averaging 10 points, 5.1 rebounds, a career-high 1.7 blocks and 1.1 assists while shooting 54% from the field and 32.1% from three-point range in 23.3 minutes per game. His impact has helped power Detroit to the NBA’s best record at 43-14.

The comparison centers largely on defensive intensity and physical presence. Wallace built his legacy as one of the league’s most dominant defenders despite being undersized for a traditional center. A four-time Defensive Player of the Year and five-time All-Star, Wallace anchored Detroit’s 2004 championship team and became synonymous with the franchise’s gritty identity. His rebounding, rim protection and relentless energy defined an era of Pistons basketball.

Isaiah Stewart credits Ben Wallace’s path as mutual respect grows

Stewart has embraced the connection.

“He paved the way for us undersized guys,” Stewart said. “I’m trying to live up to that and put my name somewhere positive in this organization.”

According to ESPN, the mutual respect between the two extends beyond public comments.

Seeing the respectful exchange, a source who knows Wallace well summed it up:

“Ben looks at Stewart like a proud father.”

As Detroit continues its push atop the standings, Stewart’s development remains central to the team’s identity. Wallace’s endorsement reinforces the belief that Stewart’s defensive growth and physical style fit the standard set by one of the franchise’s most decorated players.

The post Pistons legend Ben Wallace supports Isaiah Stewart comparisons – ‘I definitely see it’ appeared first on ClutchPoints.

After the loss, a reporter asked Williams if he knew how many points he had as he inched closer to the 30-point plateau.

“I knew how many points I had, but I was really taking whatever they gave me,” Williams said. “I forced maybe two shots, which were bad shots, and I hate that I shot them. I just took whatever they gave me. My teammates were passing to me, getting me a lot of open looks. Thankfully for them, I got that many points.”

Williams led a shorthanded Thunder team, missing All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Ajay Mitchell, and Alex Caruso. Against the team with the second-best record in the NBA, Williams made a pair of free throws to make it a three-point game (108-105) with 5:06 left in the final frame.

Although that was the closest the Thunder came to pulling ahead down the stretch, the attempt was admirable, nearly erasing the Pistons’ 17-point lead.

“It’s resiliency. We just have a group of resilient guys. We’ve been up 30, we’ve been down 30. We’ve been up 20, down 20. We’ve been in close games throughout the whole game,” Williams said. “We’ve had guys out. So, we’ve been in a lot of different situations. And I think regardless of what situation we’re in, we’re going to go at it the same way. We’re going to go out there and leave it out on the court. We’re going to play defense. We’re going to play hard.

“We’re going to do those types of things. I think the fact that we’re a team where we do the same things regardless of who’s in — that’s what gives us a chance in every game.”

The Thunder’s lead atop the Western Conference standings shrunk to 2.0 games ahead of the San Antonio Spurs.

Mark Daigneault’s ‘unreal’ endorsement for Jaylin Williams

Head coach Mark Daigneault gave Thunder’s Jaylin Williams his flowers on a career milestone of scoring a career-high 30 points. Daigneault says it’s a testament to how his offense has flowed through Williams, who took full advantage of his opportunites against the Pistons’ second-ranked defense.

“He was unreal tonight. Great toughness and obviously great offense — I think that must be a career high for him,” Daigneault said. “We flowed through him against a team that really pressures, similar to what we’ve had to do lately. He was a great help for us again tonight.”

The Thunder will host the Nuggets at the Paycom Center on Friday.

The post How Pistons defense, Thunder teammates led to Jaylin Williams’ career night appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Even other teams were making fun of the Pistons, with Kyle Kuzma famously stating nobody wants to “be that team” after the Pistons lost their 28th straight game during the 2023-24 season, tied for the longest losing streak in NBA history. That was rock bottom for this organization, but times have changed significantly.

Now in his fifth season, Cunningham has elevated the Pistons to new heights, and this team is currently on pace to not only surpass that 54-win mark over the young star’s first three years in the NBA but also win at least 60 games for just the third time in franchise history.

The Pistons made it to the Eastern Conference Finals both times they won at least 60 games in a season, the most recent being 20 years ago in 2006. Although Detroit came up just short of reaching the NBA Finals that season, they did, however, win a championship during the 1988-89 season, a season they went 63-19 overall.

This season, the Pistons are following in the footsteps of their past, as they currently hold a firm grip on the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings and have earned the right to call themselves the team to beat en route to the NBA Finals when the playoffs begin.

Although there is still plenty of basketball yet to be played and many factors could alter not just the standings but every team’s chances of capturing a championship, there has been one constant with this Pistons team all season that is only growing and getting stronger.

When it comes to playing the best of the best, the Pistons have cemented themselves as the best in the NBA.

Pistons are dominating elite teams

There is always more than meets the eye when it comes to a team’s record. Oftentimes, fans will only look at wins and losses to determine how good certain organizations are over the course of the year, and while this can obviously hold some weight, diving deeper into what each win or each loss means and to whom paints a clear picture as to which teams are and are not championship contenders.

Well, the Pistons are clearly title-contending threats this season, and it’s not just because they have won over 75 percent of their games this season and reside at the top of the East standings. It’s also not because of their recent wins over the New York Knicks or San Antonio Spurs, either.

When you actually dive into the numbers and break down each of the Pistons’ wins this season, it’s clear to see that they have taken the fight to the best teams in the NBA and have found success against each and every one of them.

The Pistons have gone 19-7 against teams with a winning record this season, the best record against .500-plus teams in the NBA. For context, the Oklahoma City Thunder are 19-11 overall, and the Spurs are 21-11 against teams above-.500 this year.

In fact, Detroit has wins over seven of the other top 10 teams in the NBA to this point in the year. The only teams inside the top 10 that the Pistons have yet to beat are the Spurs and the Minnesota Timberwolves, whom Detroit has yet to face.

In terms of the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama and his crew recently picked up a hard-fought 114-103 win in Detroit, proving that they, too, are like the Pistons and could potentially see them down the road in June with everything on the line. Before even thinking about this, these two teams will meet again in San Antonio on March 5 in a highly anticipated showdown.

As far as the Pistons’ record goes, winning 73 percent of their games against teams with a winning record speaks volumes. After all, it’s not like they are just beating up on the worst teams in the league.

This young team has been challenged and tested, yet they’ve passed virtually every roadblock thrown at them throughout the 2025-26 season. The Pistons are a resilient group that understands what it takes to overcome adversity, and most importantly, they embrace each trial and tribulation that comes their way.

Aside from losing back-to-back games only twice this entire year, the Pistons always look forward to marquee matchups, as they have on their schedule right now. After games against the Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder, the Pistons now look forward to two games against Cleveland, a tough road game against Orlando, and then a final regular-season matchup in San Antonio.

While their first game against the Spurs may not have gone the way Cunningham and the Pistons had hoped, this team is ready to embrace the adversity and overcome it.

“We have a week full of smoke,” Cunningham said after Monday’s loss to the Spurs, via the Detroit Free Press. “It’s great. We get to see where we’re at, see where the league’s at, learn a lot in these three games, five games, even the last few games we’ve played have all been good challenges for us. It’s a lot to learn from all these games. I think we’ll come out of all this better and more prepared for the playoffs and everything.

“It’s good, it’s healthy for us.”

Being a championship-contending team doesn’t just mean you have one of the best records in your conference or the league at large. A team is defined by the quality of its wins, and the Pistons have clearly proven they have what it takes to beat the best of the best.

Fool them once, but not twice

Aside from all their wins against the top teams in the league and continued success bouncing back from their few losses, the Pistons have something unique about them this season.

Only one team in the league has defeated the Pistons twice this season, and it’s a team they won’t see again until the 2026-27 season, as they face them twice a year. The LA Clippers defeated Detroit both at home and away this year, holding the Pistons under 100 points in both outings.

It is worth noting that the Pistons were without Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, and virtually all of their veteran contributors in the second meeting between these teams on Jan. 10, a game Detroit lost 98-92.

No other team in the league can say that they haven’t lost at least two games to multiple opponents this year, which is another reason why the Pistons are so unique. What all of this comes down to is that JB Bickerstaff has a young, hungry team that has grown together over the last few years, and they are finally putting the puzzle pieces to success together.

Regardless of what is on their schedule, the Pistons play every game like it’s Game 1 of a playoff series, which is why this chip on their shoulders will only translate to success down the line.

“Our guys respect everybody and want to give everybody their best shot,” Bickerstaff said recently. “No matter who the opponent is, our guys always look forward to those challenges.”

Cade Cunningham’s MVP-like season

A team’s record matters. Their success against some of the other great teams in the league matters. But at the end of the day, every championship organization always has one player they can point to as being the guy.

For the Pistons, that guy is Cade Cunningham, and he has taken a massive step in his career to become one of the best guards in basketball. To be honest, saying only this doesn’t give Cunningham enough credit, as he’s become one of the best players in the entire NBA, which is why he is right at the top of the MVP rankings right now with Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and others.

At this rate, it’s not hard to believe that Cunningham could surpass these other stars and end up winning the 2025-26 NBA MVP award.

Believe it or not, the Pistons technically own the best record in the league with a 75.4 win percentage, and Cunningham’s MVP resume will only grow should this hold true and Detroit remain at the top of the standings.

As far as his production goes, Cunningham’s numbers and his impact on winning speak for themselves.

Cunningham has recorded four straight double-doubles dating back to his 42-point, 13-assist night in the Pistons’ 126-111 beatdown of the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden. After this particular performance, Bickerstaff made it clear that his star deserves more respect from everyone in the MVP race. 

“I don’t think you pick an MVP based on just one game or one statement. He’s been this way for the entire season,” Bickerstaff said. “He’s dominated both ends of the floor and impacted winning in a major way.

“Credit to him, credit to his work, credit to his conditioning, his will to want to win, his ability to be a great teammate and lead. That’s who he has been all season.”

The Pistons have defeated the best of the best, and the scary thing for every other team in the league is that Detroit is better now than they were in the first game of the season.

By the time the playoffs begin, the Pistons will be ready for the challenges ahead of them, and if any team in the East has the best chance to win 12 playoff games in order to reach the NBA Finals, it’s this Pistons team.

The post How Pistons’ mind-blowing dominance vs. best proves they can reach NBA Finals appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Cade Cunningham came up huge for the Pistons, who improved to 43-14, including 23-7 at home. He scored 29 points on 11-of-16 shooting, four rebounds, 13 assists, three steals, and three blocks. He, however, had a game-high eight turnovers.

Still, his all-around effort was enough to propel Detroit to the win. He has now tallied three blocks in each of their last three games. When asked about it, Cunningham gave a nod to LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers.

“I’ve always enjoyed running stuff down and getting blocks. I watched a lot of LeBron growing up, so it’s something I think I’ve always been pretty good at,” said the two-time All-Star.

“You know, little hoop playing and stuff, so it’s always been part of my game, and it’s finally coming along in the NBA.”

"I watched a lot of LeBron [James] growing up."

Cade Cunningham speaks on his 3 blocks tonight against the Thunder

(via @NBA)
pic.twitter.com/1xycibUjUY

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 26, 2026

Of course, James is known for his chase-down rejection, and he should be thrilled to know that Cunningham was inspired by his trademark move.

The 24-year-old Cunningham is averaging a career-best 0.9 blocks this season, aside from 25.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 1.5 steals. He has truly become a well-rounded player over the past few years, knowing that he needs to level up to help the Pistons climb out of the cellar.

Cunningham, who was recently asked about his aura, has often acknowledged his responsibilities as Detroit’s go-to-guy, and contributing more on defense is not beneath him.

The post Pistons’ Cade Cunningham channeled LeBron James with 3 blocks vs. Thunder appeared first on ClutchPoints.

While the Thunder were missing a few key players, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, a win over the reigning champions is nothing to scoff at. OKC has been very competitive regardless of who’s on the court for them, and the Pistons did well not to let their guard down in what could have been a trap game.

The fans in Little Caesars Arena knew how much it meant as well for the Pistons to take down the Thunder. After the game, they were so hyped up and so expressive of their affection for their star man in Cunningham, as fans gushed over him as he signed a few autographs.

“We love you! Oh my god!” a few fans could be overheard screaming out towards the Pistons star.

Via The Detroit Times on X (formerly Twitter):

Cade Cunningham signing autographs for fans after tonight’s game

pic.twitter.com/aDn2oonCz1

— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 (@the_det_times) February 26, 2026

Pistons remain favorites in the East

The Pistons are being a bit underrated by a few fans considering that they aren’t very proven yet on the grand stage. They did make it to the playoffs last year and lost in six games to the New York Knicks, but mounting a deep playoff run is going to be a different animal that the team is yet to experience.

But their play all season long should convince many that they are a legitimate contending team. They carry themselves with so much swagger and their best player is a bonafide superstar who steps up in big moments.

The post Pistons’ Cade Cunningham leaves kids in a frenzy after beating Thunder appeared first on ClutchPoints.

And well, MVP contender Cunningham’s contributions are a major reason behind that improvement. But while his offensive strengths are well-documented, Jalen Duren also pointed out an aspect of Cunningham’s game that does not get talked about enough, per a post on X by journalist Jeremy Otto.

Jalen Duren says Cade is a great 2 way player even though everyone talks about his offensive skills. 3 more blocks tonight #Pistons pic.twitter.com/uLT4qph6ef

— Jeremy Otto (@JeremyOttoPxP) February 26, 2026

“Yeah I mean, 6-7, I mean, doing just what he is supposed to be doing. He is a great defender, he is a great scoring player, you know people know him for being a point-guard, being a scorer but he is a great two-way player. He has been doing it all season, so it’s nothing new. I know when I see him, one-on-one on the fast break with a small guard, I like his chances,” Duren said.

While that may be true, it is hard to praise a player’s defensive efforts when he is going at 25.3 points, 9.8 assists and 5.8 rebounds per appearance. However, Cunningham is also averaging approximately 1.5 steals and 0.9 blocks per game.

He boasts a solid defensive rating of around 109.5 while also producing 4 defensive rebounds per game, and is undoubtedly letting his presence known on the other end of the court as well. However, Duren may still find that it is Cunningham’s offensive ability that is most talked about, and for very good reason.

The post Pistons’ Jalen Duren sheds light on unknown Cade Cunningham commodity appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Thunder’s starting center is ruled out due to a calf injury. Hartenstein is one of three starters ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the Pistons. Oklahoma City will face the Pistons, who have the second-best record in the NBA, without its top-four scorers, including Mitchell, and its defensive enforcer in Hartenstein.

Alex Caruso is listed as doubtful with a left ankle sprain for Wednesday’s game.

Mark Daigneault commends Thunder players’ poise

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault appreciates the Thunder’s unsung heroes, such as Isaiah Joe and Cason Wallace, as the defending champions have continued to win games against some of the NBA’s better teams without their top scorers. Coming off an impressive victory over the Cavs, Daigneault discussed his team’s resilience in the face of adversity and how it has been an ongoing theme throughout the regular season.

“You can’t control your circumstances. We always want to be fully healthy and have everybody. But when you get dealt a hand, you gotta play it as best you can, and we try to be optimistic,” Daigneault said. “And we try to be a team that leverages the circumstances to our favor, and tries to use it in every situation, even if it’s a challenge to build some momentum. The guys have done an unbelievable job.

“They see these types of things as a challenge. And that’s one of the special things about this group of guys. And they’ve done a great job since the break, certainly, but even going into the break,” Daigneault concluded.

Wallace (27 points) and Joe combined for 49 points, including 10-of-16 from beyond the 3-point arc, 10 assists, and three steals. The two guards got the nod to start in place of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.

Thunder back-up Jaylin Williams will most likely start for Isaiah Hartenstein alongside All-Star Chet Holmgren in Wednesday’s matchup against the Pistons.

The post Thunder punting Pistons national TV showdown based on injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Middleton was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in the deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards at the NBA trade deadline. Since the trade, Middleton has suited up for the Mavericks, playing in four games, and even had a 25-point outing for the Mavericks against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. But his name is still being discussed as a buyout candidate.

“Is there any chance we can convince Khris Middleton to pursue a buyout?”@TheSteinLine wonders if the Pistons could be a landing spot for the Mavericks Small Forward with @talkhoops

Hear Deals and Dunks weekdays from 1-2 PM ET https://t.co/uGOfTU9PUj pic.twitter.com/kARlVfi6xS

— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) February 24, 2026

Per NBA Insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks have allowed Middleton to control his fate, determining if he wants to stay with the team for the remainder of the season or pursue a buyout to join a contender. This has led Stein to openly muse about whether Middleton could be a candidate to join the surging Pistons, who sit atop the Eastern Conference.

“I have to think. There are a handful of contenders, playoff-bound teams, and I would have to think the Pistons are among them. Wondering, is there any chance we could convince Khris Middleton to pursue a buyout? What I reported last night was the Mavericks of basically put the ball in Khris Middleton’s court. If Khris Middleton wants a buyout to join a playoff-bound team, Dallas will happily cooperate.”

The Pistons would be an interesting landing spot for Middleton. Only a few years ago, he was the number two option behind Giannis Antetokounmpo on the Bucks and often found himself taking clutch shots in close-game situations. But injuries, as well as his contract, saw the Bucks “sunset” his time with the organization to trade him to the Wizards in a deal that involved Kyle Kuzma.

Khris Middleton is still proving to be an effective player, averaging 14 points per game and 35% from three in the 5 games he played with the Mavericks. With the Wizards, his numbers were more modest through the 34 games he played with the team, as he averaged $10.3$ points per game and 33% from the field. Perhaps a reunion with the Pistons could bode well for Middleton. He was drafted in the second round with the 39th pick by the Pistons in 2012 before ultimately being traded in 2013 to the Bucks.

The Pistons have emerged as a contender, embracing their old-school physicality and rapid development as players such as Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren have emerged as young stars in the league; however, the team lacks consistent shooting at volume. In Monday’s loss to San Antonio, the Pistons only made 7 of their 36 three-point attempts, while the Spurs made 18. Middleton could provide a good spark in playmaking and shooting for the Pistons as they look to seize further control of the Eastern Conference and make a run into the NBA Finals.

The Pistons play the Thunder tonight at 7:30 PM Eastern. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

The post Marc Stein wonders aloud about Khris Middleton with Mavericks buyout on table appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In postgame comments obtained by Omari Sankofa II, Pistons star Cade Cunningham admitted that his team couldn’t adjust to the intensity that Wembanyama brought to the defensive side of the floor.

“We just couldn’t figure Wemby out early enough. Changed a lot of our shots, changed our approach and there were spurts where we found things and did things we like to do. He just changed too many shots and didn’t figure him out early enough.”

Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff articulated his approach to attacking a Wembanyama-led defense, saying, ‘You have to go through him, you can’t go around him. (Duren) did a great job late where he was going through him. If you allow him to play in space he’s too smart, too talented … you have to go through him more.'”

Jalen Duren PUNCHES IT on Wemby, plus the foul pic.twitter.com/L0xLWKoM9o

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 24, 2026

Jalen Duren finished the game with 25 points, including a thrilling poster dunk on Victor Wembanyama that went viral on social media. But Duren didn’t see a lot of help offensively, especially as Cunningham finished the game with 16 points and was 5-26 from the field.

But Bickerstaff saw the loss form a broader perspective, citing the 18 three-pointers they allowed from San Antonio that ultimately put the game out of reach.

“They moved the ball well, they attacked off the bounce to get those looks. Some of those were all fault, we gave up strong side corner 3s which we typically don’t … credit to them. They played a strong game.”

The post Cade Cunningham makes confession about Victor Wembanyama riddle after loss to Spurs appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Bread-n-butter play for the Pistons leads to a Duren poster on Wemby pic.twitter.com/r0FUiipnED

— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) February 24, 2026

The play occured early in the fourth quarter as Cade Cunningham took the hand-off from Jalen Duren, saw Duren lurking in the dunker spot and hit him with a pass as he proceeded rise and throw down the poster dunk on the unsuspecting Victor Wembanyama. It was an impressive feat considering Wembanyama’s length and size and his reputation for being one of the best defensive players in the league.

The No. 13 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, this season has been a coming out party of sorts for Duren. He was recently selected to his first career All-Star appearance, and his play has been a big reason for why the Pistons hold the best record in the Eastern Conference.

Coming into Monday’s game, Duren had appeared in 45 games for the Pistons, at a little over 27 minutes per game. He’s been averaging a career-high 17.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists with splits of 63 percent shooting from the field and 73 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

The Pistons are looking to avoid snapping a five-game win streak as they face off against the Spurs. They are currently 42-13 and atop the Eastern Conference standings.

The post Jalen Duren throws down poster dunk on Victor Wembanyama appeared first on ClutchPoints.

He proved that again when they visited the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Monday.

Things got chippy in the second quarter when Pistons guard Cade Cunningham shoved Spurs guard Stephon Castle to the floor. Johnson stepped in and pushed Cunningham, having words for him.

Pistons center Jalen Duren entered the fray and pointed his finger at Johnson. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed before it escalated into a full-on brawl. Johnson and Duren were each whistled for a technical foul.

Keldon Johnson and Jalen Duren received techs after this interaction

Cade Cunningham was called for an offensive foul for the initial push on Stephon Castle.

pic.twitter.com/ClIliygbSP

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 24, 2026

As expected, the tension was high between two of the top teams in the NBA, especially since it was their first meeting.

While there are other players on the Spurs older than him, the 26-year-old Johnson has played the role of big brother on the team. He has taken Victor Wembanyama under his wing, even getting their head shaved together, to help his young teammate’s development and transition to the NBA.

Johnson has been on an upturn in the first full year of coach Mitch Johnson, averaging 13.4 points, 54.5% shooting, and 5.7 rebounds off the bench. He is a strong candidate for Sixth Man of the Year.

As of writing, it is still a close battle between the Spurs and the Pistons in the third quarter.

Castle has 12 points, two rebounds, and seven assists, while Johnson has six points and two rebounds.

The post Spurs’ Keldon Johnson defends Stephon Castle after push from Cade Cunningham appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Pistons are comfortably at the top of the Eastern Conference with a 42-13 record, including 21-6 at home. The Spurs, meanwhile, are in second place in the Western Conference with a 40-16 slate, including 18-10 on the road.

It was a tight battle from the onset. In the last minute of the first quarter, Pistons forward Tobias Harris made sure to remind everyone that they do not mess around in Motor City.

Harris dusted off Dylan Harper’s defense on the break and went up for a vicious slam over Julian Champagnie, whipping the bench and the crowd into pandemonium.

TOBIAS HARRIS RISES UP AND JAMS IT! pic.twitter.com/o5oECyIxMg

— NBA (@NBA) February 24, 2026

No one expected, probably even Harris himself, that he was going to throw it down.

At 33 years old, Harris has lost some of his athleticism, but he has shown that his fearlessness remains intact.

Fans sure loved his poster dunk.

“That’s how you send a message with a dunk,” said @amazonianrara00.

“Tobias Harris just turned that rim into his personal trampoline,” added @MSBIntel.

“TOBIAS SAID, ‘CLEAR THE RUNWAY.’ Rim just filed a complaint,” wrote @mrpurpose0.

“Unc T coming thru with the flush,” posted @saganjudah144.

“Drug test waiting for him at halftime,” joked @notyouknowsimba.

Harris has been a key piece in the Pistons’ resurgence since joining in 2024. It is his second run in Detroit. He has provided veteran leadership and a steadying presence to help the development of the team’s young core.

As of writing, the Pistons are only down by two points to the Spurs, 57-55, at halftime.

The post Pistons’ Tobias Harris posterizes Julian Champagnie in 1st quarter appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Cunningham’s historic performance solidified how much he and the Pistons have the Knicks’ number, he said, per the Draymond Green Show.

“I just think Cade is incredible. I think Cade is ready to take them next steps, man. He’s got his team number one in the East, came off the All-Star break 42 and 9 at the Garden, owning the New York Knicks,” Green said. “Cade Cunningham owns the New York Knicks. He’s making everybody better. He’s scoring the basketball. He’s so poised. You can’t speed him up. It’s so fun to watch. The way he’s received Detroit basketball is insane.”

The Pistons are a perfect 3-0 against the Knicks this season.

“It’s been fun to watch, man. Really enjoying watching the growth of Cade Cunningham. I remember talking a little junk to him his rookie year. Like, ‘Aw man, you ain’t it.’ He was like, “I ain’t it? What?” So, I love to see it,” Green added. “To see him come into his own, grow into the guy he’s growing into.”

Draymond Green says Cade Cunningham OWNS the Knicks

“42 and 9 at the Garden, owning the New York Knicks. Cade Cunningham owns the New York Knicks… The way he’s received Detroit basketball is insane.”

(via @DraymondShow)

pic.twitter.com/dUYGUyUEW9

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 23, 2026

For many, Cunningham is strengthening his case to win this year’s MVP award over candidates such as Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Denver Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic.

J.B. Bickerstaff’s MVP statement on Pistons’ Cade Cunningham

Pistons All-Star Cade Cunningham undoubtedly has coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s vote for MVP. Bickerstaff discussed Cunningham’s impressive season after Cade’s historic 42-point performance in the Pistons’ 15-point victory against the Knicks, he said, per The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson.

“He’s been that all year long. I don’t think you pick an MVP based on just one game or one statement. He’s been this way for the entire season. He’s dominated both ends of the floor and impacted winning in a major way,” Bickerstaff said. “This is just another night of him being the same and doing the same he’s done night in and night out for us.

“Credit to him, credit to his work, credit to his conditioning, his will to want to win, his ability to be a great teammate and lead. That’s who he has been all season.”

Asked J.B. if Cade Cunningham made a statement for his MVP case with tonight’s performance:

“He’s been this way for the entire season. He’s dominated both ends of the floor and impacted winning in a major way. So this was just another night of him being the same.” pic.twitter.com/jlkcV1qdFt

— Hunter Patterson (@HunterPatterson) February 20, 2026

Cunningham and the Pistons are on a five-game winning streak, including seven of their last eight games.

The post Draymond Green says Pistons’ Cade Cunningham ‘owns’ the Knicks after MSG gem appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Hayes, the No. 7 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, spent over three seasons with the Detroit Pistons before they released him midway through the 2023-24 campaign. He signed with the Brooklyn Nets last season, spending most of his time with the team’s G League affiliate before a short NBA stint on a 10-day contract.

The 6-foot-5 point guard averaged 9.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists on 42/38/83 shooting splits in 27.0 minutes per game across six appearances with Brooklyn. However, the Nets chose not to re-sign Hayes at the conclusion of his 10-day deal.

Killian Hayes signing 10-day contract with Kings after Cavs G League stint

Hayes turned down EuroLeague interest this offseason and signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers ahead of training camp. The Cavaliers waived him and assigned him to their G League affiliate. He impressed during his G League stint, averaging 22.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.6 steals on .474/.318/.804 shooting splits across 19 appearances.

Hayes should have an opportunity to prove his worth with the reeling Kings, who recently shut down Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter for the season.

With LaVine sidelined, Russell Westbrook has served as Sacramento’s starting point guard in recent games. Devin Carter has filled the point guard minutes with the second unit.

The Kings will travel to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.

The post Kings adding former No. 7 overall pick amid historic losing streak appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Saturday night’s matchup marked the first time the Pistons shared the court with former teammate Jaden Ivey after the former first-round pick was traded to Chicago at the NBA Trade Deadline. Detroit’s entire team went to talk and catch up with Ivey in a very emotional embrace.

Detroit center Jalen Duren was asked about their bond with Ivey after the game concluded.

“That’s my brother, man. I came into the league with him since day one. That’s family forever, bro. That’s my favorite player, I love that guy,” Duren stated while fighting back tears.

Detroit found itself in a difficult situation regarding Ivey’s future. He suffered a gruesome leg injury against the Orlando Magic when guard Cole Anthony dove into his leg.  He was taken off the floor on a stretcher and missed the rest of his third season.

After completing his rehab, Ivey had another injury setback during preseason. He required another surgery to heal issues with his knee coming into the 2025-26 season. The injuries impacted his game a lot as his numbers came down drastically. His once unstoppable speed was diminished and the high-profiled athleticism did not look the same.

Instead of waiting out for the recovery, the Pistons opted to deal Ivey to the Bulls for forward Kevin Huerter. Ivey was playing in a contract year as a restricted free agent. Detroit decided to give Ivey a fresh start elsewhere instead of gambling on waiting for his recovery to agree on a contract extension.

Ivey was putting up career-high scoring numbers before that injury. The Pistons were witnessing a significant scoring jump with 17.6 points per game on 46% shooting from the field and 40.9% from 3-point range.

Ivey was drafted to the Pistons with Duren in the first round during the 2022 NBA Draft. The former Purdue guard was selected at No. 5 overall before Detroit traded up to acquire Duren at No. 13.

Jalen Duren dominates in return to the lineup

The Pistons got a boost back to their roster as Duren came back from his suspension. After missing the previous two games due to the brawl against the Charlotte Hornets, the Pistons’ All-Star center looked like he hadn’t missed a step at all against the Bulls.

Duren was a major focal point of Detroit’s domination in its road victory. He scored 26 points and pulled down 13 rebounds, marking his 25th double-double this season. Duren’s offensive rebounding continued to produce at an elite level, with six more of them against Chicago.

The Pistons are still without backup center Isaiah Stewart for the next four games due to the fight. Veteran big man Paul Reed filled in well again in Stewart’s absence, scoring 15 points and grabbing nine rebounds.

All-Star point guard Cade Cunningham almost finished the night with a triple-double. Cunningham scored 18 points, dished 13 assists, and grabbed nine rebounds. Forward Tobias Harris also added 18 points in 30 minutes. Guard Duncan Robinson had a red-hot shooting night with 17 points and hitting five 3-pointers.

The post Pistons’ Jalen Duren opens up about reuniting with Jaden Ivey after Bulls trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Jaden Ivey injury status vs. Pistons 

Given Jaden Ivey is questionable on the injury report, the assumption is he may or may not be suiting up against his former squad.

Thursday will be the first time Ivey will play against his former team since he came to Chicago in a three-way trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was the deal that sent Kevin Huerter to the Pistons, who will be making his first return to Chicago.

So far, Ivey has played four games with the Bulls. He is averaging 11.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Overall, Ivey played 33 games with Detroit and averaged 8.2 points and 16.8 minutes per game.

Meanwhile, his minute totals have shot up, as he is averaging 28.8 minutes per game with the Bulls. Ivey is coming off a period in which his minutes went down due to recovery from a recent knee surgery.

On Feb. 7, Ivey made his first start with Chicago against the Denver Nuggets. He scored 10 points and grabbed six rebounds in 30 minutes of play. The Bulls lost 136-120. On Feb. 11, Ivey scored 10 points and played 29 minutes against the Boston Celtics. Chicago lost 124-105.

So, when it comes to whether Jaden Ivey is playing tonight vs. the Pistons, the answer is probably.

Bulls injury report

Jaden Ivey (Left Patellofemoral; Pain Syndrome)-Questionable

Guerschon Yabusele (Left Calf; Contusion)-Probable

Pistons injury report

Isiah Stewart (League Suspension)-Out

Tolu Smith (Right Knee; Contusion)-Questionable

The post Is Jaden Ivey playing tonight? Bulls vs. Pistons injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Perkins said his top tier consists of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic, with Cunningham now next in line.

“It’s SGA, Giannis, Jokic and guess who’s right there next after them? It’s Cade Cunningham,” Perkins said. “Cade Cunningham has just leapfrogged Luka Doncic as far as top five players in the NBA in my eyes. Jaylen Brown is in that conversation right now as well. You know why? Forget the point that he gave them 40 piece off flats, it’s the eight rebounds, it’s the 13 assists, and Cade Cunningham plays both sides of the basketball. Jaylen Brown plays both sides of the basketball.”

Cunningham, 24, is putting together a career season for the Detroit Pistons. Through 48 games, he is averaging 25.7 points, a career-high 9.7 assists, 5.7 rebounds and a career-high 1.5 steals in 35 minutes per contest. He is shooting 46.3 percent from the field and 33.5 percent from 3-point range while leading Detroit to the NBA’s best record at 41-13.

Kendrick Perkins says Cade Cunningham has ‘leapfrogged’ Luka Doncic in his top 5 players list

“It’s SGA, Giannis, Jokic and guess who’s right there next after them? Cade Cunningham… He plays both sides of the basketball.”

(via @RoadTrippinShow) pic.twitter.com/A5VtWYNxgY

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 20, 2026

Kendrick Perkins weighs Cade Cunningham vs. Luka Doncic in top-five debate

He reinforced Perkins’ point in Thursday’s 126-111 victory over the New York Knicks following the All-Star break. Cunningham finished with 42 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds, two blocks and a steal, shooting 17-for-34 from the field and 5-for-11 from beyond the arc in 38 minutes.

Doncic, 26, is also producing at an elite level for the Los Angeles Lakers. He is averaging a career-high 32.8 points, 8.6 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals across 42 games. He is shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from 3-point range in 35.5 minutes per game, helping guide Los Angeles to a 33-21 record and the fifth seed in the Western Conference.

The Lakers return to action Friday night when they host the Los Angeles Clippers, who enter at 27-28, at 7 p.m. PT on ESPN.

Perkins’ rankings reflect a growing belief that Cunningham’s two-way impact and team success have elevated him into the league’s elite conversation, even amid Doncic’s historic offensive output.

The post Why Cade Cunningham ‘leapfrogged’ Luka Doncic in Kendrick Perkins’ top player rankings appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Cunningham produced 42 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds in 38 minutes, shooting 17-for-34 from the field (50 percent), 5-for-11 from three-point range, and 3-for-3 at the foul line. He finished with one steal, two blocks, five turnovers, and zero fouls. The 24-year-old accounted for 24 of Detroit’s 58 first-half points and scored 14 in the opening quarter, hitting three 3-pointers as the Pistons erased a 9-2 deficit with a 21-8 run. He closed the first half with eight points and an assist during a 7-0 burst that sent Detroit into halftime ahead 58-48.

Cunningham’s stat line made franchise history. He became the first Pistons player to post at least 40 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, and five made 3-pointers in a single game. It was his third 40-point game of the season, his 28th double-double, and he finished four points shy of his career high. He is now third in the MVP odds at +700 on BetMGM, behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (-150) and Nikola Jokic (+275).

Meanwhile, Detroit improved to 41-13, the best record in the NBA, six games ahead of the Boston Celtics in the East and seven up on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Central Division. The Pistons have won nine of their last 11 games and completed a three-game season sweep of New York by a combined 84 points, extending their regular-season winning streak over the Knicks to six games after previously losing 16 straight in the matchup.

Playing without suspended centers Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, Detroit still won the rebounding battle 44-38 and outscored New York 58-56 in the paint. Paul Reed started at center and recorded 18 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, while Tobias Harris contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds. Ausar Thompson scored 10 points.

New York shot 47.1 percent overall but just 8-for-35 (22.9 percent) from three. Jalen Brunson scored 33 points with eight assists, and Karl-Anthony Towns had 21 points and 11 rebounds.

The Knicks will next host the Houston Rockets on Saturday, while the Pistons will travel to Chicago to face the Bulls.

The post Cade Cunningham’s explosion vs. Knicks has never been done in Pistons history appeared first on ClutchPoints.

This was the first and only regular-season matchup between the two teams at MSG, a historic arena that regularly serves as a national stage to crown young breakout players. Two-time All-Star Cade Cunningham took advantage of that platform and put up a career performance to anchor the Pistons’ victory.

New York could not stop Cunningham, as he finished his night with 42 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds, and two blocks. Cunningham has looked dominant against the Knicks all season, averaging 27.3 points and 11 assists per game in the three games against New York. Pistons’ head coach J.B. Bickerstaff doubled down on his point guard’s emergence with a co-sign for Cunningham as the league MVP.

“He’s been that all year long. I don’t think you pick an MVP based on just one game or one statement. He’s been this way for the entire season. He’s dominated both ends of the floor and impacted winning in a major way,” Bickerstaff explained during the postgame press conference. “This is just another night of him being the same and doing the same he’s done night in and night out for us. Credit to him, credit to his work, credit to his conditioning, his will to want to win, his ability to be a great teammate and lead. That’s who he has been all season.”

Even Cunningham believes he is worthy of the regular-season award. When asked about his MVP case, he did not run from his true feelings by delivering a short explanation.

“I think I am (MVP). And if you don’t agree with me, that’s your opinion,” Cunningham exclaimed to ESPN.

Pistons continue to dominate the Knicks

This continues to be one of the most anticipated matchups in the league. Last year’s first-round battle served as one of the best postseason battles of the spring. The Pistons have not been shy on the motivation of that first-round loss when facing off against the Knicks.

Detroit maintained clear momentum against the Knicks for much of the night. New York only led for a brief moment in the first half before the Pistons found their groove on both ends of the floor and never looked back.

The Pistons’ lead grew as big as 19 points in the second half. They did a solid job of responding to runs made by New York by forcing timely turnovers and converting offensively.

This blowout was done with another shorthanded Pistons roster, as centers Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart were out serving suspensions due to their fight against the Charlotte Hornets. Duren will be available next game Saturday as his two-game suspension is now done. Stewart still has five games left of his seven game suspension.

Backup center Paul Reed had another impactful performance for the Pistons, scoring 18 points and grabbing seven rebounds in 29 minutes. Forward Tobias Harris added a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Pistons’ bench unit made their presence felt as well, scoring 36 points to help aid the victory.

The post Pistons’ J.B. Bickerstaff makes Cade Cunningham MVP statement after monster game vs. Knicks appeared first on ClutchPoints.

During Pistons media day, Cunningham revealed that he had spoken with the Hall-of-Famer on potentially working out together.

“Me and Melo, we had talked a couple times,” Cunningham said back in September 2025. “We set up a couple workouts. One in Vegas and one in New York, but we just haven’t been able to link up. Our schedules were mixed up… I’m just trying to find ways to be the best version of myself this season and having respect from legends like that means a lot of as far as confidence and everything. I just want to continue to grow and get better.”

Carmelo Anthony, who has since joined NBC Sports as their analyst, recently spoke about Cunningham’s rise on a call with media for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

“I love it,” Anthony exclaimed. “I’ve been a fan and have been watching Cade since high school. I’ve watched his growth, development, and maturity over the past four or five years. We’ve been in contact. He reached out to get in the gym and wanted to work on certain aspects of his game. I saw that as a sign of maturity, with him wanting to slow the game down and wanting to pick his spots. He wants to get to his spots where he can be aggressive and efficient and take advantage of the mismatches. We’ve been talking, watching film and talking film. I’m that mentor for him and providing insight.”

This isn’t the first time Carmelo Anthony has spoken highly of the Detroit Pistons star. Back in March 2025, the former Nuggets and Knicks star highlighted Cade Cunningham on his podcast, “7PM in Brooklyn.”

“I think we seeing the development of Cade Cunningham,” Anthony said. “The patience of like going through the process. He’s starting to find his pace, find his flow, find his speed, his confidence, he’s shooting the ball. He doing s*** that’s like ‘I’m here,’ and as a result, they winning.”

Cade Cunningham is having another strong season for the Pistons, averaging 25.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 9.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 33 percent from three. In 47 appearances this season, Cunningham is averaging career highs in assists, steals, blocks, and two-point field goal percentage.

Cunningham has led the Pistons to the best record in the Eastern Conference and the second-best record in the NBA at 40-13.

The Pistons open up their post-All-Star break schedule with a two game road trip against the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls. Given Carmelo Anthony lives in New York and had previously scheduled a workout with Cunningham in the Big Apple, it’ll be interesting to see if the two have an opportunity to get together before Thursday night’s game.

The post Carmelo Anthony’s Cade Cunningham plan will catch fans’ attention appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Pistons exude toughness on both ends of the court, with some claiming that they are reminiscent of the team’s “Bad Boys” era from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Others, however, are not happy with the Pistons, saying they are too rough and too physical.

Detroit coach JB Bickerstaff, however, begged to differ, as he noted in an appearance on Road Trippin’.

“People have been talking about, and limiting what our guys’ basketball capabilities are, and calling them just like rough house and goons and those types of things,” said Bickerstaff.

“Our guys get grabbed, held, and wrestled. You go back and watch us every single night and watch the things that happen, and it’s physical, right? We dish out as much as we take, but we don’t cross the line, okay? That’s what I want everybody to be aware of. Our guys go out and impact winning basketball games through their physicality and through the toughness of it all.”

Recently, the NBA suspended Duren for two games and Isaiah Stewart for seven games for fighting with the Charlotte Hornets. It was not the first time that Duren and Stewart were involved in an altercation.

Bickerstaff, who joined the team in 2024, acknowledged that while they are trying to emulate the “Bad Boys” era of the Pistons, they are not trying to deliberately hurt anybody. He stressed that they are simply playing hard for the fans because that is what’s expected of them.

“They love that style of play, that grittiness, that toughness, you know, the ability to not back down from anybody, to play a selfless brand of basketball, and do things that are extremely difficult every night,” added Bickerstaff.

Detroit will return to action on Thursday versus the New York Knicks.

The post JB Bickerstaff fires back at critics calling Pistons goons appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Bickerstaff was on the podcast “Road Trippin,” where he was talking about Cunningham and how he continues to impress him this season. The closest comparison he could think of is the Miami Heat legend in Wade, for the specific reason of making circus shots and bringing that “wow” factor.

“It’s like one night you’ll see something, you’ll be like, ‘Damn that boy’s cold.’ And then you’ll see something a week later, you’ll be like, ‘God damn.’ It’s one of those things where, I always liken it. I remember like Dwayne Wade, right? Like when Dwayne Wade became Flash, like I remember that year specifically when he was like falling down backwards and just throwing the ball up over his head, and it was just going in,” Bickerstaff said.

J.B. Bickerstaff continues talking about Pistons’ Cade Cunningham

Another comparison he made was to the 1999 film “The Matrix,” where the main character Neo, played by Keanu Reeves, is considered “the one,” which Bickerstaff mentions is how Cunningham sees himself.

“Like Cade is in that stage now where he just believes that he’s different. You and I were laughing about the Matrix, right? When Neo believed he was the one. Like Cade believes he’s the one now and like his game is translating it,” Bickerstaff said.

Bickerstaff also believes if the season ended today, he’d be the league’s MVP.

Cunningham is averaging 25.3 points, 9.6 assists, and 5,6 rebounds per game while shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range. He’s helped Detroit get to a 40-13 record, putting them first in the Eastern Conference, as the first game off the All-Star break is on Thursday night against the New York Knicks.

The post Pistons’ J.B. Bickerstaff puts Cade Cunningham in Dwyane Wade territory appeared first on ClutchPoints.

When asked for a comparison for the 25-year-old point guard, Bickerstaff surprisingly compared him to Neo, the popular character played by Keanu Reeves in The Matrix franchise, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. However, Bickerstaff believes Cunningham is more like Neo later in the series, when he discovers his true talents.

“Bickerstaff has a comp for Cunningham. ‘Neo,’ he says. ‘From The Matrix.’ Not early Neo, the overwhelmed character played by Keanu Reeves, who was red-pilled into reality. The one in the later films, says Bickerstaff, ‘who realized he was The One.'”

When asked about the comparison, Cade Cunningham admits he is not sure exactly when he figured out how to play in the NBA. The fifth-year veteran claimed that the game is slowing down around him, which is allowing the Pistons star to make smart decisions on the court.

“I don’t know. I feel like everything has just slowed down,” said Cunningham. “Every year I feel more and more sharp. I feel like I’m one of the best processors to have the ball.”

After finishing seventh in the MVP voting last season, Cade Cunningham seems to have continued his high-level of play in the 2025-26 campaign. Through 47 games played so far this season, Cunningham is averaging 25.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 9.6 assists (career-high) per game while shooting 46.2% from the floor and 33.0% from beyond the three-point line.

The post Why Cade Cunningham is like The Matrix’s Neo, per Pistons HC JB Bickerstaff appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Although the Pistons currently occupy the number one seed in the Eastern Conference by a hefty margin, many have cast doubts on their ability to carry that success over to the playoffs due to their relative lack of experience.

However, one person who doesn’t buy into those concerns is none other than legendary Pistons guard Isiah Thomas.

“That’s not a concern at all,” said Thomas, per DJ Siddiqi of R.org. “They have known-how and what I mean by know-how, they know how to win. Cade Cunningham is possibly MVP of the league. They got (Jalen) Duren, who’s an All-Star. They got (Isaiah) Stewart, who could be the defensive player of the year also. They’re covered in every area they got. They got great coaching.”

Thomas also referenced the team potentially learning from their playoff loss vs the New York Knicks last spring.

“I think that the playoff experience that they got last year playing against the Knicks, they’re ready, and they’re primed to do big things,” he said.

Also helping the Pistons is the fact that they play a physical, inside-out brand of basketball that typically translates better to the postseason than more free-flowing styles of play.

While there are still concerns about the lack of perimeter shooting on Detroit’s roster, the tandem of Cunningham and Duren, combined with the lessons learned from last year’s postseason, could be enough to propel the Pistons on a run into May, and possibly even June.

The post Isiah Thomas swats away Pistons haters with playoff truth bomb appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Pistons’ trio played a significant role in each game played during the new All-Star format. Cunningham and Duren started in a couple of the rounds while Bickerstaff was the head coach for Team Stars. Each of the Pistons shared immense pride in the opportunity to share the moment on the same team.

“It was a blessing, man. Being around the guys I go to war with every day in an environment like this at the highest level. It’s a blessing, we were all thankful to be here, and we feel lucky to be here,” Cunningham stated, per Omari Sankofa of the Detroit Free Press.

The first matchup ended with Team Stars on top, defeating Team World 37-35. Round two finished with a loss for Team Stars as Team Stripes came out victorious with a 42-40 final score. Team Stars sat for round three as Team Stripes kept Team World winless with a 48-45 victory. Round four concluded with the biggest score margin as Team Stars blew out Team Stripes from start to finish with a final score of 47-21.

Cunningham and Duren left their mark on all three rounds for Team Stars. Detroit’s starting point guard finished the weekend with 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, and four steals. Duren ended his All-Star debut with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists. One of Duren’s biggest plays was a game-winning assist to Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes for a clinching 3-pointer over Team World.

All-Star competitions normally do not focus heavily on defense, but that was not the case this year. The Pistons are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, and that energy translated through the effort of all three teams.

Team Stars featured a majority of the NBA’s up-and-coming American stars. Team Stripes had most of the proven veteran NBA stars from America. Team World was exclusively slated to the international talent featured in the league. Bickerstaff was proud of the new format and spoke on what it meant to have his players and coaching staff a part of the experience.

“It was awesome to be together. To be with guys that you spend so much time with, but to watch them be celebrated and be highlighted for something they have earned,” Bickerstaff explained to the media after the All-Star games finished. “This is not easy to get here, and it’s just special to be able to sit next to them and watch the respect that their peers have for them. You always want to be judged and graded by your peers and earn their respect, and I feel like our guys have done that.”

Cunningham was making an argument for All-Star MVP until the final round picked up. Minnesota Timberwolves Anthony Edwards walked away with the MVP trophy after a sensational scoring performance.

The post Pistons trio steals spotlight at 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend as Team Stars dominates appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Either of them may not have won the MVP honors for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, but both Zach Lowe and Bill Simmons of The Ringer credited the Pistons’ star duo for just being true competitors for the love of the game.

“I thought the Detroit guys genuinely care and that’s why the game was good,” Simmons said on the Sunday night edition of The Bill Simmons podcast.

“It’s what you like about the Pistons,” Lowe added. “The fight against Charlotte is the downside of what they are, but the upside of what they are, they legitimately just want to beat the hell out of you and out physical you, and out touch you and they want to make you quit.”

All systems go for a deep 2026 playoff run for the Pistons?

The Pistons had a taste of postseason action in 2025, falling in six games to the New York Knicks in the first round. But now, they’ve grown even further, emerging as one of the most difficult teams to beat in the NBA on a night per night basis.

Detroit simply wants to swallow their opponents whole, and it’s that nightly intensity on the defensive end that makes them so suffocating to play against. And both Cunningham and Duren set the tone for Team Stars, which certainly played a part in why they blew out Team Stripes, 47-21, in the final game of the night.

The post Pistons’ Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren credited for saving All-Star game appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Cunningham helped Team Stars win the All-Star Game at Intuit Dome on Sunday after beating Team Stripes, 47-21, in the final of the mini-tournament. He collected 14 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals in three games.

The 24-year-old guard played in his second straight All-Star Game, underscoring the fact that he has become one of the best players in the NBA. His confidence has been through the roof, and it has rubbed off on the Pistons.

When a reporter asked Cunningham where he gets his aura from, he gave a grounded response.

“I get my aura from Jesus Christ, my lord and savior, and God blessed me with parents who raised me in a way that I wouldn’t trade for the world,” said Cunningham, who grew up in Arlington, Texas, in a video posted by Detroit Free Press’ Omari Sankofa II.

Cade asked where he gets his aura: “I get my aura from Jesus Christ and my lord and savior, and God blessed me with parents who raised me in a way I wouldn’t trade for the world.” pic.twitter.com/XRaZLsl7vL

— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) February 16, 2026

He has not shied away from talking about his faith in public. He views it as central to how he approaches life, how he handles pressure, and how he tries to be a positive influence.

Cunningham heavily leaned on his faith when he suffered a season-ending shin injury in 2022-2023, only his second year in the NBA. He was limited to just 12 games. Since his return, he has only gotten better, stronger, and wiser.

The Pistons are atop the Eastern Conference at 40-13, including 8-2 in their last 10 games.

They will return to action on Thursday against the New York Knicks.

The post Pistons’ Cade Cunningham shares powerful message about his aura appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Cunningham is living up to the hype and billing as the 2021 No. 1 overall draft pick. The Pistons selected the 6-foot-7 point guard with the hope of him reshaping the culture of winning that has been missing from Detroit basketball for years. Not only has the winning impact been delivered, but the first-time All-Star starter is now establishing himself within MVP conversations.

Detroit’s franchise player has been one of the most productive players in the league, averaging 25.3 points and 9.6 assists through 47 games. Cunningham ranks first in total assists and within the top 20 in points per game. He has even improved one of the biggest flaws in bringing his turnovers down from a league-leading 4.5 per game last season to 3.7 this season.

His elite 2025-26 season has him in discussions with other MVP candidates like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and others. While he may not be in the lead of the rankings yet, he has plenty of arguments in his favor.

Best record in the NBA

The Thunder’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks right before the All-Star break gave the Pistons the best record in the NBA. Detroit’s winning success has translated well across the league. The Pistons are 17-6 against teams with winning records this season, and Cunningham has been a major reason behind that.

Detroit has been plagued by a lack of team success over the past several seasons. Media voters have overlooked them for awards due to their historic losing since Cunningham was drafted to the Pistons. With their winning improvements, that argument can’t be used against them this season.

While SGA is still viewed by many as the favorite to repeat as MVP thanks to his ridiculous numbers and OKC’s own spot at the top of the West, Detroit actually finishing with the best record in the NBA at the end of the season would be huge for Cunningham’s chances.

Two-way ability

The NBA has lately become focused more on offensive production as defense has changed significantly. Free throws and 3-point volume have gone up over the past several years. Outside of rim-protecting bigs, defensive production has become a slept-on aspect for perimeter defenders.

Cunningham has been a key contributor to the Pistons’ second-best team defense in the NBA. He is one of the top defenders in the league, allowing 43.2% shooting when defending opponents, per NBA.com’s tracking stats. Cunningham also offers elite defensive versatility as one of the best rim-protecting guards in the league.

J.B. Bickerstaff deserves a lot of credit for instilling a defensive culture in Detroit, but it wouldn’t be possible without Cunningham leading the way.

Doing more with less

One of the most significant notes about Cunningham’s career is his ability as a floor and ceiling raiser for his roster. The Pistons have never acquired another All-Star through trade or free agency during Cunningham’s tenure. Most teams like acquiring stars to help aid the development of their franchise players. Detroit still has not taken this route, but the franchise has found success through the growth of Cunningham.

Some of the most useful veteran teammates for Cunningham have been Tim Hardaway Jr., Jerami Grant, Malik Beasley, Duncan Robinson, Tobias Harris, and Paul Reed. Most of these names are considered journeymen who have helped reshape their name in the league with the help of playing next to Cunningham.

Center Jalen Duren is the first All-Star teammate to play with Cunningham. A lot of Duren’s All-Star growth is due to the assistance of Cunningham. Their pick-and-roll lob connection has become one of the most dangerous tandems in the NBA.

Cunningham has never consistently operated with the benefit of quality spacing offensively. The Pistons are ranked 21st in 3-point shooting, and opponents’ primary defensive agenda is double-teaming Cunningham.

Detroit has not made a lot of roster changes to address this, instead leaning on their defensive identity and the internal growth of their young talent. The growth has been evident, and a lot of is due to the star abilities by Cade Cunningham.

Give the man his MVP respect, whether he winds up winning it or not.

The post Cade Cunningham’s MVP case deserves more respect with Pistons holding NBA’s best record at All-Star break appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Pistons garnered a lot of attention during their viral fight with Charlotte Hornets players on Feb. 9. This resulted in the suspensions and fines of Stewart and Jalen Duren among other players from both teams. The NBA assigned the former to miss seven straight games and the latter to be out for four games.

Cunningham took part in the All-Star Weekend festivities as he was present for Media Day. Having earned a spot as an All-Star starter, he answered questions as one of them revolved around Stewart’s fines. It was there where the star guard came out in support for his teammate.

“Would you ever be the guy to pay those fines for Isaiah Stewart?” the reporter asked.

“I would. That’s my brother, man… It’s costly, but he’s the man. I wouldn’t trade him for the world,” Cunningham answered.

Reporter: “Would you ever be the guy to pay those fines for Isaiah Stewart?”

Cade Cunningham: “I would. That’s my brother, man… It’s costly, but he’s the man. I wouldn’t trade him for the world.”pic.twitter.com/CsUTWjahkS

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 14, 2026

What lies ahead for Cade Cunningham, Pistons

Cade Cunningham has been enjoying an incredible campaign as the Pistons are in the mix for serious playoff contention. He will need his best teammates to not get in too much trouble and assist him along the way.

Cunningham earned the second All-Star selection of his career this season as he is on pace for his second All-NBA selection as well. He is averaging 25.3 points, 9.6 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game throughout 47 appearances. He is shooting 46.2% from the field, including 33% from beyond the arc, and 80.8% from the free-throw line.

Detroit boasts a 40-13 record on the season, holding the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Boston Celtics by 5.5 games and the New York Knicks by six games.

The Pistons remain on hiatus until the All-Star Weekend festivities come to a close. They will resume action on the road when they face the Los Angeles Clippers on Feb. 20 at 10 p.m. ET and the Boston Celtics on Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m. ET.

The post Pistons’ Cade Cunningham open to paying Isaiah Stewart’s fines appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The next event is in 2028, when the Olympics will be in Los Angeles, California, as there is no denying that judged by 2024 Team USA and other squads, names such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant were at the forefront. With them not getting any younger, Cunningham could be one of the players that the torch gets passed to, speaking on how he could “take the torch.”

“I could take the torch by continuing to work, continue to be better each and every year, continue to take steps as far as leading this team to more and more wins,” Cunningham said, via AndScape. “Winning the championship is the ultimate goal. And then once that happens, staying poised and staying humble, coming back the next year and working every game. It’s a process.

“There’s a lot of different things that go into it,” Cunningham continued. “All those [top] guys did all that stuff and put the work in. So, that’s what I want to do.”

Pistons’ Cade Cunningham speaks on his long-term plan

While the Pistons are past the trade deadline and into the All-Star break, the team will be in contention for the postseason as they’re No. 1 in the Eastern Conference. This has been all part of Cunningham’s “long-term plan,” which includes being an All-Star, winning a championship for Detroit, and being in the Olympics.

“The L.A. All-Star Game was part of that plan,” Cunningham said. “I wanted to make sure I’m in there. And then win a championship and be an Olympic point guard.”

At any rate, the Pistons are 40-13, at the top of the East, as the team looks to build a comfortable lead.

The post Pistons’ Cade Cunningham intends to ‘take the torch’ from Stephen Curry, LeBron James for 2028 Olympics appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get a big head. Something my grandma used to always say is ‘Just stay humble.’ And this was way before I was ever known for basketball or anything. I had nothing that people were gassing me up about. But she was always saying, ‘Stay humble’,” Cunningham noted.

Cunningham has had a great season, averaging 25.3 points and 9.6 assists per game while shooting 46.2% from the floor, including 33% from the three-point line. Overall, he has been the top guy for the Pistons, and scored at least 29 points in four of his last five games leading into the All-Star Break.

But Cunningham has also been in Detroit since they drafted him in 2021. At the time, the Pistons were one of the worst teams in the NBA. In the 2023-24 season, the team had a 14-68 record, the worst in the NBA. Yet, things changed dramatically last season, when the team posted a 44-38 record and made the playoffs.

The Pistons have been even better this season, currently holding onto the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Moreover, their closest competition is the Boston Celtics, who are three games behind them. Everyone else is at least 13 games behind them in the standings. Still, the Pistons made some trade deadline moves. But that did not change how Cunningham views the team or himself.

“I don’t want to be too big time for anybody or anything. The whole team is built like that. A lot of guys on this team overcame a lot to get here. And so, we kind of bond over that,” Cunningham explained.

The post Why Pistons’ Cade Cunningham won’t get a ‘big head’ over team’s success appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“Detroit Pistons All-Star and Arlington, Texas native Cade Cunningham has purchased a minority ownership stake of his hometown MLB team, the Texas Rangers, he told ESPN,” Charania wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

This is not the first athlete to have an ownership stake in professional sports teams, and he joins the likes of LeBron James, Patrick Mahomes, Lewis Hamilton, and others.

Cunningham is in exclusive company with his stake, as he was able purchase a stake with his hometown team.

The Rangers are a solid baseball team, as they went 81-81 last season. The hope is that they can improve this season, and they recently reunited with a player who helped them win the 2023 World Series, Jordan Montgomery.

Montgomery hasn’t pitched since 2024, when he was with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He posted a 6.23 ERA and was in and out of the starting rotation for the team. Last March, he underwent hybrid elbow ligament reconstruction, and he’s still working his way back to the mound.

It would be big for the Rangers if they could win the World Series or make a big postseason run while Cunningham has a stake in the team, and it would be a win-win for both sides.

The post Arlington native Cade Cunningham joins Rangers’ ownership group appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Their suspensions had little impact on Wednesday night’s outcome. Detroit entered the game short-handed and still came out on top with a 113-95 road victory over Toronto. The Pistons closed the night picking up their 40th win of the regular season and remaining No. 1 in the Eastern Conference.

Backup big man Paul Reed filled in for Duren and Stewart’s absence. Reed overwhelmed the Raptors all game, scoring 22 points, grabbing five rebounds, blocking four shots, and swiping three steals. Pistons’ head coach J.B. Bickerstaff was overjoyed with excitement by the production of Reed when discussing him during the postgame media session.

“He’s B-Ball. That’s what he does. Basketball is what he eats, sleeps, bleeds, and every time he gets an opportunity it’s quick-twitch and ready to go. A guy who prepares himself every day like he’s going to start and play 48 minutes,” Bickerstaff stated.

Reed is not a regular rotation player for the Pistons every night. He normally comes in when the team’s front-court depth is limited or when energy is needed for pick-up. Reed made a tremendous impact against the Hornets when thrown in after the ejections, and that carried over against the Raptors.

Raptors couldn’t contain Paul Reed

Toronto struggled out the gate to contain the Pistons’ backup center. Reed scored his first 16 points in the first quarter alone to set the tone for Detroit. Reed spoke on his ability to step in when circumstances like these arise.

“You have a team full of guys that’s hungry, that’s ready to go out and compete at the highest level. The suspensions are unfortunate but they trust me and Tolu (Smith) to come in and help us get dubs. That’s what it says about the team, about the front office bringing us in,” Reed explained.

“At this point, my minutes aren’t always consistent but I know teammates and coaches are expecting me to come in and be ready, so that’s what I’m going to do and I take pride in that and my preparation. Knowing if anything goes left, I can step up and provide huge minutes.”

The Pistons will be without Duren for one more game as he was suspended for two. Stewart will miss the next six games to complete his seven game ban from competition. Detroit has dealt with rotating lineups all season creating opportunities for players like Reed to chip in. He is likely to play a key role during that stretch when the Pistons return from the NBA All-Star break.

All-Star point guard Cade Cunningham came close to his fifth triple-double of the season. He finished the night scoring 28 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. The scoring came in efficient fashion as he hit 9-of-14 shots from the field and 6-of-11 3-point attempts. Cunningham had another productive night on defense adding three steals to his stat line.

The post How Pistons blew out Raptors despite Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart suspensions appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Defense. Defense. Defense. And maybe, a wide receiver. The Commanders have to hit these positions hard. And then make a home-run pick with their No. 7 overall selection in the NFL Draft.

Leading the way on the free-agent target list should be this impressive defensive end.

Commanders should target edge rusher Jaelan Phillips

There’s a clear-cut reason to pursue Phillips. He fits a major need for the Commanders. They should sign him and still draft an edge rusher at No. 7.

Phillips hasn’t been a huge sack guy, but he does fine in quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.

“Injuries have plagued Phillips‘ career, but he looked closer to his best after arriving in Philadelphia ahead of the trade deadline,” PFF wrote. “From Week 10 on, he earned a 70.2 PFF pass-rush grade and generated 44 total pressures.”

Phillips’ 77.1 pass-rush grade was the second-highest of his career. His pass-rush win rate ranked in the top 20 of the NFL among qualifying edge defenders.

There’s still a lot to like about Phillips, a former first-round pick who is only 26 years old.

Phillips said he doesn’t know whether he will stay in Philadelphia, according to pennlive.com.

“I don’t really know,” Phillips said. “It’s up to my agent and ultimately up to me, too. But it’s my first experience with it, so I’m not really sure how it plays out. But we’ll see. I’m excited.

“Obviously, I’ve got a family now. I’ve got a kid on the way, so I’ve got to think about that. But also, I want to be on a competitive team, in an environment where I love the guys I’m around and love the organization that I’m playing for. I feel like I feel that here. Ultimately, I’m confident in myself. That wherever I do end up, I’ll be able to make the most out of it.”

Commanders should also consider edge rusher Odafe Oweh

It may not seem like something an NFL team would do. But the Commanders wouldn’t be crazy to bring in two edge rushers. The position failed the team in 2025. A huge upgrade is sorely needed.

So if the Commanders decided to go with a linebacker, cornerback, or receiver at No. 7, why not bring in Odage Oweh along with Phillips?

Oweh looked the part with the Chargers this year. He recorded 7.5 sacks in 12 games with Los Angeles. His effort in the Wild Card loss to the Patriots showed everything, with three sacks and two forced fumbles.

“A midseason trade from the Baltimore Ravens to the Los Angeles Chargers sparked a career year for Odafe Oweh at an ideal time as he heads toward free agency,” PFF wrote. “He recorded three sacks and two forced fumbles in the Chargers’ playoff loss to the New England Patriots and ranked 11th among edge defenders in PFF pass-rush win rate (16.5%) after arriving in Los Angeles.”

Oweh won’t get away from the Chargers easily, as they will likely try everything to keep him around, according to The Athletic.

“Oweh should be the Chargers’ priority as they assess their remaining in-house free agents,” Daniel Popper wrote. “He is still only 27. He is an ascending player who started to show more variety in his pass-rush arsenal after joining the Chargers. He is a known quantity in this defense.”

Commanders need WR Alec Pierce

If the Commanders can’t get both edge rushers, they need to get one and also reel in a veteran receiver who is coming into his own as a potential NFL standout. That’s what Pierce brings to the table, according to Pro Football Focus.

“Pierce delivered a career year in 2025, ranking 16th among wide receivers in PFF receiving grade (81.0) and 17th in yards per route run (2.10),” PFF wrote. “A true downfield threat, he led the NFL in average depth of target (20.0) and yards per reception (21.3).”

This is precisely the guy the Commanders and Jayden Daniels need. Combined with Terry McLaurin on the other side, the Commanders would give defenses a lot of worry.

At 25 years old, Pierce could be entering a three- or four-year prime. He’s already shown a lot of it, according to The Athletic.

“His ability to flip the field on deep catches and win 50/50 balls, while also expanding his route tree to have more of an impact in the short and intermediate passing game, will have suitors lining up to sign him,” James Boyd wrote.

The post 3 sneaky good NFL free agents Commanders must sign in 2026 offseason appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Draymond Green Show, the Golden State Warriors veteran questioned Diabate’s actions during the sequence that led to multiple suspensions.

“He got mushed and then proceeded to act like he wanted to go at Jalen Duren, but when he went at Jalen Duren, people was kind of holding him back, but not really holding him back,” Green said. “So, if he wanted to get at Jalen Duren, he could have got at Jalen Duren. He didn’t really try to get there. That was along the baseline. As it spilled up the sideline, he continued to try to go at Jalen Duren. And he didn’t necessarily want to get there, but he acted like he was trying to get there. And it’ll be interesting to see because he’s going to get probably suspended for at least a game when quite honestly he didn’t do much.”

The incident occurred during Monday night’s matchup between Charlotte and Detroit, when tensions escalated following a physical exchange between Diabate and Duren. After being shoved in the face, Diabate appeared to respond as players from both teams converged near the baseline.

An overhead broadcast angle later showed Diabate throwing at least one punch toward Duren and attempting another before being restrained. The scuffle expanded as Hornets forward Miles Bridges entered the fray and struck Duren, prompting Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart to leave the bench area and confront Bridges.

Draymond Green reacts to Moussa Diabate, Miles Bridges suspensions

Green also referenced Diabate’s Michigan basketball background while noting that Bridges, a Michigan State product, stepped in to defend his Hornets teammate during the altercation.

The NBA subsequently issued suspensions to all four players involved. Diabate and Bridges each received four-game suspensions. Duren was suspended for two games, and Stewart was handed a seven-game suspension for leaving the bench and escalating the confrontation.

Despite the controversy, Diabate has been a key contributor to Charlotte’s recent surge. The 24-year-old center has helped guide the Hornets to a 15-9 record in games he has started this season. Across 50 appearances, he is averaging a career-high 8.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 63.2% from the field in 25.2 minutes per contest.

Charlotte (25-29) currently sits 10th in the Eastern Conference standings as it looks to regain momentum following the end of its nine-game winning streak. The Hornets are scheduled to face the Atlanta Hawks (26-29) on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. ET before the league breaks for 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

Green’s comments add another layer to an incident that has already drawn league discipline, while Charlotte attempts to move forward during a pivotal stretch of the season.

The post Warriors’ Draymond Green insinuates Hornets forward Moussa Diabate did not want Jalen Duren fight appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“Detroit Pistons forward-center Isaiah Stewart has been suspended seven games for leaving the bench area, aggressively entering an on-court altercation, and fighting, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations,” the statement read. “The length of Stewart’s suspension is based in part on his repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts.

“Additionally, Charlotte Hornets forwards Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabaté have each been suspended four games for fighting and escalating the altercation, and Pistons center Jalen Duren has been suspended two games for initiating the altercation and fighting.”

It all started with Duren and Diabate, as a foul caused the two to get heated. Diabate headbutted Duren, and Duren mushed Diabate in the face. Tempers really started to flare then, and players had to be held back. That’s when Miles Bridges came up and sneak attacked Duren, and Isaiah Stewart came from the Pistons’ bench and started going at Bridges.

All four players were ejected from the game. Following the game, Duren shared his thoughts about the fight.

“As the year’s been going on, teams like to try to get in our head,” Duren said. “This ain’t the first time people have tried to be, you know, extra aggressive with us, talk to us, whatever the case may be. I think as a group, we’ve done an OK job handling that energy and intensity, but at the end of the day, emotions got high, everybody being competitive — we’re all men, so things happen.”

Bridges went on social media and took a dig at Stewart.

“They enforcer was grabbing hair he wasn’t trynna box fr,” Bridges said on an Instagram post.

The post Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Duren, Miles Bridges, Moussa Diabate suspended for Pistons-Hornets fight appeared first on ClutchPoints.

But despite the suspension, luckily for him, it won’t affect his participation during the All-Star Weekend festivities, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.

“Detroit Pistons star Jalen Duren will be allowed to participate in the All-Star Game this weekend if he’s hit with a multiple-game suspension, sources say,” Haynes wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Haynes reported this before the suspension news was announced.

The fight started between Duren and Hornets center Moussa Diabate, as a foul caused the two to get tangled up. Diabate headbutted Duren, and Duren responded by mushing Diabate in the face. That’s when tempers started to flare up, and players had to be held back. It didn’t stop there, as Miles Bridges came up and sneak-attacked Duren, and Isaiah Stewart came from the bench and started going at Bridges.

All four players were ejected from the game, and Duren shared his thoughts in the locker room following the matchup.

“As the year’s been going on, teams like to try to get in our head,” Duren said. “This ain’t the first time people have tried to be, you know, extra aggressive with us, talk to us, whatever the case may be. I think as a group, we’ve done an OK job handling that energy and intensity, but at the end of the day, emotions got high, everybody being competitive — we’re all men, so things happen.”

In addition to Duren getting a two-game suspension, Stewart received seven games for coming off the bench and being a repeat offender, while Diabate and Bridges both received four-game punishments.

The post Pistons star Jalen Duren’s suspension won’t keep him out of All-Star festivities appeared first on ClutchPoints.

A visibly frustrated Duncan Robinson chose to walk away from Monday night’s fracas between the Detroit Pistons (39-13) and Charlotte Hornets (25-29), but plenty of people are supporting his decision.

You can add a retired NBA player to the list. Vernon Maxwell, who won back-to-back championships with the Houston Rockets and also played for seven other teams during his 13-year career, understands why the Pistons wing avoided the scrum.

“I respect what Duncan did,” Maxwell told FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back.” “Stay your a** out the way, Duncan. I wouldn’t even notice that unless someone brought it up. I’m cool with that. Duncan don’t want no problems. He’s from the suburbs.”

Robinson has made a name for himself in the NBA by being a superb 3-point shooter. He is not known for his physicality. The New Hampshire native also saw that the melee had gotten out of hand.

Vernon Maxwell "respects" what Duncan Robinson did during the Hornets-Pistons fight

"Stay your a** out the way, Duncan…I'm cool with that. Duncan don't want no problems. He's from the suburbs."@MichelleDBeadle | @boogiecousins | @TeamLou23 | @VernonMaxwell11 pic.twitter.com/qPEDGQPFPH

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) February 10, 2026

Once Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart came flying off the bench and went to war with Miles Bridges, everyone knew bedlam had officially arrived. Yes, Hornets center Moussa Diabate escalated the situation when he swung at Jalen Duren, but when the man they call Beef Stew enters the fray, restoring order is going to be difficult.

Duncan Robinson seemed to recognize as much, as he turned his back on the brawl and sported a look of exasperation. Hopefully, Detroit understands his perspective on the matter, but if not, the 18 points he scored in just 24 minutes of action should earn him some leeway.

Fresh off ending Charlotte’s nine-game winning streak, the Pistons will visit the Toronto Raptors (32-22) on Wednesday. The NBA desperately wants to move past this tussle. Robinson already has.

The post Pistons’ Duncan Robinson receives support from old-school player after avoiding fight appeared first on ClutchPoints.

With 30 games remaining in the 2025-2026 season, Detroit is putting the final touches on one of the greatest two-year turnarounds in NBA history. Two years after winning just 14 games, the Pistons qualified for the 2025 playoffs, where they won their first postseason game since 2008, and are on track to end the 2025-2026 season as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Pistons are in control of their own destiny at this point, an unfamiliar position in the modern NBA. The last time it entered the playoffs with the No. 1 seed, Detroit made it to the Eastern Conference Finals before falling to the Tim Duncan and Tony Parker-led San Antonio Spurs in 2007.

While the Pistons remain in the driver’s seat, they still approached the 2026 NBA trade deadline with a loaded checklist. Detroit accomplished its main objective, but whether its new roster improves its championship outlook remains to be seen.

Pistons’ 2026 NBA trade deadline moves

The Pistons did not have to make any moves at the 2026 NBA trade deadline, but they made one anyway. President Trajan Langdon’s primary goal was clearly to sell Jaden Ivey’s expiring contract, which is what Detroit’s lone move at the deadline accomplished.

The Pistons’ only move of the week was a three-team deal that sent Ivey to the Chicago Bulls, while netting Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric in return. Detroit also orchestrated a 2026 first-round pick swap with the Minnesota Timberwolves, which is top-19 protected, to complete the deal.

Chicago also acquired veteran point guard Mike Conley Jr. from the Timberwolves in exchange for cash. However, in a bizarre sequence of events, the Bulls traded Conley to the Charlotte Hornets, who subsequently waived him, and the 38-year-old is expected to re-sign with Minnesota.

Detroit has already released Saric, but Huerter is sticking with the team. The eighth-year guard is functionally replacing Ivey in the rotation, averaging 9.0 minutes in his first three games in Motor City.

Huerter is also on an expiring deal and will hit unrestricted free agency in the offseason. His contract is bigger than that of Ivey, making the deal a net loss, but Detroit has the streaky shooter on a low-risk, prove-it deal for the rest of the season.

Pistons fans might have wanted to see a better return for Ivey, but there is no danger in this deal.

Pistons’ 2026 NBA trade deadline grade

Kevin Huerter is not nearly as effective as Jaden Ivey, but the goal was never to find an upgrade. Detroit simply wanted to sell high on Ivey, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. Ivey, who started just two games in 2025-2026, has not been part of head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s vision since his return from a gruesome leg injury and likely would not have re-signed.

Adding Huerter is a low-risk move, considering the Pistons planned to lose Ivey anyway. The 6-foot-6 three-and-D wing also addressed a need for the team on paper.

While the Pistons have been one of the most efficient offenses all season, they have lacked consistent perimeter shooting. They have hit just 34.8 percent of their three-point looks as a team, 22nd in the league.

Huerter, a career 37 percent shooter from deep, can help in that department. He has struggled with his shot this season, shooting just 31.4 percent from downtown in 41 games with the Bulls, but the hope was that number would improve as he gets better looks off the drive-and-kick action that Detroit thrives on.

Huerter has yet to hit a three-pointer in his first three games with the Pistons, going 0-for-6 since the trade. The early returns have not been there, but Huerter has time to acclimate to his new situation with the All-Star break approaching.

With the Timberwolves currently sixth in the Western Conference, the Pistons are likely to acquire their 2026 first-round pick, which will be a slight improvement over their own.

If Huerter pans out, he will be a solid addition to the Pistons’ rotation down the stretch of the regular season. Even if he doesn’t, Detroit has nothing to lose with him leaving in the offseason.

Grade: B-

The post Pistons 2026 NBA trade deadline grade after 1 deal appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Stewart was among four players ejected, alongside Duren, Bridges, and Diabate.

Following his ejection, Stewart delivered a blunt, viral explanation for his actions, emphasizing that he was drafted to Detroit to bring that exact level of toughness and wouldn’t just stand by while his teammates were in a fight.

The league is now bracing for significant disciplinary action, especially for Stewart, given his history of physical altercations.

As reported by ClutchPoints, Bobby Marks said live on ESPN NBA: “When you talk about what’s happened in the past, I think Isaiah Stewart [will be suspended] 10 games.”

"When you talk about what’s happened in the past, I think Isaiah Stewart [will be suspended] 10 games."

– Bobby Marks

(via @ESPNNBA)pic.twitter.com/K7ZN0ZOEek

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 10, 2026

His prediction reflects the NBA’s likely harsh stance on players leaving the bench to participate in a fight, a violation that historically triggers severe penalties.

Stewart is no stranger to such discipline, having previously served a two-game suspension in 2021 following a bloody confrontation with LeBron James.

While Stewart is being criticized for his aggression, teammate Duncan Robinson is facing a different kind of backlash.

Robinson was called out by FanDuel TV’s Lou Williams for seemingly walking away from the fracas while his teammates were still engaged.

Williams argued that turning your back during a squabble can damage locker room trust, even if Robinson has been a key contributor this season.

The Pistons, who have a long history of physical play dating back to the Bad Boys era and the Malice at the Palace, now head into their Wednesday matchup against the Toronto Raptors with the looming threat of multiple suspensions and fines hanging over the organization.

The post Analyst predicts Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart will be suspended 10 games for Hornets brawl appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Some great examples of enforcers are Dennis Rodman, Bill Laimbeer, and Charles Oakley. While the enforcer role isn’t as common in the modern NBA, especially because the league has cracked down on physical altercations, there are a few left of the dying breed. That was on display in the Detroit Pistons vs. Charlotte Hornets game on Feb. 9. While fights were breaking out, Isaiah Stewart rushed to the defense of his teammates to get involved in yet another squabble, proving he won’t let the role of enforcing go extinct. So, what other active players play the enforcer role well?

5. Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies

Zach Edey was a polarizing player coming out of Purdue. The 7-foot-4 big man was a force in college. He won back-to-back Naismith College Player of the Year awards, something that hadn’t been done since Ralph Sampson in the early ’80s. Many didn’t think Edey’s interior-oriented game would work in the NBA, though. Scouts were worried about Edey’s foot speed, a lack of a perimeter game, and limited passing ability out of double teams.

It ended up not mattering, though, as Edey immediately became one of the best rookies last season. His size was too much for opposing players to handle, as Edey was a force on the glass and as a paint scorer during his first season. Edey also established himself as an enforcer for the Memphis Grizzlies. In addition to his 7-foot-4 height, Edey weighs 305 pounds. Nobody wants to mess with that, nor could they if they really wanted to.

While he doesn’t have tons of NBA tape yet, Edey has already stepped up to his teammates’ defense on multiple occasions throughout his young career. That is admirable, considering Edey’s young age. Unfortunately, Edey has been limited to just 11 games in year two. He has had ankle problems, something that is extremely worrisome for a man of his size. Hopefully, Edey can get healthy and return to the court to be a big body that nobody wants to mess with.

4. Lu Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder

Historically, winning teams had enforcers to take on the dirty work. That has been proven true in the modern NBA, too. The Oklahoma City Thunder are the defending NBA champions, and they have an enforcer in Lu Dort. The Canadian forward is solid as a rock and can’t be moved from his space. He is built like a football player, and sometimes he plays like it.

The Thunder win a lot of games, and they rely on Dort to make sure opposing teams don’t take their frustrations out on players like reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Enforcers can get a little dirty sometimes, too, and Dort is no exception. In addition to being a ball of muscle, he has become known for tripping opponents and ensuring the players that he plays against walk away with a few extra bumps and bruises.

Dort is a rare player who can truly guard positions one through five. He doesn’t need the spotlight; he is just going to do whatever it takes to ensure his team’s success. Sometimes he crosses the line, but he is certainly one of the league’s best enforcers.

3. Dillon Brooks, Phoenix Suns

Dillon Brooks is getting the flowers he deserves this year with the Phoenix Suns. Brooks was long viewed as the NBA’s most annoying pest and one of the biggest villains in the league. Fans have seemingly come around on him this year, though. After being traded from the Houston Rockets as part of the Kevin Durant deal, Brooks has played perhaps the biggest role in the Suns being better than expected.

Brooks has never been one to shy away from irritating opposing stars. His rivalry with LeBron James is iconic. He defends the all-time great NBA player well, and he certainly gets under his skin. Brooks constantly irritates other stars, too. He plays through the whistle and knows how to use his body to create just a little bit of extra contact. He does it without it seeming too obvious, too.

Brooks’ antics led to him becoming hated with the Memphis Grizzlies, but his gritty style has become admired in Phoenix. It helps that he is having a career year scoring the ball, too. Brooks is averaging 21.1 points per game, but his insistence on annoying opponents hasn’t slowed down. Brooks is the king of rage-baiting and certainly one of the best enforcers in the NBA.

2. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

Whether Draymond Green is an enforcer or a dirty player can be debated. He has had tons of egregious moments throughout his career. His spinning punch on Jusuf Nurkic, the stomping of Domantas Sabonis’ chest, and the chokehold he put on Rudy Gobert all come to mind. Players that Green matches up against tend to end up on the hardwood more often than not.

There is no doubting that Green will always have his teammates’ backs, though. Green thrives when games get physical. He also plays with a finesse player in Stephen Curry, and he makes sure that Curry isn’t on the receiving end of too much contact or any physical altercations.

Considering his Golden State Warriors have won four championships, Green has proven that the enforcer role is still a necessary one in the NBA. Green isn’t just out there to cause chaos, though. Although his offensive game is limited, like many enforcers before him, he is one of the best defenders in NBA history. Green can guard inside or outside and has a Defensive Player of the Year award to his name. He is also a solid playmaker on offense for a big man. Green knows how to get his teammates involved. He has been doing it with Curry, the best shooter in NBA history, and a point guard who likes to play off the ball, for the entirety of his career.

1. Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons

“You don’t expect me to stay on the bench,” Isaiah Stewart said. “The f*** was I drafted to Detroit for?” The big man known as Beef Stew made his role clear after his most recent altercation. Despite being on the bench when punches were flying and pushes were happening, Stewart rushed onto the court to come to his teammates’ rescue.

Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said, “[Jalen] Duren and Stew consider themselves to be brothers. If you run two guys at one guy and you’ve already crossed the line, human instinct tells him to protect his little brother.” Bickerstaff was not only not surprised that Stewart rushed the court and attacked Miles Bridges, but he also borderline applauded it.

Stewart is willing to sacrifice ejection if it means protecting his teammates, which is evidenced by his eight career times being thrown out. This was far from the first time that Stewart has stepped up as an enforcer for the Pistons. Fans will remember when Stewart was bloodied up and chasing after LeBron James like a madman.

Stewart plays one of the most physical brands of basketball in the NBA. Everything he does is reminiscent of the Bad Boy Pistons of old, and he has carried on the legacy of an elite enforcer in Detroit quite well.

The post Isaiah Stewart and the 5 most intimidating enforcers active in the NBA appeared first on ClutchPoints.

During a new episode of ‘Run It Back,’ by FanDuel TV, former NBA player Lou Williams questioned what Duncan Robinson was doing as camera and video footage seemingly caught him walking away from the brawl while it was still ongoing.

“The only person I’m mad at is Duncan Robinson,” Williams said. “The optics are bad, Duncan Robinson. Listen, if there ever comes a time where your teammates acting like they don’t trust you, you earned that. . .you’ve got to at least go over there and grab a teammate, do something. You can’t turn your back on guys when they’re squabbling.”

The incident occurred in the third quarter when Moussa Diabate fouled Jalen Duren. Words were exchanged, and then chaos broke out after that. Ultimately, Diabate, Duren, Miles Bridges and Isaiah Stewart were ejected. Bridges escalated the altercation while Stewart did as well upon leaving the bench.

In Robinson’s case, he was the Pistons’ prime offseason acquisition. And Lou Williams’ thoughts on the brawl aside, Robinson has been a crucial part of the team’s success this year. He’s appeared in 50 games, all starts, at a little over 28 minutes per game. He’s averaging 12.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists with splits of 44 percent shooting from the field, 40.1 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 73.9 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

The Pistons’ next game is Wednesday, Feb. 11 against the Toronto Raptors while the Hornets’ next game is the same day against the Houston Rockets. It will be interesting to see if the NBA issues fines and possibly suspensions by then.

The post Duncan Robinson called out for walking away during Hornets brawl appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“Just an overly competitive game, emotions flaring,” Duren told reporters postgame. “At the end of the day, we would love to keep it basketball, but things happen. Everybody’s just playing hard.”

Duren, when asked if the fight, which came almost midway through the third quarter, was a result of back-and-forth bickering in the first half, seemed to indicate that the trash talk played a factor.

“As the year’s been going on, teams like to try to get in our head,” Duren said. “This ain’t the first time people have tried to be, you know, extra aggressive with us, talk to us, whatever the case may be. I think as a group, we’ve done an OK job handling that energy and intensity, but at the end of the day, emotions got high, everybody being competitive — we’re all men, so things happen.”

Jalen Duren on tonight’s altercation:

“Just an overly competitive game, emotions flaring. At the end of the day we would love to keep it basketball, but things happen.” pic.twitter.com/4eq7jsdtcT

— Hunter Patterson (@HunterPatterson) February 10, 2026

The officials ejected Duren, along with the Hornets’ Moussa Diabate and Miles Bridges, as well as teammate Isaiah Stewart, the latter of whom sprinted off the bench to confront Bridges. Stewart responded to a Bridges punch attempt toward Duren, eventually grabbing hold of Bridges and throwing several punches before they separated. The fight itself began between Duren and Diabate, as a foul by Diabate on Duren led to the two going forehead-to-forehead. Duren then pushed Diabate in the face, which prompted Bridges to shove Duren, and Diabate took a few swings at Duren.

The NBA has yet to announce the punishments for the players involved in the brawl, although it is highly suspected that Stewart will receive the harshest penalty. Stewart, who has the third-most technical fouls in the league this season, has been suspended four times previously; three involved fights, including one less than a year ago against the Minnesota Timberwolves. His first NBA suspension was notably over a 2021 incident involving the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, who drew blood from Stewart when he struck him in the face. Stewart barreled through multiple people in several attempts to get to James, which earned him a two-game ban.

Detroit, the Eastern Conference’s top team, continues its road trip tomorrow for a game in Toronto against the Raptors. The Pistons and Hornets are set to meet for the final time this season on April 10 in Charlotte.

The post What Pistons’ Jalen Duren said in locker room after wild Hornets brawl appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Nevertheless, the brawl is all anyone is talking about. Four players were ejected from the game. One of whom was Isaiah Stewart. After he was thrown out, Stewart evoked the spirit of the Motor City when explaining why he took part in the brawl, per Nick Carboni of WCNC.

“You don’t expect me to stand on the bench… F*ck, I was drafted to Detroit for.”

Things came to a head in the third quarter when Jalen Duren pushed Moussa Diabate following a foul. Afterwards, both teams had to be separated. Then, Stewart came off the bench to attack Miles Bridges after Bridges had thrown a punch at Jalen Duren.

“You don't expect me to stand on the bench… F*ck, I was drafted to Detroit for."

Isaiah Stewart following his ejection

(via @NickCarboniWCNC)pic.twitter.com/WohWsmJXDJ https://t.co/Stj70I50iw

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 10, 2026

In the end, Stewart, Bridges, Duren, and Diabate were all ejected. If that wasn’t enough, Hornets head coach Charles Lee was ejected for arguing with the referees over a call.

Stewart has been known to get into scuffles before, per the Detroit Free Press/Yahoo Sports. In 2021, he infamously got into it with LeBron James during a Pistons/Lakers game. James had hit Stewart while going for a rebound, which left him bloody. Stewart then had to be held back by teammates.

Ultimately, he was suspended for two games.

Meanwhile, this is the latest example of the Pistons attaching themselves to brawls. Certainly, the Bad Boy Pistons of the late 1980s and early 1990s were known for their punishing physicality.

Then, who could forget the Malice in the Palace in 2004 against the Indiana Pacers?

The post Isaiah Stewart’s F-bomb mic drop shows why he came off bench for fight appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Detroit center Jalen Duren shoved Charlotte big man Moussa Diabate in the face after a hard foul in the third quarter. Both players exchanged swings while being separated by coaches and teammates. Hornets forward Miles Bridges got involved in punching Duren during the brawl, which prompted Pistons center Isaiah Stewart to get involved in the fight as well.

Detroit’s head coach went to bat for his guys during his postgame media session, defending how the confrontation was escalated.

“We don’t want to see it get to that point. But when you go back and watch the film, they ran multiple guys at J.D. (Jalen Duren). JD and Stew (Isaiah Stewart) consider themselves to be brothers. If you run two guys at one guy and you’ve already crossed the line, human instinct tells him to protect his little brother,” Bickerstaff explained. “I hate to see it again, but that’s the nature of what happened. I hate it for Stew because of the things that are going to follow. But we weren’t the ones who crossed the line and initiated this.”

Duren, Stewart, Diabate, and Bridges were all ejected for their part in the brawl. Duren walked out of the arena flexing his jersey, pointing to “Detroit” while talking to the crowd. Stewart was spotted walking to the locker room, talking to the cameras, stating, “Did y’all expect me to just stay on the bench?”

Each player involved is likely to be suspended due to the altercation. The NBA is strict against fighting, especially when it involves a player leaving the bench. Duren even weighed in with the media on what he believed led to the brewing fight after the game.

“Teams like to try and get into our heads. This isn’t the first time teams have tried to be extra aggressive with us, talk to us, or whatever the case may be. As a group, we’ve done an ok job at handling that energy and intensity. At the end of the day, emotions got high. Everybody was being competitive; we’re all men so things happen,” Duren explained.

Pistons snap Hornets’ winning streak

The brawl took a lot of attention off of a heated game between two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte was riding a nine-game winning streak coming into Monday night’s matchup. Detroit walked away as the victor with their second straight victory and snapped Charlotte’s streak.

The Pistons led by as many as 16 points on the road against the Hornets. Detroit managed to survive a hot-shooting night from the Hornets, as they connected on 19-of-47 3-point attempts. The Pistons stuck with their gameplan and identity by playing defense and executing offensively where they normally thrive.

The interior was controlled by the Pistons as they scored 60 points in the paint. Their defensive energy was on point as well as they managed to pull off 12 steals and forced the Hornets into 21 turnovers.

All-Star point guard Cade Cunningham led all scorers with 33 points. He also corralled nine rebounds and helped his teammates by dishing seven assists.

Guard Duncan Robinson put up 18 points in 24 minutes for the Pistons. Duren contributed 15 points before his ejection. Backup center Paul Reed was a key X-factor scoring 12 points, grabbing two steals, and pulling off one block.

The 39-13 Pistons are back in action against the Raptors in Toronto on Wednesday night.

The post Pistons’ J.B. Bickerstaff defends Isaiah Stewart coming to ‘protect’ Jalen Duren in Hornets fight appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Fortunately, it did not escalate further, as cooler heads eventually prevailed. Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, Moussa Diabate, and Miles Bridges were all ejected for fighting.

With Duren and Stewart out, Paul Reed was the next man up for the Pistons. While he wanted to help his teammates, he said he had to stay on the bench to avoid being ejected as well.

“I’m pretty sure everyone wanted to help JD out, even the guys on the bench. We got each other’s back 100,000%. But we gotta play basketball, we gotta win games, and, you know, we can’t just crash out,” explained Reed in the postgame interview.

“Somebody’s gotta stay poised and stay in the moment and understand what’s at stake.”

Paul Reed on the huge fight:

“I’m pretty sure everyone wanted to help Jalen Duren, even guys on the bench. We got each others back 100,000%. We gotta play basketball, gotta win games, we can’t just crash out. pic.twitter.com/RRhgY3KoAS

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) February 10, 2026

The Pistons won the battle, 110-104, snapping the Hornets’ nine-game winning streak. Reed contributed 12 points, three rebounds, and two steals in 18 minutes.

He will probably play a bigger role on Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors, as Duren, who was named to the All-Star Game, and Stewart are expected to be suspended.

Fans on social media praised the 26-year-old Reed for remaining calm during the ugly fracas, with some even joking that a statue of him must be built outside Little Caesars Arena.

Cade Cunningham led the Pistons against the Hornets, pouring in a game-high 33 points on 12-of-27 shooting. He added nine rebounds and seven assists.

The post Pistons’ Paul Reed reveals how Jalen Duren’s fight highlights team unity appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The incident occurred with 7:09 remaining in the third quarter at Spectrum Center. Duren attacked the rim and absorbed a hard foul from Hornets forward Moussa Diabate. The contact escalated into a confrontation, with words exchanged and tempers flaring before officials intervened.

Referees ultimately ejected four players. Duren and Isaiah Stewart were sent off for Detroit, while Diabaté and Miles Bridges were ejected for Charlotte. Despite the chaos, the Pistons regrouped and secured a 110-104 victory, snapping the Hornets’ nine-game winning streak.

Detroit’s resurgence carried added weight as the victory reinforced playoff momentum, revived the franchise’s gritty reputation, and showcased a young core willing to defend teammates while thriving under pressure collectively.

SM Highlights shared a video on X (formerly known as Twitter) that captured Duren walking toward the locker room and holding up his jersey to display “DETROIT” to the crowd, with a caption that invoked the franchise’s physical legacy and Bad Boy identity.

“Jalen Duren got ejected, as he was walking back into the locker room he was showing ‘DETROIT’ on his jersey. Bad Boy Pistons are back ”

Jalen Duren got ejected, as he was walking back into the locker room he was showing “DETROIT” on his jersey.

Bad Boy Pistons are back pic.twitter.com/sgZQ1XnOC0

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) February 10, 2026

The moment carried even more weight given where the Pistons stand in the Eastern Conference. Detroit currently sits in first place in the East, owning the league’s best record at 39–13 and establishing itself as a legitimate championship contender. The win over Charlotte not only snapped the Hornets’ nine-game winning streak but also reinforced Detroit’s grip atop the standings as the season moves toward its final stretch.

League officials will review the altercation, with Stewart facing potential discipline due to leaving the bench. Suspensions could follow, but the Pistons’ message was clear. Physicality and unity remain central to its identity.

For Detroit, the win mattered beyond the scoreboard. Duren’s defiant exit symbolized a cultural shift as the team pushes deeper into the Eastern Conference race.

The post Watch Pistons center Jalen Duren’s savage move after getting ejected vs. Hornets appeared first on ClutchPoints.

All four of those aforementioned players were ejected following the brawl, and in the end, the Pistons put a halt on the Hornets’ nine-game win streak, 110-104. With Duren and Stewart receiving an early send-off to the locker room, Detroit had to rely on third-string center Paul Reed to finish the game.

Reed, in 18 minutes of play, put up 12 points, three rebounds, two steals, and one block, helping the Pistons earn a hard-fought victory. After the game, he acknowledged how necessary it was for every Piston to have Duren’s back. But not everyone has the leeway to lose their cool, and Detroit, to their credit, held steady after the brawl.

“I’m pretty sure that everybody wanted to help [Duren] out, even guys on the bench. We got each other back 100,000%. We gotta play basketball, gotta win games, so we all can’t just crash out,” Reed said in his postgame interview.

"I'm pretty sure that everybody wanted to help [Jalen]… even guys on the bench. We got each other back 100,000%. We gotta play basketball, gotta win games, we all can't just crash out."

Paul Reed on tonight's fight between Pistons and Hornets players.pic.twitter.com/gIUrIdc76T

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 10, 2026

Pistons show poise after brawl with Hornets sees their main centers get ejected

An all-out brawl like the one the Pistons and Hornets were in the middle of on Monday can certainly change the course of the game. At the time of the brawl, the Pistons were leading by eight.

With the Hornets getting the Pistons’ two main centers ejected, that could have paved the way for a comeback victory. Instead, Detroit showed the poise of a winning team and held on for the win.

The post Pistons’ Paul Reed becomes voice of reason after wild scene vs. Hornets appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Meteoric rise

The Pistons’ 2025-26 season has unfolded like a basketball renaissance in the Motor City. Detroit currently holds a 38-13 record. That is good for first place in the Eastern Conference and second overall in the NBA standings. What once looked like a patient rebuild has accelerated into full-blown contention.

Detroit’s identity is rooted in balance and defensive ferocity. They rank among the league leaders in defensive rating, thriving on physical perimeter containment and elite rim protection. Opponents rarely find clean looks. When they do, Detroit’s length disrupts rhythm. The Pistons have turned Little Caesars Arena into one of the NBA’s most hostile environments. They pair home dominance with road resilience that few contenders can match.

At the center of it all is Cade Cunningham. He has blossomed into an All-NBA caliber engine. Averaging 25.1 points and 9.7 assists per game, Cunningham orchestrates Detroit’s offense with surgical patience. His command of tempo, coupled with improved three-level scoring, has elevated the Pistons from scrappy to sophisticated.

New Detroit identity

Beyond Cunningham, Detroit’s rise has been fueled by layered roster construction. Tobias Harris has provided veteran scoring stability. Meanwhile, Caris LeVert has embraced a fluid secondary creation role capable of swinging games in spurts. Jalen Duren anchors the paint with rebounding dominance and vertical spacing. Ausar Thompson’s defensive versatility gives Bickerstaff lineup flexibility against elite wings.

Even amid injuries and rotation tweaks, Detroit has maintained continuity. Their depth has allowed them to weather absences without structural collapse.

Yet beneath the success lies a subtle tension. Sure, Detroit wins with committee scoring. However, they lack a definitive No. 2 offensive superstar. In the playoffs, where half-court shot creation becomes oxygen, that gap could widen. It was this underlying vulnerability that made the trade deadline so consequential.

Burden of being elite

It is difficult to label any move a mistake when a team owns the East’s best record. Still, the trade deadline is less about fixing flaws and more about bulletproofing championship paths. Detroit entered February not just as a playoff lock-but as a Finals threat. Rivals responded accordingly. The Cleveland Cavaliers swung big for James Harden. The Boston Celtics added Nikola Vucevic. Other contenders fortified scoring depth and playoff experience.

The Pistons, meanwhile, chose moderation. Detroit’s headline transaction sent Jaden Ivey to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Kevin Huerter, Dario Saric, and a protected 2026 pick swap with Minnesota.

On paper, the logic tracked. Detroit ranked 27th in three-point attempts. That created a spacing bottleneck around Cunningham’s drive-heavy creation. Huerter is a movement shooter with playoff experience. He should theoretically unclog offensive geometry. That said, theory and execution diverged quickly.

Huerter arrived amid a down shooting year. He is converting just 31.4 percent from beyond the arc. Saric, meanwhile, never factored into Detroit’s plans. He was waived days later to clear space for Daniss Jenkins’ contract conversion.

What remained was a shooter struggling for rhythm and the absence of a former cornerstone prospect.

Jaden Ivey paradox

Few players embodied Detroit’s rebuild optimism like Ivey. Electric in transition and fearless downhill, he once projected as Cunningham’s long-term backcourt co-star. Following last season’s leg injury, though, Ivey struggled to regain rotational traction in Bickerstaff’s defense-first ecosystem. His minutes dipped to 16.8 per game. His developmental runway narrowed on a contender prioritizing reliability over experimentation.

Still, asset valuation matters. Trading a former top-five pick for a distressed shooter and a waived veteran feels like selling low. Even if Ivey no longer fit Detroit’s timeline, his upside should have commanded a more impactful return. Instead, Detroit converted potential into modest spacing.

If the Ivey deal represented a tactical move, the broader strategic question loomed larger: Why stop there? Cunningham is playing at a superstar level, but championship teams rarely rely on a single offensive fulcrum. Harris and LeVert provide scoring, yet neither consistently bends playoff defenses the way elite co-stars do.

Detroit possessed the assets to hunt bigger prey. A $14.3 million trade exception sat unused. Future first-round picks, which are controlled deep into the next decade, offered negotiating leverage. Yet, the Pistons declined to engage the superstar marketplace.

Playing it too safe

This is the paradox of elite emergence. Detroit rose so quickly that its front office pivoted from asset accumulation to asset preservation almost overnight. They could have and maybe should have weaponized surplus picks for a title push. Instead, the Pistons opted to protect long-term flexibility. It is a defensible philosophy, sure. Despite that, this also risks undercapitalizing on a live championship window.

History shows that top seeds rarely regret aggression. They regret hesitation. The Pistons absolutely remain legitimate contenders. Cunningham is a playoff-ready engine. Their defense travels, and the depth is real. That said, postseason series often hinge on offensive shot-making under duress. When defenses trap Cunningham, who creates advantage offense consistently?

By settling for incremental shooting help instead of pursuing a true offensive co-star, Detroit may have left its ceiling just slightly lowered. In a conference where margins between finalists are razor thin, that ‘slightly’ matters.

Contention invites courage

The Pistons did not sabotage their season at the 2026 trade deadline. Far from it. Of course, they remain the East’s standard-bearer. Remember, though, that greatness demands escalation.

The Pistons traded Jaden Ivey for marginal return and declined to pursue a definitive second star. With that, Detroit chose caution at the exact moment boldness could have transformed them from contender to favorite. If June ends without a parade, the postmortem may trace back to the move they never made when the East was theirs for the taking.

The post Pistons’ biggest 2026 NBA trade deadline mistake appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart of the Pistons and Moussa Diabate and Miles Bridges of the Hornets were all ejected in the third quarter for fighting.

At first, it was Duren and Diabate who went at it after a foul call, then Stewart and Bridges also joined the fracas. Stewart was on the court when it happened, storming at Bridges off the bench.

But when the smoke cleared, it was the Pistons who had the last laugh, snapping the nine-game winning streak of the Hornets.

The Pistons DENY the Hornets a 10-game winning streak as they snap Charlotte's 9-game win streak pic.twitter.com/zEM5rEtwnZ

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 10, 2026

The Hornets were the hottest team in the league entering the game, but it did not matter to the Pistons, who took care of business despite the hostile environment.

Fans were pumped up with the win.

“The best way to settle it is with a DUB,” said @imprvattitude.

“Win + Stewart beating up that wife-beater, you couldn’t ask for anything better,” added @_Remi__1204.

“The Bad Boys Pistons are back,” wrote @YoungDon3131.

“BAD BOYS WIN AGAINST THE HORNETS. DON’T MESS WITH US,” warned @chrsdss.

“I don’t care what type of situation it is—basketball, chess, pickleball, Chutes & Ladders, frozen tag, double-dutch jump rope, mahjong, trust-fall exercise, dominoes, or whatever—I would want Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart on my team,” posted @ajcRodBeard.

Cade Cunningham led Detroit anew with a game-high 33 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.

Duren finished with 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists, while Stewart had two points.

The post Pistons have last laugh in heated game against Hornets appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In a game that already featured a full-scale brawl and four player ejections, Charles Lee found himself headed to the locker room early after a heated exchange with official John Goble. The ejection put a cap on a chaotic evening at the Spectrum Center, where the Hornets saw their impressive nine-game winning streak snapped in a 110-104 loss.

The drama reached a secondary peak with just under six minutes left in the fourth quarter. Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams was whistled for an offensive foul after colliding with Detroit Pistons big man Paul Reed. Charles Lee, who was recently named the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for January, absolutely lost it.

Hornets Head Coach Charles Lee has been ejected.

pic.twitter.com/DcL97d9v5n

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 10, 2026

He had to be physically restrained by LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and even Grant Williams himself as he voiced his displeasure. The outburst earned him two quick technicals and his first career ejection as a head coach.

It was the final straw in a game that felt like a throwback to the 90s. Earlier in the second half, a massive fight broke out after Jalen Duren fouled Moussa Diabate.

The ensuing scuffle resulted in the ejections of Moussa Diabate and Miles Bridges for Charlotte, while Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart were tossed for Detroit. The short-handed Hornets tried to rally behind the hot shooting of Kon Knueppel, but the Detroit Pistons defense was too much to overcome in the closing minutes.

While the loss hurts, the focus remains on the fire Charles Lee showed. It is rare to see a coach have to be held back by his own players, but it clearly resonated with a Charlotte squad that refused to back down from the top seed in the East. The Hornets will look to start a new streak on Wednesday, hopefully with their coach on the sidelines for the full 48 minutes.

The post Hornets’ Charles Lee ejected after arguing foul call vs. Pistons appeared first on ClutchPoints.

With 7:09 left in the third quarter and the Pistons leading 70-62, Jalen Duren was fouled on a drive to the basket by Moussa Diabate.

Duren and Diabate got face to face after the foul, and Duren shoved Diabate with an open palm. Diabate then responded by aggressively pursuing him, even attempting to swing at him with a closed fist multiple times.

Miles Bridges then attempted to go at Duren, which saw Isaiah Stewart run off the Pistons bench to engage with him.

Multiple Pistons and Hornets just went at it after Moussa Diabate and Jalen Duren get face-to-face.pic.twitter.com/FUoPo360p9

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 10, 2026

After reviewing the incident, officials have ejected both Moussa Diabate and Miles Bridges from the Charlotte Hornets, in addition to Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart from the Detroit Pistons.

Jalen Duren finished the game with 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists in 20 minutes of play. Isaiah Stewart had two points in 11 minutes of play.

For the Hornets, Miles Bridges finished with six points, four rebounds, and one assist in 20 minutes while Moussa Diabate added six rebounds in 19 minutes.

The post Jalen Duren, Miles Bridges among 4 players ejected from Hornets-Pistons after fight appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Recently, the Pistons signed Jenkins to a two-year contract after he was on a two-way deal. Many were excited for Jenkins, including his college coach, Rick Pitino, who shouted him out on social media.

“Congrats to my guy [Daniss Jenkins]. No one is more deserving!” Jenkins wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Pitino may take some of the credit for noticing the talent that Jenkins possessed, as he had him as a point guard at both Iona and St. John’s. Jenkins was big for St. John’s on and off the court, and that goes to show what kind of person he is and why Pitino liked him so much.

Jenkins has played a nice role for the Pistons this season, as he’s currently averaging 8.2 points and 3.3 assists per game, while shooting 39% from the three-point line. Outside of his shooting, he’s been a reliable perimeter defender, which has led him to stay on the court as well.

The Pistons didn’t make many moves at the trade deadline, and the biggest thing they did was acquire another shooter in Kevin Huerter. He’ll be a nice addition to the team, and it’s safe to say they have the depth on their team to compete late into the season, going into the playoffs.

If the Pistons can stay healthy, it would not be a surprise to see them make a run in the playoffs, and Jenkins would be a big part of the reason why.

The post Rick Pitino sends congratulations to Pistons’ Daniss Jenkins after signing new contract appeared first on ClutchPoints.

According to Shams Charania, Detroit is signing Jenkins to a “two-year contract,” which includes a team option for the 2026-27 season. Jenkins is currently in his second season in the NBA, as he is 24 years old, looking to make a name for himself in the league.

“The Detroit Pistons are signing two-way guard Daniss Jenkins to a two-year contract, with a team option for 2026-27, sources tell ESPN,” Charania wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “The Pistons and Jenkins’ agent, Derek Jackson of UNLTD Sports Group, negotiated the new deal using part of the team’s bi-annual exception.”

The Pistons waived a veteran to make room for Daniss Jenkins

So far this season, Jenkins has been averaging 8.2 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 rebounds per game while shooting 43 percent from the field to go along with 39.1 percent from beyond the arc. The move made by the Pistons with Jenkins, it will lead to the team cutting Dario Saric after he was acquired via the Jaden Ivey deal this past trade deadline, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.

“After signing Daniss Jenkins to a two-year contract, the Pistons are expected to waive Dario Saric, league sources told [ClutchPoints],” Siegel wrote on X.

Detroit is at a 38-13 record, which puts them first in the Eastern Conference. In the last win over the New York Knicks on Friday, Jenkins scored 18 points in 18 minutes. Jenkins looks to prove the Pistons’ decision was worth it as the next game comes on Monday against the Charlotte Hornets.

The post Pistons ink Daniss Jenkins to 2-year contract amid breakout season appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Cunningham discussed Duren’s game, per Prime’s The Crossover.

“He’s gonna be the best bigs in this league one day,” Cunningham said. “He’s on his way there.”

Cade on Jalen Duren:

"He's gonna be the best big in this league one day. He's on his way there" pic.twitter.com/Cxm1PdPEYH

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 7, 2026

In his fourth season, Jalen Duren, alongside Cade Cunningham, is a big reason the Pistons have been the No. 1 team in the Eastern Conference for much of the season. His first All-Star nod was a no-brainer, given what he means to the team’s defense and his role as one of its top scorers.

Duren has averaged 17.7 points on 63% shooting, 10.5 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game this season. He’s only 22. While the Pistons’ future remains bright, Duren is a big reason why.

The Pistons have won 10 of their last 13 games. Detroit’s 38-13 record is second to only the defending champion Thunder (40-12).

Jalen Duren misses Pistons’ win vs. Knicks due to knee injury

Pistons All-Star Jalen Duren is dealing with a knee injury, which ruled him out of Friday’s win against the Knicks. His next chance to suit up will be against the Hornets in the Pistons’ first of a four-game road trip that carries through the All-Star break.

Upon his first All-Star selection, Duren will also become the fourth Pistons player to compete in the dunk contest. He will be joining Lakers’ Jaxson Hayes and Spurs rookie Carter Bryant as this year’s participants.

The post Pistons’ Cade Cunningham reveals league-best expectations for Jalen Duren appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Thompson is halfway through the third season of his NBA career with the Pistons. He has shined as one of the best young defenders in the league, wowing crowds with his ability to make steals and block shots on a game-by-game basis.

That continued to be the case during Detroit’s showdown with New York. The play took place in the final minutes of the first half as Hart went on the fastbreak. Thompson chased him down as he went up and denied the layup by swatting the ball with his elbow.

Ausar Thompson chased Josh Hart down and blocked him with his ELBOW pic.twitter.com/r9rpr6cOMH

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 7, 2026

How Ausar Thompson, Pistons played against Knicks

It was an excellent block for Ausar Thompson to make, helping the Pistons embarrass the Knicks in a 118-80 blowout win at home.

Detroit dominated New York from start to finish, prevailing in all four quarters. The hosts boasted a 63-42 halftime lead and never looked back, keeping the Knicks’ best players in check all night.

Perimeter shooting, rebounding and stocks (steals and blocks) made big differences throughout the game. The Pistons prevailed in all three categories after making 17 3-pointers, securing 44 rebounds and recording 16 stocks. It was the opposite for the Knicks after converting eight triples, grabbing 35 rebounds and making seven stocks.

Five players scored in double-digits for Detroit in the win. Daniss Jenkins led the way with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists on 7-of-11 shooting from the field. Tobias Harris came next with 15 points and six rebounds, Isaiah Stewart had 15 points and three rebounds, while Paul Reed put up 12 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham provided 11 points and seven assists.

Detroit improved to a 38-13 record on the season, controlling the top spot of the Eastern Conference standings. They are five games above the Boston Celtics and 5.5 games above the Knicks.

The Pistons will look forward to their next matchup, being on the road. They face the red-hot Charlotte Hornets on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. ET.

The post Pistons’ Ausar Thompson somehow blocks Josh Hart’s shot with his elbow appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In the first quarter, Cunningham executed quite the move. With the game tied at six towards the eight-minute mark, Cunningham got the ball, faked the three, drove to the hoop, and split two defenders. In the end, he scored two points with relative ease.

Two defenders, no problem. pic.twitter.com/rgFsJ2XnPw

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) February 7, 2026

Cunningham has played in 44 games this year. Altogether, he is averaging 25.4 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. All the while, Cunningham is shooting 46.1% from the field. Meanwhile, the Pistons are 37-13, the best record in the Eastern Conference. Fittingly, they are taking on the 33-18 Knicks, who have the second-best record in the East.

Throughout this season, Cunningham has maintained a high level of performance, including being named an All-Star. However, he has had to deal with hip and wrist injuries in recent months.

Nevertheless, Cunningham is on top of his game. After playing the Knicks, the Pistons are slated to play four road games in the week ahead. On Monday, they will head to Charlotte to take on the Hornets.

After that, they will head north of the border to play the Raptors in Toronto on Wednesday. The following day, they will play the Knicks again in New York. Then, Detroit will head to Chicago to play the Bulls that Saturday.

On February 23, the Pistons will be back home to play against the San Antonio Spurs.

The post Cade Cunningham fights through two defenders for early bucket appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Jenkins is halfway through the second season of his NBA career with the Pistons. He has carved up a role as a key guy off the bench, making solid contributions on both sides of the ball.

Jenkins showed off his qualities with a great highlight to end the first quarter. He had the ball with less than four seconds remaining in the period as he fired the 3-pointer over Jordan Clarkson, splashing it in convincing fashion.

DANISS JENKINS BEATS THE BUZZER FROM DEEP

pic.twitter.com/G3KOAQuB2y

— Pistons Nation (@PistonsNationCP) February 7, 2026

How Daniss Jenkins, Pistons played 1st half against Knicks

It was an impressive highlight for Daniss Jenkins to add to his collection, helping the Pistons boast a convincing 63-42 lead over the Knicks at halftime.

Detroit got off to a strong start on both sides of the ball, taking a 28-17 lead after the first quarter. Even though New York recovered on the offensive side of the ball, the hosts responded by having a better scoring performance in the second period.

Perimeter shooting, rebounding and stocks (steals and blocks) have made a big difference throughout the game so far. The Pistons lead in all three categories after making 10 3-pointers, securing 24 rebounds and recording nine stocks. It hasn’t been the same for the Knicks after converting five triples, grabbing 18 rebounds and making three stocks.

Two players have scored in double-digits for Detroit so far, including Jenkins. He has 11 points, three rebounds and two assists on 4-of-7 shooting from the field. Cade Cunningham comes next with 11 points and four rebounds, Isaiah Stewart has eight points and two rebounds, while Javonte Green put up eight points and two steals.

Following their matchup against the Knicks, the Pistons will prepare for their next contest. They are on the road when they face the red-hot Charlotte Hornets on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. ET.

The post Pistons’ Daniss Jenkins beats 1st quarter buzzer with unreal triple appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Going into the matchup, the Pistons are dealing with a few injuries, with Jalen Duren having right knee soreness and Tobias Harris having left hip soreness.

The Pistons just played the first game of a back-to-back, so that may go into their status for the Knicks’ game, but this is what they are currently listed as.

Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Toias Harris, Jalen Duren’s injury status vs. Knicks

Harris is listed as probable, while Duren is listed as questionable against the Knicks. Duren left the game against the Washington Wizards after only playing 13 minutes due to knee soreness, and he didn’t return. As for Harris, he didn’t play in the Wizards game and seems more likely to suit up against the Knicks.

The Pistons ended up losing to the Wizards, which was a surprise to many, even without two of their key players. Nonetheless, anybody can get beat on any given night in the league, and a loss like that shouldn’t hurt the Pistons’ confidence.

They do know that this is a big matchup against the Knicks, and there’s a chance they could meet each other at some point in the playoffs. If Duren plays, he’ll be key in the matchup, having to go up against a frontcourt that has Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson.

For Harris, he’ll be matched up with the likes of Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, as they’ve played well for the Knicks this season as well.

The post Are Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren playing tonight? Pistons vs. Knicks injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Duren was subbed out with six minutes left in the second quarter. ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reported that Duren will sit out the remainder of the contest.

“Pistons All-Star center Jalen Duren is experiencing right knee soreness and will not return to tonight’s game against the Wizards,” wrote Siegel on X.

The 22-year-old center finished with four points and three rebounds in 13 minutes.

He was coming off a strong performance in their win over the Denver Nuggets, 124-121, on Tuesday, tallying a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds.

While the extent of Duren’s knee issue is unclear, it would be devastating for him and the Pistons if he is sidelined for a long period. He has been very instrumental in Detroit’s continued surge, teaming up with Cade Cunningham for a formidable inside-outside duo.

Duren earned his first-ever nod to the All-Star Game, and it would be unfortunate if he cannot suit up due to knee soreness. Duren did not hide his joy when it was announced that he was selected for the next month’s midseason classic in Los Angeles.

As of writing, the Pistons are trailing the Wizards, 95-84, heading to the fourth quarter.

Cunningham has 19 points, six rebounds, and six assists. He also has five turnovers.

Detroit, currently sitting on a 37-12 record, is looking for its fourth straight win.

The post Pistons’ Jalen Duren leaves game vs. Wizards with knee soreness appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The trade was announced on Tuesday, but was officially confirmed by the team on Wednesday. Pistons’ head coach J.B. Bickerstaff opened up on his time with Ivey and the difficult process of dealing him out of Detroit.

“It’s always tough. This is a tough time of year for everybody involved. You build relationships with people, you care about people, and then tough business decisions have to be made. As great as this league is, it comes with some emotional things that just aren’t always fun, but you have to deal with,” Bickerstaff explained. “J.I. (Jaden Ivey) was awesome the year and a half we were together. He wanted to do whatever he could to help his team win. [He went] through a lot of difficult situations. The way that he was playing to start the year last year and then coming back and having to play a different role, a lot of guys wouldn’t have been able to handle that. I’m extremely appreciative of the way that he handled it and the way that he continued to buy into the team and try to help the team be as successful as he could while he was here.”

Jaden Ivey on the Mend

The 2025-26 season was Ivey’s first action back after suffering a season-ending leg injury against the Orlando Magic. He also opted for surgery during the preseason to help fix a knee issue.

Ivey started 30 games last season and averaged career-high scoring numbers across the board at 17.6 points per game on 46% shooting from the field and 41% from 3-point range. He was playing about 30 minutes a game during his breakthrough stretch.

Ivey returned as a rotation player off the bench in a smaller role. The production came down significantly as he averaged 8.2 points per game in 16.8 minutes. The injuries looked like they made a big impact on his game, as his highly noted burst and speed were reduced on the court. The franchise decided to offer him a fresh start with the trade to Chicago.

The fourth-year guard was drafted out of Purdue by the Pistons No. 5 overall back in 2022. He was drafted in the same class as All-Star center Jalen Duren. The hope was to build a sustainable backcourt with him and All-Star point guard Cade Cunningham. There were glimpses of the pairing working out successfully, but injuries and changing rotations limited the ability of the backcourt duo to work.

Ivey shared immense emotion during the NBA Draft for the opportunity to play for the Pistons. He has intriguing family ties to the city of Detroit that inspired his desire to be in Detroit. His father, Javin Hunter, played high school basketball for Detroit Country Day. His mother, Niele Ivey, played for the Detroit Shock in 2005. His grandfather, James Hunter, was also a decorated cornerback for the Detroit Lions from 1976 to 1982.

The post Pistons’ J.B. Bickerstaff makes ‘tough’ admission on dealing with Jaden Ivey trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)*

Cade Cunningham injury status vs. Wizards

Given that Cade Cunningham is questionable on the injury report, it’s difficult to predict whether he’ll be suiting up against the Wizards. Cunningham has been a fixture on the injury report these days, but he hasn’t missed any games. He finished with 29 points, 10 assists, and one steal in a 124-121 win against the Nuggets.

Considering Cunningham’s past injuries, the Pistons could elect to sit him out of facing the lowly Wizards. Against a team with one of the worst records in the NBA, and a laundry list of injuries, the Pistons could pull off a win without Cunningham in uniform. Perhaps it’s a good time to give the All-Star guard the night off.

The Pistons have won nine of their last 11 games, including impressive victories over some of the NBA’s elite teams, such as the Nuggets, and a 104-103 win against the Celtics.

However, the question is: Is Cade Cunningham playing tonight vs. the Wizards? The answer is probably not.

Pistons injury report

Cade Cunningham — Questionable — Right wrist; injury management

Tobias Harris — Questionable — Left hip soreness

Kevin Huerter — Questionable — Trade pending

Dario Saric — Out — Trade pending

Wizards injury report

Marvin Bagley III — Out — Not with the team

Malaki Branham — Out — Not with the team

AJ Johnson — Out — Not with the team

Tre Johnson — Out — Left ankle sprain

Khris Middleton — Out — Not with the team

Cam Whitmore — Out — Right shoulder; deep vein thrombosis

Trae Young — Out — Right knee; MCL

The post Is Cade Cunningham playing tonight? Pistons vs. Wizards injury report appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Ultimately, Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley are heading to play for the Bulls. Meanwhile, Huerter and Dario Saric are now with the Pistons. In the process, the Pistons receive a 2026 first-round protected swap from the Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves didn’t get a player in the deal, possibly due to financial limitations. Additionally, they may be looking to free up cap space to get a lucractive star (i.e., Giannis Antetokounmpo)

Huerter and Saric’s additions to the Pistons come at a time when the team is laser-focused on the playoffs. At this point, Detroit is 36-12 and in 1st place in the Eastern Conference standings. Huerter, in particular, brings a certain brand of consistency from the Bulls.

So far, Huerter is averaging 10.9 points and 3.8 rebounds. Additionally, he is shooting 45.5% from the field and 31.4% from beyond the arc. For a team that is only shooting 35.2% from beyond the arc, Huerter is a breath of fresh air.

Bulls’ trade grade

Meanwhile, the Bulls get a young upstart in 23-year-old guard Jaden Ivey. In 2022, he was the 5th overall pick in the first round of the NBA Draft out of Purdue. He then came in sixth in the Rookie of the Year voting.

However, last January, Ivey broke his left fibula during a game against the Orlando Magic. He underwent knee surgery and missed the remainder of the season. During the preseason, Ivey sustained a knee injury in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies and underwent arthroscopic surgery.

As a result, he missed the first four weeks of the season, and his performance dipped. Ivey is averaging 8.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.

The Bulls are hoping to create space for the young Ivey to adjust to the fulcrum of a younger team. A big goal is for him to fit in alongside the likes of Coby White and Josh Giddey in the backcourt.

If he succeeds, they can obviously look to offer him a long-term deal. But if he fails, the Bulls could let him go or trade him, and in return likely get second-round draft picks. In other words, they would gain something by losing him rather than losing him for nothing.

Furthermore, Conley is an 18-year NBA veteran. At 38, he brings a trifecta of depth. He brings veteran leadership, strong basketball intelligence, and reliability at the guard position. Additionally, Conley is playing out an expiring $10.8 million contract, giving the Bulls much-needed financial flexibility.

From a financial and performance standpoint, injuries be darned, the Bulls made out fairly well in this deal.

Bulls trade grade: B+

The post Bulls, Pistons, Timberwolves trade grades for deal involving Jaden Ivey, Mike Conley Jr. Kevin Huerter appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“Just in: Chicago, Minnesota and Detroit have agreed to a multi-team deal that sends Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley Jr. to the Bulls and Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric to the Pistons, sources tell ESPN. Detroit also receives a 2026 first-round protected swap from Minnesota,” reported NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN on X, formerly Twitter.

With this move, the Pistons have officially ended the Jaden Ivey experiment that began when he was a lottery pick a few years ago. Ivey has not performed up to expectations this season on the heels of his devastating injury last year, and now, he will get a fresh start on a Bulls team that has a much younger timeline.

Meanwhile, the Pistons will add some much-needed perimeter shooting in the form of Huerter, and a veteran presence in Saric.

For the Timberwolves, this move seems to be setting the stage for a potential deal to come over the next two days. Conley lost his starting job this year for the Timberwolves in favor of Donte DiVincenzo, and now, fans are buzzing that this latest deal could pave the way for a potential trade for Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant, or even disgruntled Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

In any case, the NBA trade deadline is set for Thursday afternoon.

The post Bulls, Timberwolves, Pistons agree to 3-team trade involving Jaden Ivey appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Insider Jake Fischer at The Stein Line recently speculated that the Detroit Pistons or Boston Celtics could be intrigued by a potential trade for Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green if the 35-year-old is shipped as the Dubs pursue Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“So where would that leave Green if he ended up with the Bucks? Might his hometown Pistons see the Michigan State alum as an ideal playoff addition compared to more of a scorer like Michael Porter Jr.? Would Boston consider flipping Anfrenee Simons for him? Those last two ideas, to be clear, are merely thinking-out-loud musings from yours truly. But these are the sort of sequenced scenarios that your front office’s top strategist, I assure you, is already trying to get a handle on,” Fischer wrote.

ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel recently reported that the Warriors might be open to trading Green in a potential deal for Giannis, or as part of a larger plan that would allow them to gain assets that would later help them acquire the Bucks’ All-Star.

“Look, without Jimmy, the Warriors aren’t getting to the NBA Finals, even if they added Giannis right now,” the executive told ClutchPoints. “If you leverage Draymond and get more assets, you can pull off the biggest blockbuster and leave these other teams wanting Giannis scrambling for answers. There is no doubt in my mind there are those who would immediately offer a first-round pick for Draymond to make a title push right now.

“I 100 percent believe there are teams who would essentially help the Warriors get Giannis if it meant they got Green for the next three or four months to pursue a title.”

When asked about the possibility of being traded ahead of the deadline, Green offered a mature response.

“I’ve been here for 14 years. I have no reason to sit and worry about leaving. But if I’m traded, that’s part of the business,” Green told reporters.

The next couple of days could drastically change the NBA’s landscape. While it is not known how the Warriors will proceed, contenders such as the Celtics and Pistons may be monitoring Green’s situation.

The post NBA rumors: Insider speculates about Pistons, Celtics as Draymond Green trade destinations appeared first on ClutchPoints.

So far, this Pistons season has been defined by force and flight. Night after night, Duren attacks the rim with purpose. His dunks arrive fast and loud. As a result, under the arena lights, the Pistons finally have a player made for the show. For years, Detroit has waited for a reason to believe. Now, it has one that explodes off the floor.

Meanwhile, Duren’s numbers explain the buzz. Through 41 games, he averages 18.0 points and 10.7 rebounds in 28.1 minutes per night. He shoots an elite 63.5 percent from the field and adds 1.8 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 0.9 steals. In turn, the stat line reflects control and confidence. It also reflects growth. With each game, every finish feels stronger. Every rebound feels heavier. Ultimately, the All-Star nod was not luck. It was earned through consistency and impact.

Pistons begin a new chapter under bright lights

Duren will face Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and Spurs rookie Carter Bryant in a contest built on youth and explosion. However, for the Pistons, the meaning runs deeper. This is not just entertainment. It is recognition. With Jalen Duren, the Pistons now stand on the league’s biggest stage.

Meanwhile, the dunk contest tests nerve as much as bounce. As the Pistons faithful await, cameras lock in. One miss can silence a room. Still, one perfect slam can echo for years. Jalen Duren enters with momentum and belief. His style is simple and fearless. Jump high. Finish hard.

For Pistons fans, this weekend feels different. In fact, it feels like progress and proof that the future has arrived early. Now, the Slam Dunk Contest gives Duren a chance to turn respect into roar.

In the end, one leap can shift a season’s mood. One dunk can change how Detroit is seen. Will this spark the Pistons’ next era?

The post Pistons’ Jalen Duren will do Slam Dunk Contest after earning first All-Star nod appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Dealing Doncic was seen as a terrible decision right away, and hindsight has only proven that true, especially because the Mavericks received an underwhelming package in return. It only took an aging and injury-prone Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and just one first-round pick to acquire Doncic.

The trade proved that anything really is possible in the NBA, but fans may be even more confident now that Doncic won’t be traded at the 2026 NBA trade deadline. The Lakers not only enjoy having Doncic on their roster, but they also saw firsthand the scrutiny the Mavericks received for making a dumb trade that will forever impact their franchise. If the Lakers pulled a trick from the Mavericks’ playbook and did end up trading Doncic for reasons that couldn’t be explained or justified, where could he be traded? Here are four unrealistic trade proposals for Doncic.

Orlando Magic

Magic receive: Luka Doncic

Lakers receive: Franz Wagner, Anthony Black, Tristan Da Silva, 2032 first-round pick, three second-round picks

The Orlando Magic made a huge trade in the offseason, sending away four first-round picks and a pick swap to bring in Desmond Bane. The move added much-needed shooting to Orlando’s rotation. It also left them relatively thin when it comes to draft capital going forward. Their 2032 first-round pick is their only tradable first-rounder, which makes a trade for Doncic nearly impossible, but it took just one star and one first-round pick for the Lakers to trade for Doncic last year.

Paolo Banchero burst onto the scene after the Magic made him the first overall pick, but he has actually somewhat disappointed this year. Orlando hasn’t taken an expected step forward, and Banchero has really struggled to shoot the long ball, which has led to some even pinning Franz Wagner as the team’s best player, rather than Banchero. That makes Wagner the prized addition in this trade.

Wagner is averaging 22.2 points per game in his own right. While Wagner’s shooting numbers are up this season, he was below 30% from deep in each of the prior two years. Trading him may help Banchero get back to form, as they both demand the ball and prefer to slash. The Magic still need more shooting even after adding Bane. Doncic is, of course, one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA. The Magic have enough defense to cover for him, and he could be the missing piece that gets the team over the hump.

The Magic would also have to part with Anthony Black and Tristan Da Silva in this deal. Black, in particular, has emerged as a really good player this season, and Da Silva is a solid rotation piece. While the Lakers wouldn’t and shouldn’t make this trade, it is a better deal than what the Mavericks received for Doncic last year, even despite only one first-round pick being included yet again.

Miami Heat

Heat recieve: Luka Doncic

Lakers receive: Tyler Herro, Davion Mitchell, two first-round picks, two second-round picks

Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro are the Miami Heat’s two stars. They have craved a third star ever since Jimmy Butler requested a trade out of town. However, a deal for Doncic would likely mean parting with Herro. The Heat may just be okay with that, though. Herro has been above 20 points per game in each of the past five seasons, and he made the All-Star Game last year. Those numbers qualify Herro as a star, but the team has, at times, played better without him.

The Heat made it to the NBA Finals in 2023 largely without Herro, and they’ve performed better than expectations this year despite the shooting guard being limited to 11 games played. The team is 4-7 in games in which Herro has suited up this year, too. Whether or not Herro can contribute to a winning style of play has to be questioned.

If the Heat could flip him for Doncic, a similarly limited defensive player, but an offensive force as talented as any NBA player before him, Miami would have to do it. Doncic would thrive as the primary scorer and playmaker in Miami, where Austin Reaves and LeBron James wouldn’t be stealing touches away from him.

The Heat are known for their “Heat Culture,” too, so they would surely be able to get the best out of Doncic. Players are required to play with maximum effort on both sides of the court in Miami, so Doncic could reach levels that fans haven’t even seen out of him yet.

Detroit Pistons

Pistons receive: Luka Doncic

Lakers receive: Jaden Ivey, Tobias Harris, Ron Holland, three first-round picks, six second-round picks

While the Detroit Pistons can stand pat and contend for years because of their young core, they are in a great spot to make a splash if they want. The team is currently in first place in the Eastern Conference standings. If there is a time to pursue a blockbuster trade, it would be this year while the conference is wide open due to injuries to Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum, as well as the inevitable trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

A Doncic-Cade Cunningham pairing could be enough to win a championship this year, especially since the Pistons would hold onto Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson if they made this deal. From an age perspective, it is possible that Cunningham and Doncic haven’t even hit their primes yet, so this duo could help Detroit contend for years to come.

Despite their current success in the standings, the Pistons have young assets and plenty of draft capital, so they could outbid teams for a star like Doncic. Jaden Ivey and Ron Holland were recent first-round picks who have flashed serious potential. That would be relatively intriguing for the Lakers, even though it is a stretch to think they’d even consider this deal. Three first-rounders and six second-round picks has to be enticing for a team that has James’ retirement on the horizon, though.

Atlanta Hawks

Hawks receive: Luka Doncic

Lakers receive: Zaccharie Risacher, Kristaps Porzingis, two first-round picks, two second-round picks

During the 2018 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks traded pick number three to the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas selected Doncic, and the Hawks took Trae Young with the fifth pick they acquired in the trade back. It is a move that fans have looked back at ever since. Young, like Doncic, became one of the best offensive engines in the NBA, but a lack of defense and winning playstyle led to the Hawks trading him to the Washington Wizards for next to nothing.

Doncic was also traded for a minimal return, so the connections between these two are undeniable. It would be quite ironic if Doncic were eventually traded to the team that originally passed on him on draft day. A trade to Atlanta could make some semblance of sense, though. The Hawks are clearly moving into a new era of basketball. Doncic could take over as their lead guard who runs the offense.

While trading for another defensively deficient player would be questionable at first glance, a lot of Young’s issues stemmed from a lack of size, whereas Doncic is a 6-foot-8 jumbo guard. For the Lakers, a stretch big like Kristaps Porzingis would actually fit quite well alongside James. While building around James doesn’t make a lot of sense considering he only has so many games left in the NBA, the all-time great has historically had a lot of say in what his teams do in the trade market. It wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if James requested that the Lakers get him a stretch big who he can kick the ball out to. Of course, Porzingis’ health would be a big concern when making this deal.

Zaccharie Risacher would be the biggest appeal of this trade, though. While Risacher was taking in a weak draft class, it still means a lot to be a number one overall pick. He’d play a huge part in Lakers’ life after James’ retirement.

Ultimately, the Lakers are going to hold onto Doncic; plain and simple. The aforementioned trades all have a degree of logic, though.

The post 4 Luka Doncic blockbuster trades that will never happen appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Duren has been one of the most impressive breakout players in the NBA this regular season. His All-Star nod now places him as the third Piston on the roster, joining point guard Cade Cunningham and head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. The announcement was made at Little Caesars Arena after the first timeout in the opening period.

Duren approached the postgame podium with a glaring smile on his face after the Pistons’ 130-77 blowout victory against the Brooklyn Nets. The 22-year-0ld big man happily spoke on the importance of the All-Star honor.

“I mean, it was tough because I’m trying to focus on the game. I didn’t really want to know until the end. But I mean, it’s a blessing, man. As I said, it’s hard not to smile. It’s hard not to be happy,” Duren explained. “Just a testament to the work. I thank my teammates, my coaches, and everybody who helped me get here. Couldn’t do it alone – just happy.”

Duren has made a significant leap in offensive production, averaging 18 points and just under 11 rebounds per game. His defensive growth has complemented that development with a career-best 106.8 defensive rating. That dominance was on full display against the Nets, posting 21 points and ten rebounds in 24 minutes.

The vote of NBA coaches for the All-Star reserves shows how much respect Duren has earned this season. Even players like forward Draymond Green noticed his growth as a player and showered his game with praise. Bickerstaff also had his own words of admiration for what Duren has accomplished this season.

“It was awesome. And that’s why we’re here and that’s why we do the job that we do. Its to try your best to help people reach their goals. Being able to work with him is a pleasure every single day. His attitude is the same every single day. His approach is the same. His work ethic is the same. His thirst for knowledge and his willingness to want to get better and do the things that we ask him to do to help this team win has just been unbelievable,” Bickerstaff stated during his postgame media session.

“In the year-and-a-half that we’ve been together, I’ve been impressed with him so much every single day. More as a person, I watched him grow as a leader. Now how he’s using his voice. So, it’s just awesome. It’s a great thing to just be able to sit next to somebody and watch those things happen for him.”

Historic performance by Cade Cunningham

The Pistons defeated the Nets by the biggest margin in franchise history. The game remained under the Pistons’ control throughout the entire contest, en route to their second straight victory. Detroit’s team effort had a standout performance by 2026 All-Star starter Cade Cunningham.

Cunningham became the first player in NBA history to record at least 18 points, 12 assists, four steals, and three blocks in under 30 minutes. Cunningham has shone as one of the best offensive players in the league, but his defensive production has been impressive this season as well. The Pistons only needed 26 minutes of action from their franchise point guard.

Backup point guard Daniss Jenkins made his presence felt off the bench with 18 points. Detroit’s second unit scored 63 points altogether to help lift the Pistons to victory.

The post Pistons’ Jalen Duren opens up on 2026 NBA All Star selection appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Detroit has been enjoying a spectacular campaign throughout the 2025-26 NBA season. After having the worst record in the league in 2024, they rebounded as the most improved team the following year with their playoff berth. This year, they continue that progress as they’ve risen as one of the best teams at the moment.

That much was the case with how they dominated Brooklyn in the latest game. Detroit blew the torches off the Nets as the squad cruised to a 130-77 win at home, making franchise history in the process as NBA insider Brett Siegel noted.

“The Pistons’ 53-point win over the Nets tonight is their largest in franchise history,” Siegel wrote.

How Pistons played against Nets

The Nets were simply no match for the Pistons. They were unable to keep up with one of the best teams all game, falling in embarrassing fashion.

The duel was over by halftime as Detroit led 67-44 after two quarters. Even then, the Pistons still put the hammer down by lighting up Brooklyn 63-33 in the second half, paving the way for them to have their biggest win ever.

Shot selection, stocks (steals and blocks) and turnovers made the difference in this matchup. The Pistons prevailed in all three categories by making 56% of their total shots, recording 23 stocks and limiting their turnovers to just eight. It was the complete opposite for the Nets as they only converted 33% of their total chances, made five stocks and turned the ball over 25 times.

Five players scored in double-digits for Detroit in the win. Jalen Duren led the way with a stat line of 21 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. He shot 8-of-12 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. Cade Cunningham came next with 18 points and 12 assists, Daniss Jenkins had 18 points and four rebounds, while Tobias Harris put up 11 points and three assists. Meanwhile, Marcus Sasser provided 10 points and four assists.

Detroit improved to a 36-12 record on the season, possessing the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics by 5.5 games.

The Pistons will look forward to their next matchup, remaining at home. They host the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. ET.

The post Pistons set franchise record in blowout win vs Nets appeared first on ClutchPoints.