Pistons Fire on All Cylinders, Rout Nets in NBA Cup Opener
Another day, another dominant performance. The Detroit Pistons rolled into Brooklyn on Friday night and sent a clear message to the rest of their NBA Cup group, dismantling the Nets 125-107. This victory wasn’t just another notch in the win column; it was a statement. Extending their impressive winning streak to five games, the Pistons improved their early-season record to a stellar 7-2 and kicked off their Emirates NBA Cup campaign in the best way possible.
For anyone who’s been following this team, the story of the night is a familiar and welcome one: the continued ascent of Detroit’s young, dynamic duo. Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren didn’t just play well; they etched their names in the franchise’s record books.
A Tale of Two Quarters: Shaking Off a Slow Start
The game didn’t begin as the final score might suggest. The Nets came out firing, hitting four three-pointers in the opening minutes to jump out to a 19-9 lead. It was a sluggish start for Detroit, and for a moment, it looked like the home team might dictate the pace. But this Pistons team has shown a resilience that belies its youth. They weathered the initial storm, closing the first quarter down by just two, 29-27.
The second quarter saw the Pistons find their rhythm, but it was the final moments of the half that signaled the turning tide. Detroit closed the half on a 9-0 run, capped by a classic Cade Cunningham fadeaway jumper that gave them a 60-55 lead heading into the locker room.
That momentum carried over into the third quarter, which proved to be the decisive period. Led by a blistering Cunningham, the Pistons unleashed a 34-19 run, effectively putting the game out of reach. They turned a five-point halftime lead into a commanding 94-74 advantage by the end of the third, showcasing their ability to dominate on both ends of the floor.
The Dynamic Duo Delivers a Historic Night
It’s hard to overstate just how spectacular Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren were on Friday. Cunningham was the maestro, conducting the offense with precision and scoring at will. He finished the night with a game-high 34 points on an incredibly efficient 13-for-18 shooting, adding 10 assists to complete the double-double. Much of his damage came in the second and third quarters, where he poured in 25 of his points to fuel Detroit’s surge.
Not to be outdone, Jalen Duren was an absolute force in the paint. He posted a monster stat line of 30 points, 11 rebounds, and three steals.
Now, let’s be real. If you’ve been watching Duren mature, you could have predicted this. He is such an imposing player: strong, quick, with good hands and vision. What we’re witnessing is the transformation of a raw talent into one of the most dominant players in the league.
The Pistons dominated the paint by a staggering 80-32 margin, a testament to Duren’s physical presence. Perhaps most impressively, the duo was flawless from the charity stripe, combining to go a perfect 14-for-14.
This incredible joint performance marked the first time two Pistons teammates have recorded 30-plus point double-doubles in the same game since Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond did it back in 2015. It’s a clear sign that the team’s two cornerstones are not just developing—they’re arriving.
Supporting Cast and a Glimpse of the Future
While the headlines will belong to Cunningham and Duren, this was a complete team victory. Ausar Thompson continued his impressive all-around play, contributing 14 points and showcasing his defensive prowess. Veteran guard Caris LeVert added a valuable 10 points off the bench.
Also noteworthy was the continued integration of second-year forward Ron Holland. While his box score of 5 points in 25 minutes might not jump off the page, his growing role is a significant development. Holland, the fifth overall pick in the 2024 draft, is finding his place in the rotation and contributing to the team’s successful formula as they navigate the early season and the tournament.
Key Performers: Who Led the Way
Here’s a look at who stepped up and drove the action on both sides of the floor in Detroit’s big win over Brooklyn.
Pistons Key Performers
Cade Cunningham: 34 points, 10 assists
Jalen Duren: 30 points, 11 rebounds
Ausar Thompson: 14 points
Caris LeVert: 10 point
Team Stats:
The Pistons shot 57.6% from the field, while the Nets shot 42.5%.
Detroit dominated the paint, outscoring Brooklyn 80–32, and controlled the glass with a 46–30 rebounding edge.
Stat Takeaway:
Those numbers tell the story — total control in the paint, balanced scoring across the lineup, and a statement win for a Pistons team that’s starting to look downright dangerous.
NBA Cup Context and What’s Next
This win carries extra weight as it comes in the group stage of the Emirates NBA Cup. The Pistons are in a challenging “East Group B” alongside the Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Nets. Securing a road win to open the tournament is a massive first step toward advancing to the knockout rounds.
The game was also played on one of those gaudy NBA Cup floors. When they were first introduced, I didn’t care for them, but they have grown on me. The entire Cup playoff was initially a turnoff for me, as I saw it as a novelty, but the players seem to genuinely enjoy the competition. So, I’ll deal with it.
With their winning streak now at five games, the Pistons will look to carry this momentum forward. Their next NBA Cup contest is another crucial matchup, as they will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, November 14th. It will be another stern test for this young, confident, and thrilling Detroit Pistons team.
So, are Cunningham and Duren the new “Dynamic Duo” of the NBA? Comment below or head on over to the Pistons Hardwood Hub for more discussion.
Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted Michigan outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
