NBA: Duren explodes, Pistons hold on after Cunningham exit

The Detroit Pistons keep rolling.
Against the Washington Wizards, the Eastern Conference leaders won 130-117, despite a blow early on when Cade Cunningham had to leave.

In a game that could’ve turned ugly, Detroit found an unlikely hero in Jalen Duren.

Cunningham exits early, Detroit adapts

It started badly for Detroit.

Just minutes in, Cade Cunningham was forced out. He hurt his back diving for a loose ball, tried to play through it, then bowed out.

Diagnosis: back spasms.

An early exit that could’ve rattled the Pistons—Cunningham’s the engine of their offense.

But this 2026 Pistons team showed one thing: it adapts.

Jalen Duren in total takeover mode

Without their leader, Detroit leaned on a colossal Jalen Duren.

The center posted the best game of his career with:

• 36 points

• 12 rebounds

  Jalen Duren 36 PTS, 12 REB, 2 AST, 1 BLK, 13/17 FG, 10/11 FT, 82.4% TS vs Wizards https://t.co/a9sAZ16AC1 pic.twitter.com/oPnwDpY7fX

  — Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) March 18, 2026

He dominated the paint, bullied the rim and attacked every possession — he took over the game.

On pick-and-rolls, offensive boards or finishing at the rim, Duren gave Washington’s defense massive problems.

His night kept Detroit steady and even helped them pull away as the game went on.

A collective offense that worked

Detroit didn’t live and die by one man.

Daniss Jenkins came off the bench for 15 points, proving the roster’s depth.

They kept a high tempo, moved the ball and stayed efficient on offense.

Result: 130 points — proof of a confident attack.

Wizards scrappy but struggling

For the Washington Wizards, it was a rough night despite a few strong individual showings.

Bub Carrington put up a season-high 30 points,

Bub Carrington 30 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST, 12/16 FG, 6/8 3FG, 0 FTS, 0 TO, 93.8% TS vs Pistons

21 PTS on 95.5% TS in the 4th. https://t.co/cXuu6mMjxi pic.twitter.com/35w1m3YTiE

— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) March 18, 2026

while:

• Will Riley added 21 points

• Justin Champagnie scored 18

But as a unit, the Wizards showed their limits, especially on defense.

After hanging around early, they eventually folded under Detroit’s intensity and consistency.

This loss is Washington’s 13th straight — a worrying skid.

The turning point was the third quarter

The game was decided after halftime.

While Washington still clung on, Detroit turned the screws.

Fueled by Jalen Duren, the Pistons stretched a slim lead into a 20-plus point gap.

Once that cushion existed, Detroit managed the finish and never let the Wizards back in.

Detroit confirms their status

This win confirms a clear trend: the Pistons are a solid team who can win through adversity.

Being atop the Eastern Conference isn’t accidental.

With:

• a deep roster

• an ability to adapt

• multiple scoring options

Detroit is shaping up as a serious contender for the rest of the season.

One concern to watch

Only worry: the status of Cade Cunningham.

Even if it’s just spasms and not something worse, a long absence would sting.

The Pistons will need to monitor his progress before their next games.

Conclusion

This win over the Wizards underlines the Pistons’ maturity.

Even without their leader, they found answers and leaned on an exceptional Jalen Duren.

If Detroit keeps this form and gets Cunningham back soon, they could be one of the season’s heavy hitters.

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