The Detroit Pistons continued their surge atop the Eastern Conference by defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 112-104 on Wednesday night at Smoothie King Center.
Detroit never trailed, controlling the game from the opening possession and securing its fourth straight victory and seventh win in the last eight games.
Jalen Duren anchored the effort with 20 points and 15 rebounds, asserting himself early and consistently as the Pistons punished New Orleans inside.
Duren set the tone with a dunk 16 seconds into the game, and Detroit steadily built momentum while keeping the Pelicans from ever grabbing the lead.
Daniss Jenkins added 17 points and four assists, providing steady perimeter scoring and helping Detroit maintain balance throughout the night.
Duncan Robinson contributed 15 points on 4-of-9 shooting from three-point range, spacing the floor for a Pistons team that shot 38 percent from deep.
Detroit built a double-digit advantage in the first half and pushed the lead to as many as 13 points while limiting New Orleans to contested looks.
The Pelicans made a push in the fourth quarter when Micah Peavy drilled a three-pointer with 5:41 remaining to cut the deficit to 101-96.
That proved to be as close as New Orleans would get, as Detroit responded with timely stops and efficient offense to close out the game.
Saddiq Bey led the Pelicans with 20 points, getting to the free-throw line often and converting 11-of-11 attempts.
Trey Murphy III finished with 17 points but struggled from the field, shooting 6-of-19 and snapping an eight-game streak of scoring at least 20 points.
Peavy also scored 17 points and added seven rebounds and four steals, supplying energy off the bench during New Orleans’ late push.
Zion Williamson started after being listed as questionable due to illness but exited early in the third quarter and did not return, finishing with four points and four rebounds in 15 minutes.
Detroit took advantage of its size and activity on the glass, outrebounding New Orleans 47-46 while generating second-chance opportunities.
The Pistons shot 44 percent from the field and went 19-of-24 at the free-throw line, maintaining composure whenever the Pelicans threatened.
With the win, Detroit improved to 32-10 and remained first in the Eastern Conference standings.
New Orleans fell to 10-36, continuing a difficult stretch that has seen the club lose 14 of its last 16 games.
The Pistons will host the Houston Rockets on Friday night, while the Pelicans head to Memphis to face the Grizzlies.
