The Detroit Pistons hammered home a 124-116 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday in what could be a possible NBA Finals preview. That’s because the Pistons and Thunder are currently the two best teams in the league record-wise, with the former running away with the East and the latter leading the West by a hair.
Jalen Duren led the way for the Pistons, dropping 29 points and 15 rebounds in another spectacular showing that could solidify his case for winning this season’s Most Improved Player award. Cade Cunningham added 29 points and 13 assists to bounce back from his horrible night in Detroit’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday.
Jaylin Williams paced the Thunder with 30 points on five triples, while Cason Wallace fired 20 markers. Aaron Wiggins and Jared McCain chipped in 20 apiece.
Pistons Beat a Short-Handed Thunder
While the matchup of the East and West pacesetters could very well be a preview of the Finals, it should be noted that OKC played without five of its six leading scorers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen), Isaiah Hartenstein (calf), Chet Holmgren (back), Ajay Mitchell (abdomen), and Jalen Williams (hamstring) all missed what would’ve been a marquee matchup of strong, young teams.
Making matters worse for the Thunder, another one of their key players, Isaiah Joe, had to exit the game at halftime due to a bruised hip. Him being out meant OKC faced the Pistons without their top six scorers for the season.
Yet, somehow, OKC was still in the game in the fourth quarter and even got to within 108-105 with 5:06 remaining. But a triple from Detroit’s Javonte Green after four offensive rebounds gave the Pistons breathing room en route to the win.
The Pistons will continue their tough stretch on Sunday with a date against the Cleveland Cavaliers. OKC, meanwhile, will try to get back into the win column when it faces the Denver Nuggets, also on Sunday.
