Detroit Pistons edge Oklahoma City Thunder in clash of East-West No. 1 seeds

The Detroit Pistons extended their impressive run this NBA season, fueled by the dominant performances of Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham, as they secured a 124-116 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. 

Duren was a force in the paint, finishing with 29 points and 15 rebounds, while Cunningham orchestrated Detroit’s offense with 29 points and 13 assists, demonstrating why the Pistons have become one of the league’s most formidable teams. 

Duncan Robinson chipped in 16 points, rounding out a balanced scoring attack that proved overwhelming for an injury-depleted Thunder squad. With the win, Detroit has claimed six of their last seven games, improving to 43-14 and solidifying their hold atop the Eastern Conference standings.

Oklahoma City faced the contest without five of their top six scorers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Isaiah Hartenstein, All-Star Chet Holmgren, Ajay Mitchell, and Jalen Williams all sat out due to injuries, leaving only Isaiah Joe among the starters. 

Gilgeous-Alexander’s absence was particularly costly, as last season’s MVP is currently averaging 31.8 points per game — a scoring load the Thunder have relied on heavily throughout the year. 

Even Joe, averaging around 11 points per contest, left at halftime with a bruised hip, forcing Oklahoma City to lean on its younger players. Despite the setbacks, Jaylin Williams delivered a career-best 30 points, with Cason Wallace contributing 23, keeping the Thunder within striking distance for most of the game.

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PISTONS DUO CLIMBS ON THE THUNDER!

Cade Cunningham (29 PTS, 13 AST) + Jalen Duren (29 PTS, 15 REB) lead Detroit past OKC 124-116
Huge #1 seed statement #NBA #Pistons #Thunder
(Via @DetroitPistons)pic.twitter.com/GdrlMZhVYw

— GTrends Daily (@GTrendsNow) February 26, 2026

The game’s turning point came in the final five minutes. Oklahoma City had cut Detroit’s lead to three points, but Javonte Green answered with a timely 3-pointer, followed by four offensive rebounds on the same possession, helping the Pistons regain control and secure the win.

Detroit’s frontcourt presence was a decisive factor throughout. Duren’s physicality inside the paint repeatedly disrupted the Thunder’s defense, while Cunningham’s court vision created open shots for his teammates, as reflected in his 13 assists. 

The Pistons also dominated the boards late in the fourth quarter, securing crucial offensive rebounds that allowed them to maintain possession and extend their lead when it mattered most.

For Oklahoma City, the absence of key scorers exposed the team’s lack of depth against top-tier opponents. Despite the standout efforts of Jaylin Williams and Cason Wallace, the Thunder struggled to find consistent scoring and maintain defensive rotations. The loss drops Oklahoma City to 45-15, a record that underscores both the team’s talent and its vulnerability when core contributors are sidelined.

Looking ahead, the Pistons and Thunder are set to meet again on March 30. A Detroit win would give them a season sweep over the defending champions, while a Thunder victory would even the season series at 1-1.