February 25, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) watches the second half of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Image When Detroit forward Ausar Thompson was asked to describe teammate Jalen Duren’s recent surge, one word came to mind.
“Dominance,” Thompson said.
That’s an ominous thought for the Orlando Magic, who host the in-form Duren and the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons on Sunday.
Duren scored a season- and career-high 33 points along with 16 rebounds and three blocks to lead the Pistons to a 122-119 overtime win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
Duren is in the best form of his blossoming career, recording at least 25 points and 13 boards in each of his last four outings.
The first-time All-Star averaged 18.5 points and 10.8 rebounds this season, setting career highs.
“He’s very aggressive, very strong, and when you get a bump from him, it feels like it’s not a normal bump,” Thompson said of Duren. “It’s like being hit by a train. He comes down at full speed, (and) it’s in his favor for them to play again.
“He’s just doing more now. He’s just trying to show off.”
Detroit coach JB Bickerstaff is pleased with the impressive way Duren has turned things around.
“That’s the moment you figure it out and it all comes together,” Bickerstaff said. “And I think they’re coming together for him, the pace of the game has slowed down for him, his understanding of spacing and timing of attacks has slowed down and he’s been given opportunities.”
Fellow All-Star Cade Cunningham had 25 points, 10 boards and seven assists before fouling out, while Thompson chipped in with 18 points and eight rebounds.
The Pistons trailed for most of the fourth quarter before getting back to within a tie at the end of regulation and then controlling overtime defensively.
It’s no coincidence that Detroit stands atop the East.
“We’re ready,” Thompson said. “We’re ready at any time. Minor setbacks don’t mess with our heads. We’re just keeping our heads down on the job ahead.”
That task will come in the form of an Orlando side being smart after Thursday’s 113-108 loss to the visiting Houston Rockets.
Desmond Bain scored 30 points and Paolo Banchero recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds.
The Magic, led by that duo, were in complete control at 76-57, but Houston went on a 21-0 run in the third quarter to cut a big lead down in just 3 minutes and 31 seconds.
Orlando coach Jamal Mosley is confident what his team needs to improve to prevent a repeat of the disaster.
“Don’t turn the ball over,” he said. “We have to take care of the basketball. That’s what sparked them (the Rockets). We did a great job before that of taking care of the ball and making them play long possessions one-on-one individually.”
Bane, who hit 12 of 19 from the floor, including 6 of 10 from 3-point range, is averaging 20.3 points on the season.
He is averaging 28.3 points over the Magic’s last six games, which includes four appearances of 30 or more games.
“We will definitely respond,” Bain said. “I think we’ve been doing that all season. … I don’t think it’s the response that’s caused this team to struggle. With two days off, it’s a good opportunity to rest and reset after the west coast trip. I’m looking forward to playing another game at home.”
–Field level media
