Jalen Duren made history with his performance in the recent Detroit Pistons-New Orleans Pelicans game, recording 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists on 83.3% shooting, becoming the first player in franchise history to post such a stat line. The Pistons solidified their position as the No. 1 team in the Eastern Conference, and the Pelicans stood no chance, losing 129-108.
Jalen Duren Makes History in Pistons vs. Pelicans Matchup
Duren has improved his passing skills over time and is averaging 1.7 assists per game this season, often facilitating from the high post. He continues to be a presence on both the offensive and defensive ends as an adept rim protector and primary rebounder.
In the 2025–26 season, the cornerstone of the Pistons, Cade Cunningham, was diagnosed with a collapsed left lung, giving Duren a golden opportunity to take center stage, and he delivered. In their first loss since their leader’s absence, against the Atlanta Hawks, the 22-year-old recorded 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks on 60.0% shooting but missed a putback in a 130-129 overtime defeat.
The next outing against the Pelicans was a bounce-back moment, as Duren recorded 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists while shooting 83.3% from the field, the first player to do so in franchise history.
“Jalen Duren stuffed the stat sheet in Detroit’s win – 30 PTS (10-12 FGM), 10 REB, 7 AST, 2 STL,2 BLK. He becomes the first player in Pistons franchise history to record at least 30 PTS, 10 REB, and 5 AST while shooting 80% or better from the field in a game,” as posted by the NBA.
READ MORE: Jalen Duren On Career-High 36 Points After Cade Cunningham’s Exit: ‘It’s Not All About Me’
Duren has consistently shown why he deserves to be in the All-NBA discussions. As per reports, he was selected as an Eastern Conference All-Star reserve for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. It also means that he’s still in the running for a potential five-year contract worth $288.8 million.
Having their win streak snapped against the Hawks on March 25 was not their ideal standard. He reflected on the loss and said that it was an “emotional” one.
“It’s tough. I just – I wanted to win it, I want to win every game. It was an emotional loss, we fought back and didn’t go our way.”
He then mentioned the game against the Pelicans and how he was able to bounce back, finishing just 3 assists short of his first career triple-double.
“Tonight, [I] just wanted to come in, just keep the same energy. Come out strong, come out ready to play,” Duren added.
He led his team with 23 points in a game against the Golden State Warriors and helped his team maintain the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
