Cunningham, Duren lead Pistons to win over short-handed Thunder

Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News on Feb 25, 2026

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DETROIT —The Oklahoma City Thunder were missing nearly their entire core due to injuries, with seven players sidelined, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who missed his ninth consecutive game due to an abdominal strain.

Given the number of players out, it seemed like the Detroit Pistons would have an easy victory. However, coach J.B. Bickerstaff recognized that the Thunder are defending champions for a reason.

Bickerstaff's comments proved prophetic in the fourth quarter as Oklahoma City mounted a comeback from 17 points down.

Nevertheless, the Pistons managed to fend off the Thunder's rally, securing a 124-116 victory on Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena.

Jalen Duren posted his 27th double-double of the season with 29 points and 14 rebounds. The game marked his third consecutive contest of posting at least 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Cade Cunningham bounced back from his subpar performance against the San Antonio Spurs, having posted 29 points, 13 assists and three blocks. The Pistons are now 9-1 when Cunningham and Duren score 20 or more points in the same game.

After his benching in the previous game, Ausar Thompson responded by having one of his best productions of the season with 11 points, seven assists, three steals and two block. Jaylin Williams led the Thunder with a game-high 30 points and 11 rebounds, while Cason Wallace added 23 points.

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