Jalen Duren delivered a dominant performance in his preseason debut on Wednesday, leading the Detroit Pistons to a 128-106 road victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The performance marked the first time the Pistons' five regular-season starters appeared on the court together.
How did Jalen Duren perform?
Duren, who recently completed a reconditioning process, was highly efficient during his 15 minutes of play. He recorded 24 points while shooting 8-for-9 from the field and a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. He also contributed three rebounds, two steals, and one block.
Detroit head coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised the center's energy, stating, "He looked really fast, quick, he was attacking, playing free" on both ends of the floor. The win improves the Pistons' preseason record to 2-1.
Other preseason highlights
Wednesday's NBA preseason action featured several notable individual and team performances:
- San Antonio Spurs: The team defeated the Phoenix Suns 123-103, featuring a new three-guard starting lineup including De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.
- Miami Heat: Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 20 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists in a 144-128 win over the Brooklyn Nets.
- Los Angeles Lakers: Walker Kessler made his first appearance in nearly a year, totaling 11 points and nine rebounds against the Golden State Warriors.
- Chicago Bulls: The team secured a 125-104 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
What is next for the league?
The preseason is nearing its conclusion, with the regular season scheduled to tip off on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Before the season begins, the Pistons will host the Toronto Raptors on Friday, Oct. 16. NBA ID members can access free streaming for select preseason games through Oct. 16.
FAQ
What was Jalen Duren's shooting accuracy?
Duren shot 8-for-9 overall and was perfect from the free-throw line, going 8-for-8.
When does the NBA regular season start?
The regular season is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
