Jaylen Duren draws attention from ‘All-Star’ Draymond Green

The The 35-12 Detroit Pistons continue to command the respect of their peers around the NBA.

Detroit’s Western Conference trip ended with a crucial 131-124 win over the Golden State Warriors. Center Jalen Duren he thrived with the Warriors, scoring 21 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, including six on the offensive glass. After the game forward Draymond Green offered his admiration of the breakthrough center development in Detroit.

“He came into the NBA with the body of a grown man,” Green explained. “Now, he knows how to take advantage of it. He’s night and day in the physical shape he’s playing with now, unlike when he first came into the league. He’s handling the ball more, making plays, but I think the biggest difference is he’s using his body now.”

Duren put together an impressive campaign in his fourth season as the Pistons’ starting center. He carries a career-high workload, averaging 18 points per game and nearly 11 rebounds. Duren also took a big step forward as the anchor in the middle for one of the league’s best defensive units. He is a significant reason for the Pistons’ elite production as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference at 35-12.

Duren’s breakout season has him in serious talks likely to become an NBA All-Star in 2026. It would be the first All-Star honor of Duren’s career. He’s also in line for a rookie contract extension with the Pistons after turning down offers last offseason. After the game, Green shared his thoughts on the possibility of Duren earning those successes.

“It’s no surprise he’s going to be an All-Star this year because he’s learned those things. Give him credit for doing the job, give credit to their coaching staff for putting in the work with him to help him improve. He’s an All-Star for sure without question,” Green said. “Also, I’m paying attention to the league, he didn’t sign that extension this summer. I like it when guys make a bet on themselves and deliver. Whatever contract he wants, it’s going to be deserved.”

Pistons’ bounce-back win over the Warriors

Detroit managed to win two of their three contests during their trip to the Western Conference. The Pistons got back to winning ways against the Warriors after losing to the Phoenix Suns and allowing high career performance from Dillon Brooks.

The offensive side of the floor suffered in a big way in Detroit’s double-digit loss to Phoenix. After shooting 20.7% from 3-point range last Thursday, the Pistons immediately found their rhythm and finished the night making 38.5% of their attempts.

Detroit produced an impressive offensive attack as six different players finished in double figures. Their second unit also produced a useful output, scoring 44 points against the Warriors compared to just 19 against the Suns.

Cade Cunningham led all scorers with 29 points and 11 assists. Forward Tobias Harris and guard Duncan Robinson each added 15 points for the Pistons. Reserve center Isaiah Stewart led the bench with 14 points. Point guard Dennis Jenkins had a quality rebound, scoring 12 points against Golden State.

Forward Ausar Thompson took on the responsibility of guarding star point guard Steph Curry and was able to hold his own. He played a physical style of defense all night, holding Curry to 23 points on 7-16 shooting from the field. Thompson also had six steals in 28 minutes.