The Detroit Pistons are officially the hottest team in the NBA right now, and Monday night’s showdown against the Indiana Pacers proved it. Jalen Duren’s explosive 31-point return from injury powered Detroit to a 127-112 victory, marking their tenth consecutive win—the franchise’s longest streak since 2007-08.
Duren’s Comeback Ignites Detroit
After missing time with an ankle injury,
Jalen Duren returned in spectacular fashion, leading a short-handed Pistons squad that’s been battling injuries to key players like Cade Cunningham, Tobias Harris, and Ausar Thompson. Duren’s dominance in the paint set the tone early, and he got plenty of help from rookie Daniss Jenkins, who poured in 26 points. Bench spark Javonte Green added 20, while Duncan Robinson and Isaiah Stewart chipped in double figures.
Detroit’s depth was on full display, with
ten players scoring and five in double digits. The Pistons seized control with a 20-4 run to open the second quarter, ballooning their lead to 21 points. Even as Indiana clawed back with a 12-0 run, Detroit’s balanced attack kept them comfortably ahead at halftime.
Pacers’ Nightmare Continues
For the Pacers, the loss was another chapter in a season that’s gone off the rails.
Indiana has now dropped eight straight games, their longest losing streak since 2014-15, and sits at a league-worst 1-13. Last year’s NBA finalists are still searching for answers, especially on the road, where they remain winless (0-8).
Despite the defeat,
Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 29 points, and Benedict Mathurin added 25. The Pacers showed some fight in the second half, outscoring Detroit 56-55 after the break, but the early deficit was too much to overcome.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
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Pistons: Riding high, Detroit will look to extend their streak to 11 when they host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.
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Pacers: Indiana’s road woes continue as they travel to face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, desperate to snap their skid and salvage their season.
Expert Take: Pistons’ Resilience, Pacers’ Crisis
The Pistons’ surge is even more impressive considering their injury list.
Winning ten straight without several starters is a testament to their depth and coaching. Duren’s return couldn’t have come at a better time, and Jenkins’ emergence as a scoring threat gives Detroit a new dimension.
For Indiana, the alarm bells are ringing.
A team that reached the NBA Finals last year is now in freefall, and the pressure is mounting on both players and coaching staff to turn things around before the season slips away.
Key Stats
| Team | Top Scorer | Points | Streak | Record |
|-----------|--------------------|--------|----------------|----------|
| Pistons | Jalen Duren | 31 | Won 10 straight| 12 wins
|
| Pacers | Pascal Siakam | 29 | Lost 8 straight| 1-13 |
Detroit is the first team in the East to reach 12 wins this season.
Takeaways and What to Watch
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Detroit’s depth and resilience are making them a team to watch in the East.
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Indiana’s collapse is one of the season’s biggest surprises—will they make changes before it’s too late?
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Jalen Duren’s health could be the key to Detroit’s continued success.
Stay tuned as the Pistons look to keep their streak alive and the Pacers fight to avoid a total meltdown.
Sources
1. Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons Live Score and Stats - CBS Sports
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3. Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons | NBA on NBC | 11/17/25 - YouTube
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7. Detroit Pistons vs Indiana Pacers Full Game Highlights - YouTube
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