Duren scores 24 in 15 minutes as Pistons beat Timberwolves 128-106

Jalen Duren scored 24 points in 15 minutes, making eight of nine shots and all eight free throws, as the Detroit Pistons beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-106 in a preseason game Wednesday at Target Center. Detroit erased a nine-point deficit after the opening quarter and controlled the final three periods behind efficient finishing and production throughout its rotation.

Minnesota led 38-29 after one quarter. The Pistons answered with a 36-20 second quarter, moving ahead 65-58 at halftime. They added to that lead in the third and entered the fourth ahead 97-82, then outscored the Wolves again to complete the 22-point win.

The NBA’s game highlights follow Detroit’s response to the fast Minnesota start and the finishing around the basket that powered its offense.

Duren’s only missed field-goal attempt was a 3-pointer. He added three rebounds, two steals and a block while committing one turnover. His scoring efficiency gave Detroit an immediate interior option without requiring a long stint on the court.

The Pistons finished with 64 points in the paint to Minnesota’s 30. Detroit made 45 of 79 shots overall and 11 of 25 from 3-point range. That combination of close-range scoring and outside support allowed the visitors to keep adding to their lead after the second-quarter reversal.

Duncan Robinson provided much of that outside support, making four of five 3-point attempts and scoring 15 points. Cade Cunningham finished with 14 points and nine assists, while Isaiah Joe added 14. John Collins scored 11 on four-of-five shooting, and Ronald Holland II contributed nine points on six attempts.

Detroit’s passing also spread beyond Cunningham. Ausar Thompson had four assists, as did Kevin Huerter and Daniss Jenkins. Thompson scored four points, took only one shot and collected four rebounds. The Pistons could keep the ball moving through several players while Duren and the other finishers supplied targets near the rim.

Sean Corp’s report for Detroit Bad Boys described that broader ball-handling role for Thompson and the way Detroit’s offense found the paint after its uneven start. The scoring totals showed the benefit: four Pistons reached at least 14 points, and the team won each quarter after the first.

Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 20 points but made five of 15 shots. He hit all nine free throws, helping the Wolves keep scoring on a night when their field-goal shooting stayed below 40 percent. Jonathan Kuminga added 16 points on five-of-six shooting, and Jaden McDaniels had 12 points and six rebounds.

Minnesota earned 44 free throws and made 37, but that advantage could not offset Detroit’s finishing. Both teams committed 20 player turnovers. The Pistons will next face Toronto on Friday, with Wednesday’s result giving them a productive preseason return from Duren and another chance to assess how their ball handlers and finishers fit together.

Sources

• NBA: PISTONS at TIMBERWOLVES | NBA PRESEASON FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | October 14, 2026
• ESPN: full game box score and play-by-play
• Sean Corp: Pistons finishing and ball movement

Sources

ESPN: full game box score and play-by-play · Pistons finishing and ball movement