Jalen Duren's 30-point double-double leads Pistons past Pelicans, 129-108
DETROIT (AP) — Jalen Duren had 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Detroit Pistons past the New Orleans Pelicans 129-108 on Thursday night. Kevin Huerter had 22 points and Daniss Jenkins added 19 for Detroit, which was coming off a 130-129 overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. The Pistons, normally one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the league, shot 53.
6% (15 of 28) from beyond the arc, including 9 of 14 from Huerter and Jenkins. Zion Williamson scored 21 points for New Orleans, which lost its third straight after winning five of six. Former Piston Saddiq Bey added 17, but no one else scored more than 13.
The Pelicans made things harder on themselves by only shooting 45. 8% (11-24) from the free-throw line. HORNETS 114, KNICKS 103 CHARLOTTE, N.
C. (AP) - Kon Knueppel scored 26 points and made six 3-pointers to become the youngest player in NBA history with 250 in a season, and Charlotte snapped New York’ seven-game winning streak with a victory. Knueppel, 20, nearly had his first career triple-double, finishing with 10 rebounds and eight assists.
LaMelo Ball added 22 points and Brandon Miller had 21 points and eight rebounds for the Hornets, who’ve won five straight. Miles Bridges and Coby White each chipped in with 17 points. Jalen Brunson had 26 points and 13 assists for the Knicks, who would have clinched a playoff berth with a victory.