The Detroit Pistons’ winning streak reached five games after defeating the Chicago Bulls 126-110. However, the exchange of emotions after the game took away much of the headlines from Saturday’s game.
Saturday night’s matchup marked the first time the Pistons shared the court with former teammate Jaden Ivy since the former first-round pick was traded to Chicago at the NBA trade deadline. The entire Detroit team went to talk to Ivy and give her a very emotional hug.
After the game, Detroit center Jalen Duren was asked about his bond with Ivey.
“He’s my brother, man. I came into the league with him since day one. He’s been family forever, brother. He’s my favorite player, I love that guy,” Duren said, fighting back tears.
Detroit found itself in a difficult situation regarding Ivey’s future. He suffered a devastating foot injury against the Orlando Magic when guard Cole Anthony dived into his foot. He was taken off the floor on a stretcher and missed the rest of his third season.
After completing his rehab, Ivy suffered another injury setback during the preseason. He required another surgery to repair his knee problem in the 2025–26 season. Due to injuries, his game was greatly affected and his numbers dropped significantly. His once unstoppable speed had diminished and his high-profile athleticism didn’t look the same.
Rather than wait for a recovery, the Pistons opted to deal Ivey to the Bulls for forward Kevin Huerter. Ivy was playing in a contract year as a restricted free agent. Detroit decided to give Ivy a fresh start elsewhere rather than wait for his recovery to agree to a contract extension.
Before that injury Ivey was putting up career-high scoring numbers. The Pistons were seeing a significant scoring surge with 17.6 points per game on 46% shooting from the field and 40.9% shooting from 3-point range.
Ivey was drafted by the Pistons along with Duren in the first round during the 2022 NBA Draft. The former Purdue guard was selected No. 5 overall before Detroit took Duren at No. 13 overall.
Jalen Duren dominates in return to the lineup
The Pistons received another boost to their roster after Duran returned from suspension. After missing the last two games against the Charlotte Hornets due to a concussion, the Pistons’ All-Star center looked like he didn’t miss a step against the Bulls.
Duren was a major focal point of Detroit’s dominance in their road win. He scored 26 points and pulled down 13 rebounds, his 25th double-double of the season. Duran’s offensive rebounding continued at a high level, with six more against Chicago.
The Pistons are still without backup center Isaiah Stewart for the next four games because of the fight. Veteran big man Paul Reed again performed well in Stewart’s absence, scoring 15 points and grabbing nine rebounds.
All-Star point guard Cade Cunningham nearly finished the night with a triple-double. Cunningham scored 18 points, dished out 13 assists and grabbed nine rebounds. Forward Tobias Harris also added 18 points in 30 minutes. Guard Duncan Robinson had a hot shooting night with 17 points and five 3-pointers.
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