In what may be remembered as the Injury Report Game, the Detroit Pistons turned a shorthanded squad into a hard-fought victory, taking down the Chicago Bulls at home by a score of 124-113 thanks to a huge game from Paul Reed and company. 

Playing without superstar guard Cade Cunningham, the Pistons were without seven starters or regular rotation players due to injury against Chicago. Along with Cunningham, Detroit was missing Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, Marcus Sasser and Isaiah Stewart– but Reed took the challenge into his own hands to the tune of 28 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. 

While Reed has proven productive early this season, tonight’s double-double in a starting role stands as his finest work so far. Reed, who worked seamlessly with point guard Daniss Jenkins, displayed a clever hook shot, crafty post moves and some authoritative slam dunks in the Pistons’ 11-point win on Wednesday.

Daniss Jenkins continues to impress

Slotted in the starting lineup in place of Cade Cunningham, the Pistons were in steady hands as Jenkins directed the offense and controlled the pace of play. Notching a double-double in the contest, Jenkins had 18 points and 12 assists while making all the hustle plays in the margins that helped underscore winning basketball. Jenkins entered the game with a lot of momentum after knocking down an overtime-forcing three-pointer on Monday, and Jenkins added to that success with a commanding performance against Chicago. 

Though Cunningham was not in the lineup, Jenkins made the Bulls pay in a lot of the same ways that Cade would have. Jenkins was assertive in moving around the floor in the half-court, and he took a steady diet of mid-range shots, going 9-for-19 from the field. And taking charge of a shorthanded lineup, Jenkins knew he was due for a more extended run on the court, and he delivered through all 40 minutes that he played against the Bulls.

Sharp Outside Shooting From Duncan Robinson

At the top of the contest, veteran marksman Duncan Robinson sparked the Pistons’ offense early on with a pair of back-to-back triples. Not long after, Robinson found space at the top of the perimeter for another open three-pointer, and the experienced shooter totalled nine points in less than three minutes.

After that, Robinson remained relatively quiet until the second half before coming alive once again in the fourth quarter, knocking down a series of shots from behind the arc that ultimately worked to preserve Detroit’s lead in the crucial stages of the game.

Against the Bulls, Robinson chipped in with 23 points on 7-for-10 shooting from long range. Robinson also contributed two rebounds, one assist and one steal, but it was his consistent threat from distance that ultimately made the Bulls pay. 

With a victory on Wednesday against their Central Division foes, the Detroit Pistons remain in first place in the Eastern Conference with a 10-2 record. The Pistons are currently on an eight-game winning streak, which matches the longest in the NBA this season.

Next up, the Pistons will take on the Philadelphia 76ers at home in the group stage of the NBA Cup on Friday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 pm. 

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