Pistons rout Pelicans by 46 points to end two-game skid

Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News on Mar 17, 2025

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

NEW ORLEANS — The Detroit Pistons ended their two-game losing streak in a 127-81 win over the New Orleans Pelicans Monday night at Smoothie King Center.

After a disappointing outing against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with a team-high 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting and eight assists. Zion Williamson led New Orleans with a game-high 30 points and six rebounds.

After starting their three-game road trip with a victory, the Pistons improved to 38-31 overall as they aim to climb the Eastern Conference standings. They currently sit as the No. 6 seed.

The Pistons wasted no time putting the Pelicans away early, resulting in a 35-13 lead after the first quarter. They shot 60.9% from the field during the period while outscoring New Orleans 20-8 from the inside. Detroit also destroyed the Pelicans in transition, leading 10-2 in fast break points.

At the 5:34 mark of the first quarter, Ausar Thompson connected with Cunningham in transition for an easy one-hand dunk. Thompson found the All-Star guard on the break with a no-look pass that led to an 11-point advantage (21-10).

By the end of the first half, the Pistons held a 63-32 lead. They held New Orleans to 21.3% shooting with one made 3-point field goal. A 32-point lead (55-23) at the 6:19 mark of the second period marked the Pistons' largest of the half.

Up next

The Pistons will continue their three-game trip on Wednesday with a national broadcast game against the Miami Heat on ESPN. The final game of the trip will be played on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks. Tip-off against the Heat is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at Kaseya Center.

____