Jalen Duren shines in preseason debut after new Pistons deal

Jalen Duren scored 24 points in 15 first-half minutes Wednesday in his preseason debut, helping the Detroit Pistons beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 128–106 at Target Center.

Duren shot 8-for-9 from the field and 8-for-8 at the foul line. He added three rebounds, an assist, two steals and a block before sitting out the second half as planned, according to the Pistons’ official report.

The outing followed his return to Detroit after contract negotiations kept him away from September’s voluntary workouts and the opening week of training camp. He had missed the first two preseason games.

Detroit led by 15 after three quarters and finished with 32 assists on 45 baskets. Minnesota shot 38.2 percent, while the Pistons held a 45–34 rebounding advantage.

Coach J.B. Bickerstaff used 11 players in the first half. Duren’s efficient return gave Detroit a chance to test its rotation with its starting center back on the floor before the regular season.