Jalen Duren returned from a two-game suspension to score 26 points and grab 13 rebounds, leading the Detroit Pistons to a 126-110 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, February 21, 2026, at the United Center.
The Pistons, now 42-13 and holding the best record in the NBA, built a commanding lead in the third quarter, outscoring the Bulls 44-17 during that period. Cade Cunningham contributed 18 points, 13 assists, and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a triple-double. Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson each added 18 points for Detroit.
Josh Giddey led the Bulls with 27 points, shooting 10-for-16 from the field, including five three-pointers. Matas Buzelis, Jalen Smith, and Issac Okoro each scored 15 points for Chicago, but the Bulls struggled with turnovers, committing 23 which Detroit converted into 28 points.
Detroit dominated the paint, scoring 68 points inside compared to Chicago’s 38. The Pistons also held a 26-16 advantage in second-chance points. Duren’s return was marked by a technical foul in the third quarter for dropping the ball on the face of Chicago’s Nick Richards while Richards was on the floor.
The Bulls were without Jaden Ivey, who will be sidelined for two weeks due to left knee soreness. Ivey, recently traded to Chicago from Detroit on February 3rd, has played only four games for his new team. Anfernee Simons also left the game with a left wrist injury. Bulls coach Billy Donovan returned to the bench after missing a game to attend his father’s funeral.
The first half was tightly contested, with the Bulls shooting exceptionally well from three-point range, making nine of their first eleven attempts, but still trailing 53-50 at halftime. Detroit’s defensive pressure intensified after the break, forcing 21 of Chicago’s turnovers through the first three quarters.
