Pistons’ Jalen Duren makes NBA history alongside Wilt Chamberlain, Willis Reed

DETROIT—Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren delivered a historic performance during Wednesday’s 113-104 victory over the Toronto Raptors on 313 Day at Little Caesars Arena.

The 20-year-old center finished with 24 points on 8-for-9 shooting from the floor, along with 23 rebounds and five assists, marking his third 20-point and 20-rebound game this year—the most in the NBA by any player.

It also marked the second time in Duren’s career that he totaled 20-plus points, 20-plus rebounds, and five-plus assists, joining the late two-time NBA All-Star John Drew as the only players in NBA history with multiple such games for a player 20 years of age or younger.

“What I’ve told him is when he puts in the consistent work, he cannot take nights like this for granted, but he puts himself in a position to have nights like this,” Pistons head coach Monty Williams said after Wednesday’s win. “And he’s been diligent. I forget which game it was, but he just didn’t feel good about his performance... ever since then, he’s had a different, elevated focus in the practices we’ve had.

We haven’t practiced hard at all. We’ve been pretty light. But when he comes in, he’s gotten his reps in and he’s coming in early. He’s staying after. And the big man group, as we talked about, they do a lot of fundamental stuff together. I’ve always felt like when guys put that kind of work in, you put yourself in a position to have a night like he had tonight. It’s not gonna happen every night. I wish it did. But he’s been working his tail off lately and he’s gotta keep it up.”

Pistons forward/center Isaiah Stewart, who considers Duren to be his “little bro,” was also impressed by the performance, but he shared that he and his teammates expect that level of play from the 6-foot-10 center every game.

“The sky is the limit for him,” Stewart said. “I tell him every day, everybody tells him every day. You know, the sky is the limit for him. I’m excited for what the future holds for him. That performance he did tonight, that’s what I expect out of him every time he is on the floor because he’s capable of doing it every single night.

For him, I feel like that should be his goal; doing it every single night. He’s a man-child. He’s a man-child, for sure. I love JD. That’s my lil bro. I’m proud of him for the way he played tonight.”

The historic achievements for Duren didn’t stop there. He also became the fourth player in NBA history to record at least 20 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists while shooting 88% from the field in a single game. Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain and Willis Reed, along with Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis, are the only other three players to accomplish such a feat.

“I mean, that’s pretty cool, I’m not gonna lie,” Duren said after learning of his accomplishment. “To be mentioned with guys like that, it’s pretty cool, but I’m just most happy we were able to put together these back-to-back wins.

“I feel the energy in the locker room. I feel the energy in the gym, you know, during shootaround. It’s a great energy. I love it. I love the way we’re playing right now. I love the way we’re building right now. So I just want to keep it up.”

Duren’s also recorded his 36th double-double of the season during Wednesday’s win.