Detroit Pistons turn 36 assists into a question for the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center: who could slow the pace?

The Detroit Pistons moved to 46-18 and the Brooklyn Nets fell to 17-48 in a 138-100 finish at Barclays Center. The Pistons posted 56 field goal percent while the Nets ended at 42 field goal percent.

First quarter

The Detroit Pistons opened with 38 points in the first quarter while the Brooklyn Nets scored 27 points in the same quarter. The Pistons hit 50 three-point percent for the game, and that early shot-making set up a 36-assist night that shaped the game flow.

Second quarter

The Pistons added 35 points in the second quarter as the Nets were held to 13 points in the period. The Pistons produced 29 points off 19 Nets turnovers, and the Pistons also logged 12 steals to keep possessions tilted toward Motor City.

Third quarter

The Pistons scored 32 points in the third quarter while the Nets scored 33 points in the quarter. Cade Cunningham finished with 21 points and 15 assists, and Jalen Duren added 26 points on 90 field goal percent to anchor the interior scoring reflected in Detroit Pistons post-match stats.

Fourth quarter

The Pistons closed with 33 points in the fourth quarter while the Nets scored 27 points in the period. Brooklyn got 29 free throws made on 85 free throw percent, but the Pistons answered with 26 fast-break points on 82 fast-break percent to lock in the game-changing plays Detroit Pistons vs Brooklyn Nets.

What the numbers say

The Pistons won the rebound battle 53-37, and Detroit Pistons vs Brooklyn Nets result analysis starts with a 64-24 edge in points in the paint. The Nets recorded 23 assists, but the Borough also finished with 19 total turnovers, and that gap drove the post game analysis for how the Pistons controlled pace and shot volume.

The Pistons are scheduled to host the Philadelphia 76ers at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit at 7:00 PM EDT on 2026-03-12, with broadcasts on Amazon Prime Video and NBCS-PH. Keep it locked for the next recap, and share this article with other Pistons fans.