Pistons set franchise record with 53-point rout of Nets

DETROIT --Jalen Duren had 21 points and 10 rebounds after being added to the All-Star Game on Sunday night as an Eastern Conference reserve, and the Detroit Pistons routed the Brooklyn Nets 130-77 in the most lopsided victory in franchise history.

The 53-point margin topped the mark of 52 set in a 118-66 victory at Boston on Jan 31, 2003. The Nets had a 54-point loss -- 120-66 -- on Jan. 21 against New York.

"You know, there were games earlier, even this season, where we got a big lead," Pistons coachJ.B. Bickerstaff said. "And then, you know, we let out our foot off the gas a little bit and fumbled the lead and had to figure out a way to win it in the fourth quarter.

"So, you know, we talk about it all the time. We never expect to start the season as good as we expect to finish it. And for us, it's always about taking those steps of continuing to improve. And you find different ways and areas where you need to improve. And I think our guys have continued to do that."

Cade Cunningham, the Detroit star who was earlier selected an East All-Star starter, added 18 points, 12 assists and 4 steals. The Eastern Conference-leading Pistons improved to 36-12 with their second straight victory. They beat Golden State on Friday night to finish 2-1 on a three-game trip.

Cunningham had 13 points, 10 assists and 4 steals in the first half as the Pistons raced to a 67-44 lead. Ausar Thompson hit a half-court shot at the halftime buzzer.

Detroit outscored Brooklyn 33-18 in the third quarter to push it to 100-62. The Pistons' largest lead was 55 points.

"These guys put so much work and so much time and sacrifice so much for one another, for the ultimate goal of being able to get out there and help," Bickerstaff said. "And I think, you know, tonight is a great night of that. But most pleased with like, you know, we continue to play to our standard. And that was the most impressive part."

Cam Thomas and Drake Powell each had 12 points for Brooklyn. The Nets are 13-35.

Egor Demin was 0-for-4 from 3-point range, ending his NBA rookie-record streak of at least one 3 in 34 straight games. He set the record Friday night in Utah.

Nets scoring leader Michael Porter Jr. sat out because of personal reasons.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.