The Detroit Pistons defeated the Chicago Bulls 108-93 on January 7, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena, with Isaiah Stewart exploding for a career-high 31 points and Daniss Jenkins dishing out 15 assists. Ayo Dosunmu led Chicago with 24 points, while Nikola Vucevic posted 20 points and 16 rebounds in the losing effort. This complete breakdown of the chicago bulls vs detroit pistons match player stats reveals how Detroit’s depth overcame significant roster challenges.
Table of contents
- Game Summary and Final Score
- Top Performers Statistical Breakdown
- Playmaking and Supporting Stats
- Quarter by Quarter Scoring Analysis
- Shooting Efficiency Breakdown
- The Game Context: Injuries and Adjustments
- Stewart’s Historic Performance Breakdown
- Bulls’ Offensive Struggles
- Bench Production Comparison
- The Jenkins Factor
- Turning Point Analysis
- Three-Point Shooting Battle
- Paint Dominance
- Looking Ahead
- Historical Context and Significance
- Advanced Stats and Analytics
- Coaching Decisions and Impact
- Post-Game Implications
- Key Statistical Takeaways
- Fan Reactions and Atmosphere
- Season Series Context
- Final Thoughts on the Matchup
Game Summary and Final Score
Detroit improved to 28-9 on the season despite playing without All-Star Cade Cunningham (wrist), fellow starters Tobias Harris (hip), and Jalen Duren (ankle). The Pistons won their fourth game in five outings, continuing their dominant run atop the Eastern Conference standings.
Chicago dropped to 17-20 with their third consecutive loss, struggling offensively in a crucial fourth quarter where they managed just 16 points.
Final Score:
- Detroit Pistons: 108
- Chicago Bulls: 93
Top Performers Statistical Breakdown
Detroit Pistons Leading Scorers
| Player | Points | FG | FG% | 3PT | Rebounds | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isaiah Stewart | 31 | 14-17 | 82.4% | 3-5 | 3 | 1 | 30 |
| Duncan Robinson | 12 | 4-9 | 44.4% | 4-8 | 4 | 3 | 26 |
| Ron Holland II | 11 | 4-10 | 40.0% | 1-4 | 5 | 1 | 24 |
| Javonte Green | 11 | 5-8 | 62.5% | 1-3 | 4 | 0 | 22 |
| Ausar Thompson | 11 | 4-9 | 44.4% | 1-3 | 8 | 2 | 28 |
Chicago Bulls Leading Scorers
| Player | Points | FG | FG% | 3PT | Rebounds | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayo Dosunmu | 24 | 10-15 | 66.7% | 4-6 | 1 | 3 | 31 |
| Nikola Vucevic | 20 | 9-20 | 45.0% | 0-2 | 16 | 3 | 36 |
| Matas Buzelis | 20 | 8-17 | 47.1% | 3-8 | 7 | 2 | 33 |
| Kevin Huerter | 9 | 4-11 | 36.4% | 1-5 | 2 | 2 | 26 |
| Patrick Williams | 7 | 3-10 | 30.0% | 1-4 | 5 | 1 | 29 |
Playmaking and Supporting Stats
Key Assists and Facilitators
| Player (Team) | Assists | Turnovers | Plus/Minus | Steals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniss Jenkins (DET) | 15 | 1 | +20 | 1 |
| Tre Jones (CHI) | 12 | 2 | -9 | 1 |
| Ayo Dosunmu (CHI) | 3 | 1 | -11 | 0 |
| Jaden Ivey (DET) | 4 | 2 | -5 | 0 |
Daniss Jenkins put together an exceptional floor game, recording a career-high 15 assists with just one turnover across 28 minutes off the bench. The two-way player struggled shooting (1-8 FG), but his court vision and playmaking prowess proved invaluable.
“I just knew someone was going to get us going. I did not know who. But it just so happened to be me,” Jenkins said after the game. “They were playing two to the ball. I just had to make the read for everybody to be great.”
Defensive Impact and Rebounding
| Team | Total Rebounds | Offensive Rebounds | Defensive Rebounds | Blocks | Steals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Pistons | 45 | 11 | 34 | 6 | 7 |
| Chicago Bulls | 46 | 11 | 35 | 4 | 5 |
Detroit dominated inside with 62 points in the paint compared to Chicago’s 48, a key factor in overcoming their shooting struggles.
Quarter by Quarter Scoring Analysis
| Quarter | Bulls | Pistons |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 24 | 26 |
| 2nd | 26 | 26 |
| 3rd | 27 | 24 |
| 4th | 16 | 32 |
| Final | 93 | 108 |
The fourth quarter proved decisive. Chicago led 77-76 entering the final period but collapsed offensively, missing 12 of their first 16 shots and committing three turnovers. Detroit opened the quarter with a 7-0 run to seize control and never looked back.
Shooting Efficiency Breakdown
Team Shooting Percentages
| Category | Detroit Pistons | Chicago Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 49.0% (43-88) | 42.0% (37-88) |
| 3-Point % | 31.4% (11-35) | 33.3% (12-36) |
| Free Throw % | 68.8% (11-16) | 77.8% (7-9) |
Individual Shooting Highlights
Isaiah Stewart’s 82.4% shooting performance (14-17 FG) anchored Detroit’s offense. He scored 17 points in the first half and consistently punished Chicago’s undersized frontcourt in the paint, going 12-14 from inside the arc and 5-5 in the restricted area.
Ayo Dosunmu provided the Bulls’ lone bright spot with efficient 66.7% shooting, including 4-6 from beyond the arc.
The Game Context: Injuries and Adjustments
Missing Key Players
Detroit’s Absences:
- Cade Cunningham (wrist injury)
- Jalen Duren (ankle)
- Tobias Harris (hip)
Chicago’s Absences:
- Josh Giddey (hamstring)
- Coby White (injury)
- Zach Collins (toe)
- Jalen Smith (inactive)
Despite missing three starters, Detroit’s depth shined through. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff leaned on his bench unit, getting double-digit scoring from five different players.
“Tonight, it was kind of ugly and uncomfortable. Offensively, we couldn’t really catch a rhythm,” Bickerstaff admitted. “But our guys found a way to win.”
Stewart’s Historic Performance Breakdown
Isaiah Stewart’s 31-point explosion marked a personal milestone. His previous career high was 26 points against Memphis on November 3, 2025.
Stewart’s Scoring Distribution
| Quarter | Points | Field Goals | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 11 | 5-6 | 83.3% |
| 2nd | 6 | 3-4 | 75.0% |
| 3rd | 8 | 3-4 | 75.0% |
| 4th | 6 | 3-3 | 100% |
The six-foot-eight power forward dominated the paint all night, accounting for 15 of Detroit’s first 36 points. His physicality overwhelmed Chicago’s frontcourt throughout the contest.
“Having Cade out, that’s the head of the snake, especially what he does on offense,” Stewart said. “I just came in thinking, ‘Hey, we got to get it done.’ I did not know how we were going to get it done. But, it ended up being me scoring 31 points, and I’ll take that.”
Stewart added a dose of humility postgame: “I’m gonna be honest with you, I didn’t think I would touch 31 or 30 at this level just because of my role and the way I play.”
Bulls’ Offensive Struggles
Chicago’s fourth quarter meltdown proved costly. After leading by one point entering the final frame, they managed just 16 points on 25% shooting (4-16 FG). The three-point shooting especially went cold, connecting on just 2-10 attempts.
Bulls’ Key Players Performance
Nikola Vucevic’s Double-Double: The veteran center grabbed 16 rebounds (7 offensive) but struggled shooting 45% against Detroit’s undersized frontcourt. His defensive deficiencies contributed to Detroit’s 62 points in the paint.
Matas Buzelis’ Continued Development: The rookie forward scored 20 points with solid efficiency. He had a particularly strong third quarter, helping Chicago take a brief lead with his three-point shooting.
Tre Jones’ Playmaking: Despite shooting just 1-7 from the field, Jones facilitated well with 12 assists, setting up teammates throughout the game.
Bench Production Comparison
| Team | Bench Points | Key Contributors |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit | 45 | Jenkins (2), Holland (11), Green (11), Thompson (11) |
| Chicago | 33 | Dosunmu (24), Huerter (9) |
Detroit’s bench outscored Chicago’s reserves 45-33, with Jenkins orchestrating the offense and multiple players contributing double-digit scoring.
The Jenkins Factor
Daniss Jenkins’ 15 assists tied for the most by a Pistons reserve since Ish Smith in 2017. His plus-20 rating while scoring just two points highlighted his impact beyond the box score.
Jenkins dished out 12 of his 15 assists in the second half, finding open shooters and cutters as Chicago’s defense collapsed on pick-and-rolls. His two-man game with Stewart proved particularly effective down the stretch.
Turning Point Analysis
The game’s momentum shifted decisively at the 10:27 mark of the fourth quarter. Chicago led 77-76 after three quarters, but Detroit exploded with a 7-0 run to open the final period.
The Decisive Sequence:
- Stewart layup (79-77)
- Jenkins to Green fast break layup (81-77)
- Thompson three-pointer (84-77)
Chicago never recovered, missing eight consecutive shots during this stretch.
Three-Point Shooting Battle
Despite shooting similar percentages from beyond the arc, the three-point line told different stories for each team.
Three-Point Leaders
Detroit:
- Duncan Robinson: 4-8
- Ausar Thompson: 1-3
- Ron Holland: 1-4
- Team: 11-35 (31.4%)
Chicago:
- Ayo Dosunmu: 4-6
- Matas Buzelis: 3-8
- Team: 12-36 (33.3%)
Robinson’s four triples kept Detroit competitive during their offensive lulls in the first half.
Paint Dominance
Detroit’s 62 points in the paint versus Chicago’s 48 reflected Stewart’s interior dominance and the Pistons’ physicality advantage.
Paint Scoring Leaders
| Player | Paint Points |
|---|---|
| Isaiah Stewart (DET) | 24 |
| Nikola Vucevic (CHI) | 16 |
| Matas Buzelis (CHI) | 12 |
| Ron Holland (DET) | 8 |
Stewart went 12-14 on attempts inside the paint, bulldozing through Chicago’s defense with ease.
Looking Ahead
Chicago Bulls: The Bulls faced the Miami Heat the following night, searching for answers to their three-game skid. Without Giddey and White, they needed more consistent scoring beyond Dosunmu and Vucevic.
Detroit Pistons: Detroit prepared to host the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, hoping to welcome back key starters. Their 28-9 record positioned them as legitimate Eastern Conference contenders.
Historical Context and Significance
This marked the third meeting between Central Division rivals this season. Chicago won the opener 115-111 in October, while Detroit claimed the second matchup 124-113 in November. The teams were scheduled to meet again on February 21 in Chicago.
Detroit’s ability to win without three starters demonstrated championship-level depth. The Pistons entered the game as Eastern Conference leaders, tied with the New York Knicks, and validated that status with a dominant performance.
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Advanced Stats and Analytics
Effective Field Goal Percentage
| Team | eFG% |
|---|---|
| Detroit | 55.7% |
| Chicago | 48.9% |
Detroit’s efficient shot selection and Stewart’s dominance near the rim boosted their effective field goal percentage significantly above Chicago’s mark.
True Shooting Percentage Leaders
| Player | TS% | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah Stewart | 84.2% | 31 |
| Javonte Green | 64.7% | 11 |
| Ayo Dosunmu | 69.4% | 24 |
| Matas Buzelis | 54.8% | 20 |
Stewart’s true shooting percentage approached video game levels, showcasing his ruthless efficiency.
Coaching Decisions and Impact
J.B. Bickerstaff’s decision to start Jaden Ivey over Jenkins paid dividends. Ivey’s first start of the season (and first since recovering from a broken fibula 371 days earlier) brought defensive intensity, even though he managed just 8 points in 19 minutes.
Billy Donovan experimented with unconventional lineups due to Chicago’s injuries, but the Bulls lacked offensive firepower. The fourth quarter collapse exposed their depth issues when shots stopped falling.
Post-Game Implications
Eastern Conference Standings Impact: Detroit maintained their position atop the Eastern Conference at 28-9, continuing an impressive campaign. Chicago fell further below .500 at 17-20, raising questions about their playoff positioning.
Player Development:
- Stewart proved capable of carrying offensive loads when needed
- Jenkins demonstrated starting-caliber playmaking abilities
- Buzelis continued his promising rookie campaign
- Dosunmu emerged as a reliable scoring option for Chicago
Key Statistical Takeaways
- Stewart’s Efficiency: 82.4% shooting represents elite interior finishing
- Jenkins’ Playmaking: 15 assists with one turnover is All-Star level facilitation
- Fourth Quarter Collapse: Chicago’s 16-point quarter doomed their comeback hopes
- Paint Dominance: Detroit’s 62 paint points overwhelmed Chicago’s defense
- Bench Contribution: Detroit’s reserves outscored Chicago’s 45-33
Fan Reactions and Atmosphere
The crowd of 19,501 at Little Caesars Arena witnessed a classic grit-and-grind victory. Despite missing star players, Detroit’s blue-collar performance energized the home fans.
The Pistons’ defensive intensity in the fourth quarter, holding Chicago to just 16 points, brought the arena to its feet. Stewart received a standing ovation when he exited with 90 seconds remaining.
Season Series Context
This victory gave Detroit a 2-1 advantage in the season series. The teams split their first two meetings, with home court proving decisive in all three contests.
Season Series Results:
- October 22: Bulls 115, Pistons 111 (Chicago)
- November 12: Pistons 124, Bulls 113 (Detroit)
- January 7: Pistons 108, Bulls 93 (Detroit)
- February 21: Scheduled (Chicago)
Final Thoughts on the Matchup
The chicago bulls vs detroit pistons match player stats from January 7, 2026, revealed a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions. Detroit’s depth and defensive identity shined through adversity, while Chicago’s offensive inconsistency continued plaguing their season.
Stewart’s career night, Jenkins’ spectacular playmaking, and Detroit’s fourth-quarter dominance highlighted why the Pistons entered as Eastern Conference favorites. Meanwhile, Chicago’s struggles without key players exposed their lack of depth and offensive firepower.
The game served as a statement victory for Detroit, proving they could win in multiple ways. For Chicago, it reinforced the need for health and consistency as they fight for playoff positioning.
This comprehensive breakdown of the chicago bulls vs detroit pistons match player stats demonstrates how individual brilliance and team depth combined to produce a convincing victory for the resurgent Pistons franchise.
Game played on January 7, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan Attendance: 19,501 Officials: Bill Kennedy, Karl Lane, Michael Smith Duration: 2:04
