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DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 27: Daniss Jenkins #24 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena on February 27, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Despite losing Cade Cunningham for at least multiple weeks’ worth of games, the Detroit Pistons have done well for themselves so far.
On Monday, March 23, the Pistons were tasked with taking on the red-hot Los Angeles Lakers. Daniss Jenkins, Cunningham’s replacement, put together a statement performance.
Jenkins checked in for 39 minutes. He shot 11-18 from the field, going 4-5 from three. After adding four free throws as well, Jenkins finished the game with 30 points. He nearly notched a double-double with eight assists and also added four rebounds to his line.
via Detroit Pistons on X: DANISS JENKINS NEW CAREER HIGH.
30 POINTS FOR THE DAWG.
The Lakers have cooled down.
Entering the Monday matchup, the 46-25 Lakers were winners of nine-straight games. They had the second-longest streak in the Western Conference, behind the first-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
With a 113-110 loss, the Lakers’ win counter has been reset. As for the Pistons, they now have four in a row as they advance to 51-19 on the year.
Pistons’ Daniss Jenkins Sets Major Milestone vs Lakers
GettyTORONTO, CANADA – FEBRUARY 11: Kevin Huerter #27 of the Detroit Pistons and Daniss Jenkins #24 walk alongside each other during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on February 11, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
As you can expect, Pistons fans were hyped to see Jenkins make the most of the opportunity to take up some of the minutes that would typically go to Cunningham.
“Earning that new contract! 👏,” TylerNorkiewicz wrote on X.
“Them Jenkins haters on IG doing the mannequin challenge after this,” KodyMack added.
“Danissanity has begun,” nolshu said.
“Big dawg!” said AdultnamesRob.
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 27: Daniss Jenkins #24 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena on February 27, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Jenkins, 24, had a college career that started at Pacific. He switched schools on several occasions, ending up at St. John’s in 2023.
After his NCAA run, Jenkins went undrafted in 2024. The Pistons were the first team to give Jenkins a shot, offering him a two-way contract.
Following the 2024-2025 NBA season, Jenkins re-signed with the Pistons on a second two-way contract. Back in February, the Pistons officially signed Jenkins to a standard contract after he showed plenty of upside on the main roster.
Leading up to Monday’s action, Jenkins had appeared in 60 games. He’s shooting 40.0% from the field and 36.1% from three, averaging 8.0 points.
Along with his scoring, Jenkins is averaging 2.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.