Pistons overpower the Timberwolves 128-106 with 64 points in the paint

Jalen Duren waited all preseason to play. It took him about 15 minutes to remind everyone why Detroit paid him.

The Pistons center scored 24 points on 8-of-9 shooting in his preseason debut as Detroit beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-106 on Wednesday night at Target Center. The Pistons are 2-1 in exhibition play.

Back and hungry

Duren made Detroit's first basket and kept scoring from there. He added three rebounds, two steals and a block in limited minutes. He signed a five-year deal worth about $200 million in the offseason.

"I had to take my time to get back right and get in somewhat of game shape," Duren said after the game. He said he was "happy to be back playing the game that I love" and added: "I'm ready to keep it going."

Duncan Robinson scored 15 points and made four of his five threes. Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Joe had 14 each and John Collins added 11. Detroit shot 57% from the field and won the paint 64-30.

Wolves stall after a hot start

Minnesota scored 38 points in the first quarter on crisp passing and fast-break threes. The offense then managed only 44 points over the next two quarters. The Timberwolves committed 20 turnovers and Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball combined for seven of them.

Edwards led Minnesota with 20 points, three assists and two steals in the team's only preseason game at home. The Timberwolves open the regular season next week in Miami. Detroit hosts Toronto on Friday in its preseason finale.