
You could be forgiven if you'd never heard of Daniss Jenkins before Monday night. After he saved the Detroit Pistons in only his 13th career game, the Pistons — and the Washington Wizards — won't forget him anytime soon.
Jenkins made two three-pointers in the final three seconds of regulation, sending the game to overtime where the Pistons beat the Wizards, 137-135. He finished with 24 points, which is the same number of points Jenkins had scored during his entire NBA career before Monday's game.
Jenkins wasn't drafted after a college career spent at three different colleges. He averaged 14.9 points for St. John's as a senior and managed to land a two-way contract with the Pistons before the 2024-25 season. Jenkins spent most of that season with the G League's Motor City Cruise, where he made the G League's All-Rookie team.
He signed another two-way deal this season, where he's seen more opportunities as the Pistons' third-string point guard with Dennis Schroder gone and Marcus Sasser's hip injury. With Caris Levert out for Monday's game, along with Ausar Thompson and Tobias Harris, the Pistons needed to lean on Jenkins.
Jenkins was ready.
DANISS. JENKINS.
— NBA (@NBA) November 11, 2025
WHAT A SHOT TO SEND THE GAME TO OT
WATCH OT: https://t.co/sqE0hFb0yy https://t.co/Aowe7tXlY8 pic.twitter.com/khXyN7PiBi
Sasser was a first-round pick in 2023, but he hasn't ensured a rotation spot in his two seasons. His minutes dropped from 19 to 14.2 per game last season, and his scoring and assists dropped.
Jenkins has been a solid defender and is becoming a reliable energy player off the bench. That hustle was on display Monday when Jenkins racked up four steals and eight rebounds, despite standing just 6-foot-3.
Monday's game showed that the Pistons have developed their depth, even deep down the bench. Javonte Green started and had an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double. Second-round pick Chaz Lanier played 27 minutes and had eight points, finishing with a respectable -2 plus/minus for the game.
Of course, it's also a sign that Cade Cunningham can make any of his teammates look good. He put on a tour de force performance, with a 46-point triple-double, adding 12 rebounds, 11 assists, five steals and two blocks, willing the shorthanded Pistons to the win.
Cade stepback from the baseline!
— NBA (@NBA) November 11, 2025
27p, 8r, 6a & 4s for the Pistons guard
WSH/DET on Peacock
https://t.co/sqE0hFasJ0 pic.twitter.com/hUFk6z3iYH
Not only did Cunningham dominate, he trusted his teammates. He found Jenkins for the game-tying shot and added a dime to Duncan Robinson for a go-ahead three-pointer in overtime.
DUNCAN ROBINSON FROM DOWNTOWN!
— NBA (@NBA) November 11, 2025
IT'S A 1-PT GAME WITH LESS THAN A MINUTE TO GO!
WATCH ON PEACOCK: https://t.co/sqE0hFb0yy pic.twitter.com/pRBrXez0pu
Jenkins had the game of his life and might have earned himself a long-term role in Detroit. For Cunningham, he's proving he can elevate any supporting cast, no matter how unknown.
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