Jennings' season-high 35 points leads Pistons to 5th straight win

Here come the Detroit Pistons. 

Brandon Jennings scored a season-high 35 points in a 114-95 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday to extend the Pistons' season-long winning streak to five games. 

The formula for success? Getting rid of Josh Smith, apparently. 

Detroit is a perfect 5-0 since releasing Smith, who signed with the Houston Rockets after being ousted from the Motor City. 

The Pistons' improved play without Smith isn't surprising, as the team had better results with him on the bench all season long. 

Jennings has dropped 25-plus points in three of five games since Smith's departure, shooting above 50 percent from the field in four of them. The last stat is especially impressive - and likely unsustainable - as Jennings' shot selection and efficiency have always held him back. 

He's a career 39 percent shooter from the field. 

Against the Kings, Jennings nailed 14-of-21 shots - including 5-of-8 from long range - while dishing out seven assists. 

Detroit also received help from its bigs in the victory. Andre Drummond scored 15 points and added 14 rebounds, while Greg Monroe chipped in with a 14-and-11 effort. 

DeMarcus Cousins led the Kings with 18 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. 

The Pistons will look to make it six in a row Tuesday when they visit the San Antonio Spurs.