Jalen Duren commits to increased assertiveness following only 4 field goal attempts in Game 1.
DETROIT — Long after Tuesday’s practice concluded at the Detroit Pistons facility, Jalen Duren stayed on the court, honing his post moves with one assistant coach on his back, another positioned in the paint, and a third assistant on the perimeter prepared to challenge the All-Star big man once he received the ball.
Duren was attempting to replicate the congested paint he might encounter again against the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of their best-of-7 series on Wednesday. The Pistons’ center was restricted to just eight points and seven rebounds while attempting only four shots.
Duren emphasized that he will adopt a much more assertive approach in Game 2.
“That’s not sufficient,” Duren reiterated twice regarding his 3-for-4 shooting performance. “And that’s on me. I just need to improve for my teammates.”
Duren, who is in his fourth year and is a finalist for Most Improved Player, averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 65% shooting, contributing to the Pistons winning 60 games and securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference. He acknowledged the Magic for their effective defensive strategy of congesting the paint and collapsing on him, but also noted the need for greater intensity.
The Magic had to win the 8-9 Play-In game last Friday against Charlotte to clinch the eighth seed. After a season marked by underperformance due to injuries and inconsistency, the Magic decisively defeated the Hornets, 121-90. They regained their aggressive and physical defense and carried that momentum into Game 1 to surprise the Pistons.
Detroit recognizes the necessity to respond on Wednesday.
“We understand the type of team we are,” Duren stated. “We believe we are the superior team. We know we just need to make adjustments and come out smarter, playing harder.”
A significant adjustment will involve providing Cade Cunningham with more support. The All-Star guard scored 39 points, along with five rebounds and four assists, but only one other Piston, Tobias Harris, reached double figures with 17 points.
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff indicated that his team must adhere more closely to its identity of physicality and defense. Additionally, getting his All-Star center involved will be crucial.
“We need to put the ball in his hands,” Bickerstaff remarked. “I think they did a commendable job of pinching his pick-and-roll and preventing him from receiving the ball in that situation. However, we must do a better job of allowing him to touch it in various areas so he can be effective.”
Duren is confident that he and his team will perform more like the No. 1 seed in the East than they did in Game 1.
“We’re better than what we displayed in Game 1,” Duren asserted. “So I have no doubt that we will bounce back and respond as we have throughout the season.”
