With their backs against the wall, the Detroit Pistons bounced back once again. Delivering an impressive response on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Pistons forced a second consecutive Game 7.
It was an all-around incredible performance from the Pistons. Cade Cunningham was solid once again, but it was the rest of the team that delivered in a big way. The bench had 48 points and was a big part of building the lead in both halves. But which role players deserve the most credit?
Duncan Robinson
Detroit's sharpshooter proved how important he is to this team in his return from a one-game absence. Robinson came off the bench for the first time all year and didn't miss a beat. He was a big part of the Pistons' efficient shooting from downtown, contributing four threes.
Robinson was clearly limited physically, as he played a postseason-low 20 minutes. He was getting his lower back worked on whenever he was on the bench.
When he was on the court, however, he gave his all. Besides his 4/7 shooting from downtown, he was excellent at moving the ball. He had a few elite passes, including a beautiful dish to Paul Reed in the second half. He finished with two assists to go with his 14 points.
Jalen Duren
This may have been the best game Duren played in these playoffs. Despite pressure on Bickerstaff to bench him for this game, the Pistons head coach stuck with his All-Star center, and it paid off.
Duren scored 15 points on 7/10 shooting from the field and was very active on the boards, grabbing 11 rebounds. He made help defense plays and blocked three shots. He had significantly more effort and intensity and was engaged throughout the game. This was the first game he outplayed Jarrett Allen in this series.
The 22-year-old center had a few plays reminiscent of his regular-season production. He beat Allen off the dribble to finish around the basket on a few occasions. He is still not where he needs to be, but this was a great sign for Duren ahead of Game 7.
Paul Reed
BBall Paul swinging a game for the Pistons in the playoffs? What's new?
The 23-year-old center played a big role once again, contributing 17 points, six rebounds, and a block off the bench in 16 minutes of action. The Pistons won his minutes by eight.
Reed was essentially the backup center in this game over Isaiah Stewart. When Duren sprained his ankle in the third quarter and briefly went to the locker room, Reed stepped up in a big way, keeping possessions alive with his offensive rebounding and hustle.
The Pistons are lucky to have the luxury of having an overqualified third-string center like Reed. They probably would have been eliminated already if it weren't for Reed, who proved his worth in Game 6 once again.
Add us as a preferred source on Google