Through the first three games of the playoffs, the Detroit Pistons have been a massive disappointment. Heading into a crucial Game 4, down 2-1 to the Orlando Magic, the top-seeded Pistons have to take back control of the series. Besides the 30-3 run in the third quarter of Game 2, the Pistons have been outplayed by Orlando, which doesn't bode well for the future.
Perhaps the biggest reason for the disappointment has been Jalen Duren. The first-time All-Star has been nowhere near the level he has shown in the regular season. Without him stepping up, the Pistons don't have a way to score efficiently on Orlando. Therefore, the most important question heading into Monday's game will be: Can Jalen Duren finally get going against Wendell Carter Jr. and the Magic defense?
Jalen Duren Needs to Step Up in a Big Way in Game 4 vs. Magic
Duren had some good defensive moments in Game 3, finishing with five blocks. He also did a better job on the boards, but couldn't finish the game, fouling out after 27 minutes of action. While being better defensively than he was earlier in the series is positive, Duren has to show that he can be the No. 2 offensive option next to Cade Cunningham.
So far, Duren has been outplayed by Wendell Carter Jr. The Magic center is averaging 11.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game in 32.3 minutes of action with a 62.8 percent True Shooting. Duren is significantly behind Duren across the board. Most notably, Duren's efficiency has gone from 68.8 percent True Shooting in the regular season to 46.8 percent in the playoffs.
While the Pistons can do a better job of getting the ball to Duren in more advantageous positions, it's up to Duren to dominate his one-on-one matchup. Per NBA.com matchup data, Duren is 6/14 from the field for 14 points in three games when Carter is defending him. A telling stat is that he only shot four free throws the entire series when guarded by Carter.
Orlando is certainly playing well. Its size and physicality cause problems for the Pistons. Detroit's lack of shooting allows the Magic to pack the paint and make things difficult for Duren. But this is what the playoffs are about. Star players have to adjust throughout the series and win their individual matchups. Duren hasn't done this so far, and whether he will in Game 4 will determine the outcome of the series.
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