The Detroit Pistons took care of business in Washington on Tuesday, defeating the tanking Wizards to improve to 49-19 for the season. Despite the win, however, Pistons fans left the game seriously concerned.
Superstar guard Cade Cunningham collided with Wizards rookie Tre Johnson going for a loose ball five minutes into the game (h/t @Pistons__Talk). The Pistons' star was subsequently ruled out for the rest of the game with back spasms.
This is obviously not what Pistons fans wanted to hear with 14 games left in the regular season. Detroit dealt with absences all season, with Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren, Caris LeVert, and Isaiah Stewart all missing at least 10 games. Losing Cunningham with a month before the playoffs is not ideal.
However, when one door closes, another opens. Cunningham's injury isn't what Pistons fans want to see, but it does offer an opportunity for someone else to step up.
Daniss Jenkins Could Be Biggest Benefactor of Cade Cunningham's Injury
Daniss Jenkins could suddenly become more important as long as Cunningham is on Detroit's sideline.
The 24-year-old guard has been struggling in recent weeks and lost his spot in the rotation, getting a DNP-Coach's Decision in the loss to the Raptors on Sunday. Fortunately for Jenkins, his scratch from the rotation didn't last very long.
On Tuesday, Jenkins made the most of his opportunity. Starting the second half in Cunningham's absence, Jenkins played 21 minutes and put up 15 points, two rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and a block on 4-of-9 (44.4%) shooting from the field. The Pistons were also plus-10 with him on the floor.
After the game, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff had praise for Jenkins, per Pistons insider Omari Sankofa II. Bickerstaff complimented the way the dynamic guard played freely and aggressively.
Jenkins also addressed his recent slump:
"That’s what life is about. Don’t get too high, don’t get too low. It’s part of it. I shot out of a cannon, and then you hit some rough patches. It’s all good, that’s what life is about. I take it on the chin, and I keep working."Daniss Jenkins, via Omari Sankofa II
This is clearly the right approach from Jenkins. Emerging out of nowhere to earn a rotation spot on the best team in the Eastern Conference requires this type of confidence and attitude.
If Cunningham were to miss any time, Jenkins will almost certainly see extended minutes. He may even enter the starting lineup, giving him an excellent opportunity to prove his worth between now and the postseason.
At the same time, Jenkins is facing stiff competition.
The Pistons deployed a 12-man rotation against the Wizards, including significant minutes for Marcus Sasser and Kevin Huerter. Bickerstaff played 11 players against the Raptors as well, highlighting his willingness to give everyone a chance to see what they can do in the final stretch.
Jenkins must return to his early-season form to ensure he is ahead of Sasser and Huerter in the rotation when the Pistons begin their playoff journey. Thursday night's game against the Wizards will be a big chance for him to do that.