The Detroit Pistons bounced back in Game 2 against the Orlando Magic behind an incredible 30-3 run to start the third quarter. Detroit rediscovered its defensive identity and forced a ton of turnovers, which fueled its transition game; the Pistons never looked back on Wednesday. They will almost certainly have a ton of confidence heading to Orlando after playing the same way that won them 60 games this season.
At the same time, the Pistons still have important rotation decisions to make. Head coach JB Bickerstaff continues to search for the optimal lineup combinations. On Wednesday, Kevin Huerter and Ron Holland saw their usage reduced after Caris LeVert and Javonte Green got the short end of the stick in Game 1.
As Bickerstaff evaluates his roster to see who can thrive in the intense playoff atmosphere, a decision must be made on Daniss Jenkins. The 24-year-old guard was a nice breakout story during the season, but is off to a troubling start to the playoffs.
Daniss Jenkins Off to Concerning Start to NBA Playoffs
After playing the most minutes off the bench for Detroit in Game 1, Jenkins was strictly Cade Cunningham's backup in Game 2. The two barely shared the floor, and Jenkins was limited to 11 minutes. He struggled from the field again and finished with four points and two assists on 2/7 shooting.
So far in the playoffs, Jenkins is shooting 3/14 from the field, 1/8 from 3-point land, and 3/8 from the charity stripe, while averaging five points in 17 minutes per game. The Pistons have lost his minutes on the court in both games. On Wednesday, the Pistons owned a miserable 73.9 offensive rating with Jenkins on the hardwood.
It should not be overlooked that Jenkins has been a part of the elite Pistons defense and has two blocks in two playoff games. He can certainly hold his own on that end of the floor, but that is not exactly what the Pistons need from him. They need him to keep the offense afloat when Cunningham is on the bench. If he can play next to Cunningham, hit some shots, and act as a secondary playmaker, even better.
He hasn't been able to do that so far. When asked after Game 1 about the difference between the regular season and the playoffs, Jenkins said, "The big difference, I guess, it would be the physicality. Everybody is locked in every single possession. It shouldn’t be no easy baskets," per The Athletic's Hunter Patterson.
Perhaps the physicality is getting to Jenkins in his first playoff series. He hasn't been able to create good looks or make enough shots.
Now, Bickerstaff has to decide whether it's time to pull Jenkins from the rotation and go a different route. Maybe that means giving Marcus Sasser a chance, making Caris LeVert the backup point guard, or having Kevin Huerter play more minutes. Saturday's Game 3 and Jenkins' role will give us good insight into how the coaching staff sees him.
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