Jalen Duren vows more aggression after just 4 field goal attempts in Game 1 loss

The Detroit Pistons facility was nearly empty after Tuesday’s practice, but Jalen Duren remained on the court, grinding through post-up drills with assistant coaches draped all over him. One coach clung to his back, another camped in the paint, and a third waited on the perimeter to smother him the moment he touched the ball.

Duren was simulating the suffocating defense he expects to face again from the Orlando Magic in Game 2. After managing just eight points and seven rebounds on four shot attempts in the series opener, the All-Star center knows he must be more assertive.

A wake-up call for the top seed

« That’s not enough, » Duren said twice, referring to his 3-for-4 shooting performance. « And that’s on me. I just got to be better for my guys. »

The Most Improved Player finalist, who averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 65% shooting during Detroit‘s 60-win regular season, credited Orlando’s defensive game plan but acknowledged the Magic simply brought more intensity. After securing the eighth seed by demolishing Charlotte 121-90 in the play-in game, Orlando carried that momentum into Game 1 and stunned the top-seeded Pistons.

Detroit’s struggles extended beyond Duren’s quiet night. While Cade Cunningham exploded for 39 points, five rebounds and four assists, only Tobias Harris joined him in double figures with 17 points. The lack of offensive balance proved costly against Orlando’s physical, suffocating defense.

Adjustments and expectations

Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff identified the solution for getting his center more involved. « We got to put the ball on his hands, » Bickerstaff said. « I think they did a good job of pinching his pick-and-roll and not letting him get the ball in the pick-and-roll. But we have to do a better job of letting him touch it in different places and then he can be effective. »

Bickerstaff emphasized that Detroit must return to its identity of physicality and defense, the foundation of their conference-leading regular season. The Pistons know they’re capable of much more than their Game 1 showing.

« We know the type of team we are, » Duren said. « We feel like we’re the better team. We know that we just got to make adjustments and come out smarter, play harder. »

With Game 2 looming, Duren’s confidence remains unshaken despite the disappointing opener. « We’re better than what we put forth and what we showed in Game 1, » he declared. « So I have no doubt in my mind that we’re going to bounce back and respond like we have all season. »