Detroit Pistons' Jalen Duren finds ways to be productive during postseason
As the Pistons start the second round, Jalen Duren's struggles against the Magic have prompted him to discover new ways to contribute effectively.
Detroit — From the moment Jalen Duren attempted to receive an entry pass in the restricted area of Little Caesars Arena, it was evident the Detroit Pistons' first-round series against the Orlando Magic would be challenging for the All-Star big man. The moment came at the 11:03 mark of the first quarter of Game 1 on April 19. Ausar Thompson tried to connect with Duren on an alley-oop attempt, but the Magic sent four players to collapse the paint, which disrupted his timing and ability to finish the two-hand dunk attempt.
The way the Magic sent extra bodies around Duren was their way of executing coach Jamahl Mosley's defensive scheme to contain him amid his leap to All-NBA status. Despite the Pistons' 3-1 comeback in the series, Mosley's strategy nearly made Duren ineffective on the offensive end. Against the Magic, Duren averaged 10.
9 points with a field-goal percentage of 52. 9%, marking a significant decline from his career-best regular-season averages of 19. 5 points on 65.
0% shooting. Despite his offensive struggles, Duren still made an impact by stepping up on defense. More: Richard Hamilton astonished by Pistons' 3-1 comeback: 'This was amazing' "Just trying to stay with it.
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