Wojo: Pistons hit Cavs from all angles, including the compelling Daniss Jenkins angle

Detroit — After another long, sweaty slog, it finally was closing time for the Pistons. They’d led the Cavaliers by 18 but now were tied in the fourth quarter, and it was time to turn to … Daniss Jenkins? Well, sure.

The reserve guard on an incredible journey was ready because everyone is required to be ready on a Pistons team built on depth, defense and defiance. Jenkins embodies all of that, and displayed it just when it appeared the Pistons were letting the series opener slip away. Many times it’s Cade Cunningham or Tobias Harris rescuing the Pistons.

But many times it’s someone else, and the Pistons have lots of someone elses. Jenkins is among the most compelling, and he took over in the final three-plus minutes to lift the Pistons to a 111-101 victory in Game 1 Tuesday night. Unlike the Cavaliers, who are defined by their two-star backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, the Pistons are defined by shifting roles and sharing moments.

Before Jenkins helped the Pistons pull away from a 93-93 tie, it was Jalen Duren, who had struggled in the first round against Orlando. Duren blocked a shot, grabbed the rebound and dunked. Then Duren grabbed a rebound and dunked.