In a must-win Game 6, Detroit Pistons All-Star center Jalen Duren reminded everyone why he's one of the most dominant big men in the Eastern Conference. After a frustrating series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Duren bounced back in a big way, posting 15 points and 11 rebounds to help the Pistons force a decisive Game 7 with a 115-94 victory on Friday night.
The performance was a much-needed turnaround for Duren, who was benched for the final 17 minutes of Detroit's heartbreaking 117-113 overtime loss in Game 5. That struggle seemed to fuel a fire in the young center, who came out with a renewed sense of purpose in the paint.
"My confidence never wavered in myself. I know what I can do. I know what I can be," Duren said after the game. "I'm playing my best basketball when I'm being assertive and picking my spots. I think early on I was just getting a groove."
Duren had been battling against Cleveland's Jarrett Allen all series, but Friday night was different. He was aggressive from the opening tip, matching his total rebounds from the previous three games combined with 11 boards. His three blocked shots also equaled what he had managed in the entire series leading up to Game 6.
Perhaps most impressive was Duren's efficiency on the offensive end. He shot 7-of-10 from the field and grabbed four of Detroit's 13 offensive rebounds, giving the Pistons crucial second-chance opportunities.
"His aggression was great when he had the ball, when he didn't have the ball going, rebounding outside of his area. He did a lot of great things tonight and that's who he is," said Pistons All-Star guard Cade Cunningham, who added 21 points of his own.
The game wasn't without its scares for Detroit. Duren appeared to roll his left ankle while driving to the rim in the third quarter, leaving the court for about six minutes. He briefly stepped away from the bench but returned and was back on the floor for the fourth quarter, where he added six points and four rebounds in just seven minutes of action.
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised his center's resilience and impact on both ends of the floor. "I thought it was huge for JD to be able to get going a little bit, but it starts with the rebounding part of it, what he was doing defensively for us, his communication," Bickerstaff said. "The four offensive rebounds are huge. That means he's imposing his will on the game and then all the other stuff comes from there."
With the series now tied 3-3, all eyes will be on Duren to see if he can carry this momentum into Sunday's Game 7. For a Pistons team that's fighting to keep its season alive, having their All-Star center playing at his best couldn't come at a better time.