‘Sky is the limit’ for center Duren
Big double-double highlights versatility
It didn’t take much time for Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren to hook up for the first of several alley-oops in Wednesday’s win over the Toronto Raptors.
On the Pistons’ first play of the game, Cunningham threw a scoop pass where only Duren could catch it and the second-year big man caught the ball and finished over former Piston Kelly Olynyk. Moments later, Jaden Ivey missed a 3-point attempt, but five Raptors players showed little resistance as Duren followed up with a forceful tip-slam.
Duren’s dominant showing of his lob threat abilities, coupled with his rebounding and efficiency from the freethrow line led to a 24-point, 23-rebound performance. It was the third 20-20 game of his career.
In doing so, he became the fourth player in NBA history to finish with at least 20 points, 20 rebounds and five assists while shooting 88% from the field. Only Wilt Chamberlain, Willis Reed and Domantas Sabonis had accomplished the feat before.
“It’s pretty cool, I’m not going to lie,” Duren said. “To be mentioned with guys like that, but I’m most happy that we were able to put together these back-to-back wins. Just feel the energy in the locker room. Just feel the energy in the gym after shootaround. It’s great energy. I love the way we’re playing right now. I love the way we feel right now. We just want to keep it up.”
The Pistons hosted their annual “313 Day” to celebrate everything associated with the city of Detroit. The team also prevailed with a win last season on March 13, 2023 with a 117-97 win over the Indiana Pacers. Duren, who was 19 years old at the time, posted a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds in that game. He doubled his performance this time around against the Raptors.
Isaiah Stewart, who totaled 15 points and three blocks, praised his teammate after the game.
“The sky is the limit for him,” Stewart said. “I tell him every day. I’m excited for what the future holds for him. That performance that he did tonight, that’s what I expect out of him every time he’s on the floor because he’s capable of doing it every single night. For him, I feel like that should be his goal: doing it every single night because he’s a manchild. I love JD. That’s my little bro. I’m proud of him for the way he played.”
Duren had two early fouls in the first quarter of Monday’s game. It was the sixth time in eight games that the Pistons big man had to take an early seat on the bench. Despite his early foul trouble, he had 10 points and eight rebounds at the time of his exit. He only committed one more foul for the remainder of the game.
Pistons coach Monty Williams said Duren has put extra work in before and after practice.
“He’s been diligent,” Williams said. “I forget which game it was, but he didn’t feel good about his performance. Ever since then, he’s had an elevated focus.”