Daniss Jenkins, Detroit Pistons
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Daniss Jenkins scored 21 points in a single quarter against Cleveland and set a franchise record for most points scored in a quarter by a bench player.
The Detroit Pistons have had multiple players step up from their bench and contribute in big ways. That was the case in Detroit’s recent win on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Pistons’ guard Daniss Jenkins put on a memorable performance dropping 25 points, adding six three’s. He scored 21 points in the second quarter which set a franchise record for most points in a single quarter from a bench player.
Detroit outscored Cleveland 47-28 in the second quarter while Jenkins almost outscored the Cavaliers by himself. The Pistons have had a variety of players step up this season and that’s a big reason why they are the top team in the Eastern Conference.
The performance that Jenkins had against Cleveland shows how deep this Pistons team is.
Daniss Jenkins Contributes Big Off the Bench
Jenkins had a first half to remember against Cleveland. He could not miss in the second quarter. The second year guard from St. John’s was perfect going 7-for-7 from the field and 6-for-6 from deep.
The Cavaliers did not have an answer for him and Jenkins was firing on all cylinders. Cade Cunningham, who led the team in scoring with 27 points, was proud of Jenkins’ impressive performance against Cleveland.
“I mean, that’s who he is. That’s what he works on every day. We see it every day in the practice facility — his work ethic. So there’s no surprise to us,” Cunningham said.
This was the third time this season that Jenkins has scored 20 or more points. His season-high and career-high is 26 which he set back in November against the Indiana Pacers. He also set a career-high with his six three-pointers.
During the game against Cleveland, Jenkins spoke at halftime and talked about his performance. “It’s Sunday. It’s the Lord’s Day, baby. It’s the Lord’s Day. My mom’s praying for me today — she said a great prayer. I believe in God, and I trust my work,” he said.
Seeing More Production in Second Season
Jenkins has seen a significant jump in playing time from his rookie year to this season. During the 2024-25 season, he only appeared in seven games and averaged one point per game. Fast forward to this year and he’s appeared in 27 games with six starts. He’s averaging seven points and 2.8 assists per game.
There’s no question that Jenkins is making the most of the opportunity he’s presented with and he’s adding a lot of value off the bench for Detroit. A key factor contributing to Detroit’s success this season has been their bench play. The players have embraced their roles coming the bench and Jenkins did not waste any time making himself a player who can add value as a reserve.
Throughout the season, there may be times where the team needs that spark off the bench and somebody will need to step up. Jenkins showed that he has what it takes to go out there on the court and help put the team in a position to win. That game against Cleveland is one that Jenkins will remember for a long time.