The Detroit Pistons won't be sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers after taking the 116-109 loss Saturday. Bench production including from Paul Reed wasn't the weakness, though, with the reserve scoring 11 of the 26 points there during the NBA Playoffs meeting.
Still, Reed knows he must play an energizer role greatly for the rest of the series. He described the mindset he brings plus must dip into with reporters after the defeat.
“I play with a lot of motives,” Reed began. “My thing is you've got to play with high energy and a hot motor.”
But Reed added that he's perfectly fine with executing plays away from scoring.
“My thing is, you ain’t gotta pass me the ball all the time, I’ll go get the offensive rebound or something,” Reed said.
Paul Reed talking about his energy being the X-factor and why he’s able to put himself in good spots.
Ron Holland agreed with the personal assessment.
“My thing is, you ain’t gotta pass me the ball all the time, I’ll go get the offensive rebound or something.” pic.twitter.com/Ugb59O5Q73
— Jacob Richman (@JacobHRichman) May 9, 2026
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Reed showed his workman and versatile side despite the loss. He impressed head coach JB Bickerstaff so much that he even chose to keep the reserve out there more than Jalen Duren in the end. Bickerstaff himself dove into that decision with reporters.
“You always have those thoughts about what you want to do. But I think JD has done a great job for us all year long. P Reed obviously provides a spark for us, but again, we went back with JD,” Bickerstaff said.
J.B. on if he thought about keeping Paul Reed in over Jalen Duren at the end:
“You always have those thoughts about what you want to do. But I think JD has done a great job for us all year long. P Reed obviously provides a spark for us, but again, we went back with JD.” pic.twitter.com/bDuww7nWh9
— Jacob Richman (@JacobHRichman) May 9, 2026
Detroit doesn't want to deflate its own confidence the rest of the way. Once again Reed fueled the spark off the bench, making the reserves the non-issue in this loss.
But Cleveland controlled the paint compared to Detroit: Blocking seven attempts total. The Cavs forced the most miscues too with the Pistons committing 16 turnovers.
The Detroit Pistons won't be sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers after taking the 116-109 loss Saturday. Bench production including from Paul Reed wasn't the weakness, though, with the reserve scoring 11 of the 26 points there during the NBA Playoffs meeting. Still, Reed knows he must play an energizer role greatly for the rest of the series.