Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren will have to review the tape and determine the areas he could improve on after struggling in Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on Monday.
The Pistons bowed to the Cavaliers, 112-103, with their second-round series in the playoffs now tied at 2-2.
Game 5 returns to Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday.
Duren had a poor performance with eight points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals, which are all below his usual numbers.
According to ESPN Insights, it was the fifth time in the playoffs that Duren was held to single-digit scoring. In his 70 games in the regular season, he was only held under 10 points six times.
He averaged a career-high 19.5 points, 65.0% field goals, and 10.5 rebounds in the regular season. Against the Cavaliers, he is putting up 9.5 points, 44.1% field goals, and 7.0 rebounds.
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The 22-year-old Duren, who was named as an All-Star for the first time, seems to be struggling with the increased intensity, pressure, and physicality in the playoffs. Mental toughness is another factor.
The length of Cleveland, with Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and Dean Wade in the frontcourt, has also bothered Duren, who has seen fewer touches in the playoffs. Even on defense, he has not been as imposing.
Simply put, he needs to be more locked in if he does not want their historic campaign to go for naught.
Caris LeVert led the Pistons in Game 4 with 24 points off the bench. Cade Cunningham had 19 points on 7-of-16 shooting, three rebounds, and six assists. He also had a game-worst five turnovers.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren will have to review the tape and determine the areas he could improve on after struggling in Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on Monday. The Pistons bowed to the Cavaliers, 112-103, with their second-round series in the playoffs now tied at 2-2.