Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff on Daniss Jenkins’ 25-point performance vs. Cavs
Daniss Jenkins scored 21 of his 25 points in the second quarter in Sunday’s 114-110 win over Cleveland.
Cleveland — Daniss Jenkins spent the entire first quarter on the bench Sunday, watching as the Detroit Pistons fell behind to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Pistons had a subpar start, finishing the quarter shooting 7-of-26 from the field and 3-of-15 from behind the arc. They also committed seven turnovers, which led to nine easy points for Cleveland. But noticing the Pistons’ struggles, Jenkins identified a weak spot the team could exploit to get back into the game.
“I was telling the guys that we have to space this team out; they all just track the ball,” Jenkins said. “I was (saying) that we have to keep our spacing right because the shots are going to be there. You have to be ready to make the shot and make the play when it is there.”
Jenkins checked into the game at the start of the second quarter and immediately capitalized on his own advice, which led to the Pistons’ 114-110 win at Rocket Arena.
BOX SCORE: Pistons 114, Cavaliers 110
Jenkins came off the bench to tally 25 points and five assists. He scored 21 points during the second period, helping the Pistons overcome an early 12-point deficit. He started the game shooting 7-of-7 from the field, 6-of-6 on 3-pointers.
The highlight of Jenkins’ impressive first half occurred at the end of the quarter when he made a 3-point field goal just as time expired.
“He was unbelievable,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “It’s the trust factor, we talk about it all the time. We have 18 guys on our roster that we believe in. We have 18 guys who we believe can help us win when we put them in the game. They know how to play Pistons’ basketball. They play unselfishly. They play with a high spirit. They have the confidence to go out and do what it takes to get it done.”
Jenkins played 25 minutes, marking his first meaningful playing time since Detroit’s road loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 18.
The Pistons improved to 26-9. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 27 points, shooting 7-of-19 from the field and a perfect 11-of-11 from the free-throw line. Additionally, he contributed seven assists, six rebounds and two steals. Duncan Robinson added 12 points.
Jenkins’ performance underscores Bickerstaff’s confidence in each of his players, despite the team’s current injury struggles. On Saturday, the Pistons announced that Jalen Duren (ankle), Tobias Harris (hip), and guard Caris LeVert (knee) will be sidelined due to their respective injuries.
Although he considered each of the three players a “huge loss,” the Pistons’ bench unit collectively provided a significant boost to Detroit. The Pistons’ reserve unit accounted for 51 points. In addition to Jenkins, Javonte Green contributed to Detroit’s success, finishing with 11 points on 3-of-6 3-point shooting and four rebounds. Ron Holland II added 10 rebounds and eight points.
“This is something we have been doing all year, staying together as a group and having that stay-ready mentality,” Green said. “We all have a dawg mentality; everyone who comes in plays the same way. There is never a drop-off.”
The Pistons led 106-93 with five minutes left in the fourth quarter. At that moment, it seemed as though they were on the brink of an easy victory. However, the Cavaliers launched a late rally. Darius Garland (16 points) hit a mid-range jumper, bringing the Cavaliers within two points at 108-106 with just 1:16 remaining in the fourth quarter.
There was a time when the Pistons would falter down the stretch, but Detroit regained its composure to hold on to the lead. Ausar Thompson (eight points and eight rebounds) came up huge on the Pistons’ next offensive possession by scoring a clutch tip-in following Jenkins’ missed attempt.
“This is what it takes, you have to get it from multiple players,” Bickerstaff said. “You have to be able to put people in different spots. … We are still working. We are not finished. I expect us to continue to grow and to continue getting better.”
Donovan Mitchell scored a team-high 30 points and added six rebounds, and Evan Mobley added 15 for Cleveland (20-17).
Observations and notes
▶ Bickerstaff picks up his first win in Cleveland: The Pistons’ win against the Cavaliers marked Bickerstaff’s second victory over his former team. It was also the first time Bickerstaff had the opportunity to defeat the Cavaliers during his return to Cleveland.
“It meant a lot,” Isaiah Stewart said. “I had that on my mind coming into the game. I feel like every time we come into here, we have to have his back. I know they (the Cavaliers) get up each time they play against J.B. I felt it was important for us to get this win tonight.”
▶ Paul Reed starts in place of Tobias Harris: Bickerstaff made an interesting decision regarding the starting lineup against the Cavaliers. As expected, Stewart started in place of Jalen Duren. However, when it came to replacing Tobias Harris, Bickerstaff chose Paul Reed rather than his usual starter, Ron Holland II.
The decision to start Reed over Holland was Bickerstaff’s way of matching up with the size the Cavaliers play with, even with Jarrett Allen out. Reed played 30 minutes, finishing with eight points, eight rebounds and four assists.
coty.davis@detroitnews.com
@cotydavis_24
Want to comment on this story? Become a subscriber today. Click here.