DETROIT – Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren said that improved intensity and smarter offensive reads will be key as they prepare for Game 2 against the Orlando Magic after a physical Game 1 loss.
Duren said Orlando’s defensive game plan, packing the paint and collapsing quickly on post touches, limited his effectiveness in the series opener.
“They just had a good game plan, packed the paint, had a lot of bodies in there,” said Duren. “Anytime I got catches deep, they just kind of collapsed on me. We made some adjustments, and we’re getting ready for Game 2.”
The Magic’s physical coverage reduced Duren’s shot volume, something he acknowledged must change.
“That’s not enough, and that’s on me,” Duren said. “I just got to be better for my guys.”
Duren said film study reinforced how often Orlando sent help defenders from multiple angles.
“Anytime I got a catch, they were collapsing from anywhere,” Duren said. “I didn’t get as many shot attempts as I would’ve liked. I’m going to keep watching those moments and see where I can get more opportunities.”
Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has repeatedly emphasized returning to the team’s identity rather than overreacting to one loss, and Duren echoed that message.
“I think we just got to meet their intensity from the jump,” Duren said. “They’ve been playing with their backs against the wall. We just didn’t match that early.”
Duren said the Game 1 defeat could sharpen Detroit’s approach rather than shake its confidence.
“We feel like we’re the better team,” Duren said. “We just got to make adjustments, come out smarter, and play harder.”
Offensively, Duren pointed to pace and ball movement as the best counter to Orlando’s interior-heavy scheme.
“When we’re playing with pace, getting the ball side to side, getting downhill and kicking out, that helps us negate their size and physicality,” he said. “You can’t be stagnant.”
Duren also said he is focused on being more assertive in Game 2 after reviewing missed opportunities.
“Me just being more aggressive, finding my spots and attacking more,” Duren said. “Watching film over and over, seeing where I wasn’t effective, and capitalizing next game.”
Despite the loss, Duren said Detroit’s response throughout the season gives him confidence heading into Wednesday’s matchup.
“We’ve bounced back all season,” Duren said. “I have no doubt we’re going to respond.”
Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
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