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<\/a><\/p>\nDETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 27: Daniss Jenkins #24 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 27, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and\/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald\/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n
As postseason defenses tighten and points at the rim become harder to manufacture, the question becomes unavoidable: Does Detroit have enough shot-making to survive when it matters most?<\/p>\n
2. Is Duren a true No. 2?<\/p>\n
Championship teams almost always share one trait: at least two All-Star\u2013level players. Detroit has dominated the Eastern Conference largely with a collective approach behind Cunningham, but Jalen Duren is beginning to test whether that hierarchy needs redefining.<\/p>\n
Over the past stretch, Duren has shown real flashes of being a legitimate second option. Before last night\u2019s win in Orlando, he led the Pistons in scoring for four straight games, averaging 28.3 points, all alongside Cunningham. That\u2019s not empty production \u2014 that\u2019s shared offensive responsibility.<\/p>\n
We saw how defenses sold out to stop Cunningham in last year\u2019s playoffs, and he\u2019ll be an even bigger focal point this time around. If Duren can consistently punish that attention \u2014 not just as a finisher, but as someone who can initiate offense \u2014 it changes Detroit\u2019s ceiling.<\/p>\n
The challenge? There aren\u2019t many bigs who can truly function as a No. 2 without any perimeter game. Whether Duren can bend that rule may end up being one of the defining questions of Detroit\u2019s postseason run.<\/p>\n
3. Are the Spurs Detroit\u2019s ultimate kryptonite?<\/p>\n
This version of the East\u2019s No. 1 seed is dominant \u2014 but not matchup-proof. And no team has exposed Detroit\u2019s weaknesses quite like the San Antonio Spurs.<\/p>\n
In last Monday\u2019s 114\u2013103 loss at Little Caesars Arena, San Antonio highlighted everything Detroit struggles with. The Pistons controlled the first half by hitting outside shots and capitalizing when Victor Wembanyama was off the floor. The second half told a different story.<\/p>\n
Detroit\u2019s offense stalled, rhythm disappeared, and Cade Cunningham was pushed into becoming a perimeter shooter \u2014 not where he\u2019s most comfortable or effective. The Pistons went 7-for-36 from three, while San Antonio knocked down 18-of-40, a gap that decided the game.<\/p>\n