Jalen Duren issues blunt self-assessment after Pistons’ Game 4 loss to Cavs
Jalen Duren issues blunt self-assessment after Pistons’ Game 4 loss to Cavs appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Detroit Pistons needed Jalen Duren in Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, especially since they were on the road at Rocket Arena. Duren, however, did not step up , as they lost, 112-103.
Their second-round series is now tied at 2-2, with the Cavaliers remaining unbeaten at home in the playoffs.
Duren only had eight points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals. That kind of production won’t cut it, and the All-Star center has to wake up and be more aggressive on both ends.
Perhaps the first step is to acknowledge his inadequacies , and that’s exactly what Duren did after Game 4.
“I’ve just gotta be better, man. I have no excuses,” said Duren in the video posted by the Detroit Free Press’ Omari Sankofa II.
“I’m my biggest critic. I know what I gotta do to be able to contribute to our team and our success. I’m standing on myself about doing that, no matter what the case may be. I have great teammates, great coaching staff. I know that as a group, we will come back stronger. I have no doubt about it.”
Duren has seen his numbers dip significantly in the playoffs. He has particularly struggled against the Cavaliers, which feature a vaunted tandem in the frontcourt in Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley .
The 22-year-old pivot is only averaging 9.5 points, 44.1% field goals, and 7.0 rebounds against Cleveland. He has only taken 7.6 shots in their last three games.
He will look to respond in a big way in Game 5 in Detroit on Wednesday.
Related: Caris LeVert reveals Pistons’ lapses that led to Donovan Mitchell’s historic game
Related: Pistons’ JB Bickerstaff calls out ‘unacceptable’ officiating after Game 4 loss to Cavs
