The Detroit Pistons haven’t missed a beat since Cade Cunningham has been out, and Daniss Jenkins’ offensive performances have been crucial to that fact. However, this time (and Jenkins’ offensive outbursts) have also proven that the Pistons’ true calling card is defense. That’s the key to them winning basketball games consistently.
Having a guy like Jenkins waiting in the wings is a luxury for the Pistons, but as elite as Cunningham is, he’s not the team’s identity. He’s the leader, the primary offensive option, and their MVP candidate. But defense is, has been, and will continue to be Detroit’s identity moving forward.
The Pistons need Cunningham back if they want a chance at winning a title, but defense is what will get them there.
Pistons' defense has led the way with Cade Cunningham out
Cunningham has missed the Pistons’ last three games. He’s dealing with a collapsed lung and will be out indefinitely, though based on how players have recovered from the injury in the past, it’s not unreasonable to believe that he’ll be back for the playoffs.
Still, the Pistons will have to make do without him for the time being. And since they don’t have any confirmation regarding when he could be back, they need to prepare for anything.
In Cunningham’s absence, Jenkins has stepped into the starting lineup, and he’s been great. He played 33 minutes in his first start, 38 in his second start, and 39 in his third start on Monday night.
And Monday night’s game was the best of the bunch. Not only did Jenkins play well, but he helped the Pistons take down the red-hot Lakers, earning a 113-110 victory.
Jenkins finished the game with 30 points, four rebounds, and eight assists while shooting 11-of-18 from the field and 4-of-5 from beyond the three-point arc.
The Pistons held the Lakers to 110 points. But perhaps more importantly, they shut down Luka Doncic as best as possible. He put up 32 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, but shot just 11-of-29 from the field and 3-of-13 from deep.
Doncic had been on fire heading into the game, but the Pistons found a way to limit his impact, just as the Orlando Magic did the game prior.
Defense is how the Pistons win basketball games. That’s who they are as a team. And having Jenkins fill in for Cunningham has proven that.
The Pistons are 3-0 in their last three games, and Cunningham has been out for all of them. They gave up 95 points in the first game, 101 in the second, and 110 in the third.
That’s been the key.