Daniss Jenkins shows trait that Pistons will need in the playoffs

Daniss Jenkins did not have a good game against the Cavaliers last night, but he came up big when the Pistons needed him most, which is something they are going to need in the playoffs when scoring comes at a premium. 

Jenkins has been struggling since he was converted to a full-time contract, and that continued last night, as he went just 2-of-10 from the floor, but did come up with some of the biggest shots of the game. He showed a trait that all scorers need, which is a short memory. 

Daniss Jenkins has the irrational confidence that the Pistons will need 

Once again, the Pistons struggled mightily shooting the ball last night, hitting just 6-of-27 from long range. For most of the game, Ron Holland II was leading the team in 3-point makes with two, and it wasn’t until late in the 4th quarter that Duncan Robinson hit his second. 

Jenkins struggled all night, and at one point, it looked as if he had been benched, but foul trouble forced him back into the game and he ended up making some of the most important shots. 

Jenkins hit a three late in regulation to draw the Pistons closer and was then fouled on a half-court heave that earned him three free throws. After being broke all night, Jenkins calmly stepped up to the line and knocked down all three freebies to send the game to overtime. 

The Pistons don’t have a ton of playoff experience, but these are the kind of stones they’re going to need in the crunch time of big games. Jenkins has been bad lately, but he’s one of those guys whose confidence never wavers no matter how many shots he’s missed, which is key in the playoffs. 

The Pistons will rely on their defense, and we are likely to see some close, low-scoring games in the playoffs where every shot is tough and contested. Shooting percentages will have to be thrown out the window and the Pistons will need the type of attitude Jenkins showed last night, which is believing the next one is going to fall. 

Jenkins also hit a tough runner in overtime, so even though he only scored eight points last night, they were arguably the biggest points of the game. 

It’s hard to say what Jenkins’ role will look like in the playoffs, but I have a feeling he’s going to hit a big shot or two along the way. 

Jenkins has that short memory you need as a scorer and the confidence to take big shots, let’s just hope he has a few in his bag for the playoffs.