The Detroit Pistons defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers to force a Game 7 as JB Bickerstaff was rewarded for sticking with Jalen Duren and removing Isaiah Stewart from the second half rotation. The starting big man had 15 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks on Friday night. He made some crucial plays to ensure Detroit got the win. Paul Reed stepped up again, but it was Beef Stew, who wasn’t seen after the opening quarter.
Duren tied his 2026 playoff high in scoring. It has been a historic drop off from the All-Star, but he showed up in Game 6. Duren had six points and four rebounds in the fourth to help extend Detroit’s season. Head coach JB Bickerstaff kept the faith, but he did shake things up.
Paul Reed played a key role in Game 5. He was on the floor over Duren and Stewart for the entire fourth quarter and overtime. The energy and effort the third-string big man brought were massive. Bickerstaff had to stick with him in Game 6, so it was Beef Stew that was glued to the bench.
Jalen Duren finally wakes up as Isaiah Stewart gets cut from rotation
Reed had 17 points, six rebounds, and one block in 16 minutes of action. The Pistons were a plus-eight with him on the floor. His energy and effort gave them a needed boost and helped make sure the series swung back to Detroit for Game 7.
Steward grabbed one rebound and missed his only shot in four minutes. Bickerstaff went with Duren and Reed because they were playing better. Beef Stew finished seventh in Sixth Man of the Year voting this season. He played a key role for Detroit all season, but the coach had to ride the hot hand in a must-win game.
Fans have been waiting for Duren to wake up. He played outstanding in Game 7 against the Magic, but has struggled for the rest of the postseason. The 22-year-old is a restricted free agent this summer and is looking for a massive payday. If Detroit is going to give it to him, they need Game 6 Duren to return on Sunday in the decider.
Coach Bickerstaff has another difficult decision to make. Duren will be the starter, but who gets the backup minutes in Game 7? Reed deserves the first shot, but Detroit can’t lose Stewart if they advance. They may need Beef Stew to battle Mitchell Robinson in the Knicks series. It is a tough call, but Reed deserves the playing time after the last two games.
The Detroit Pistons finally got Jalen Duren going and found significant run for Paul Reed by removing Isaiah Steward from the rotation after four first-quarter minutes. It was a bold move in a must-win game, but that is why Bickerstaff makes millions. He pulled the right strings and helped the Pistons force a Game 7 back in Detroit.
Don’t be surprised if he sticks with Reed and keeps Stewart out of the rotation. It is a tough call either way. Fans should expect JB to nail it.
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