There are several reasons for the Detroit Pistons' loss in Game 1 to the Orlando Magic, but there may not be one bigger than the obvious fact that their No. 2 scoring option disappeared.
Detroit has a lot riding on the back of Cade Cunningham, but the weight of that burden depends on Jalen Duren.
The emerging star has been a key for the Pistons' success this season, and despite the noise surrounding the doubt about whether or not the big man could carry his strong play into the postseason, the center seemingly silenced his doubters down the stretch after stepping up in Cunningham's absence.
However, after only scoring 8 points in the team's playoff opener, while only attempting four shots, it was clear that not only was the team disappointed, but the Memphis product was disappointed in himself.
The good news? Duren is fully aware of what needs to change and because of that, Detroit has the chance to swing the momentum back in their favor.
Jalen Duren knows he needs to be better
Following the team's loss on Sunday, Duren has made it a point to get extra work in leading up to Wednesday's Game 2.
According to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk, the Pistons' starting center stayed behind after Tuesday's practice, putting in extra post work with the multiple assistant coaches attempting to resemble the pressure Orlando used to take him out of the picture in Game 1.
To add even more confidence that the big man is trending for a bounce-back game, Duren made it clear he understands that his team is relying on him:
"That's not enough," Duren said after his Game 1 performance. "And that's on me. I just got to be better for my guys."
Obviously, Detroit is in a bit of a danger zone after dropping the first game at home, but losing homecourt advantage isn't as big a deal as many are making it out to be.
After learning a tough lesson about the Magic, Detroit is in a perfect position to change the tide of the series.
Duren can elevate the Pistons to a level Orlando will struggle with
Detroit is a much different team when Duren is being aggressive, and it's clear that Orlando understood that entering their first-round series.
The Magic's game plan was to force Cade Cunningham to beat them, and with Duren being hesitant offensively, it allowed that strategy to work in their favor.
Still, shooting 3-for-4 from the field made it clear that there's an opportunity for the big man to exploit the Magic when given the opportunity and if he's able to bounce back and play the role Detroit needs him to as the No. 2 option on offense, Orlando could be in trouble.
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