Duncan Robinson had a great game to help the Pistons jump out a 2-0 lead over the Cavaliers in the second round. After hearing concerns about his playoff performances all season long, Robinson joins the list of Pistons who are proving old narratives wrong this postseason. He’s been a vital piece of Detroit’s success against Cleveland with his aggressive shot-making and surprising defense.
Duncan Robinson is vindicating the Pistons’ gambleÂ
In his previous run with the Heat, Robinson gained a reputation as a playoff dropper and glaring defensive liability. Some of those tendencies sprung up in the first round, especially on defense. But he’s been excellent so far against the Cavaliers and has enabled the Pistons to survive some lackluster shooting stretches from Cade Cunningham.
Robinson’s movement and spacing beyond the arc have been critical to Detroit’s offense all season long. But he’s been extra aggressive taking and making shots against the Cavaliers’ weaker perimeter defenders. Through 2 games, he’s averaging 18 points per game while shooting 54% from the field and 59% from three.
On the other hand, Robinson is reshaping his image by playing solid defense against James Harden and other Cavaliers. Despite Harden’s reputation as an apex ball handler, he’s often struggled to get by Robinson in isolation this series. That’s allowed the Pistons to swarm him for turnovers or simply force him into tough shots without overhelping.
Robinson's resurgence changes everything for Detroit
When Robinson is hitting his shots and aggressively hunting them, the Pistons have much more lineup flexibility. They can deploy more defensively-slanted players alongside him without worrying about their offensive output. Not only does Robinson’s shot-making provide direct points for the Pistons, but it also opens lanes for his slashing teammates.
If he can hold his own defensively, that also allows those teammates more freedom to wreak havoc off-ball and cover any passing lanes. So far, the Pistons are winning the possession battle by forcing more turnovers and grabbing more rebounds - both efforts helped by Robinson’s solid defense.Â
While Duncan Robinson may still largely be a shooting specialist, his all-around game is shining in the second round. He’s got 5 assists and 5 steals through two games, which further emphasizes his startling two-way impact. Robinson is becoming more of a defensive playmaker himself, and continuing to use his shooting threat to make offensive plays too.
The Pistons got their fair share of criticism for not pursuing a bigger offensive addition than Robinson at the trade deadline, but they have no regrets right now. Robinson has fit into the team perfectly and his aggression to fire long-range shots at the slightest opening is helping him find another gear in the playoffs.Â
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