TITLE: Defense Drives Pistons Ahead of Game 3; Bench, Backcourt Storylines Emerge
SLUG: pistons-defense-green-thompson-jenkins-sasser
CONTENT:
The Detroit Pistons will take their first-round series against the No. 8 seed Orlando Magic to Florida on Saturday afternoon holding a 1-1 tie after a dominant defensive display in Game 2.
“It was five guys out there, collectively flying around, playing with effort, making extra efforts, rebounding the basketball, creating turnovers, and that led to our offense,” head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said following Thursday’s win. “That’s who we are.”
Blanketing Bane
Detroit’s defense has limited Orlando’s marquee offseason pickup Desmond Bane to 29 percent shooting through the first two games. Bickerstaff credited a team approach, noting that rookie wing Ausar Thompson has taken the primary assignment while avoiding “one-on-one situations” by throwing “a lot of bodies” at the Magic guard.
Green’s All-Around Impact
Reserve forward Javonte Green, who appeared in all 82 regular-season contests, has attempted just one shot in each playoff game but continues to influence the series on the other end of the floor. In Game 2 the veteran logged three blocks and a steal while guarding multiple positions.
“His effort on the defensive end, with the plays he can make, is special,” Bickerstaff said. Green, 30, signed a one-year veterans-minimum deal in August and will become a free agent this summer.
Thompson’s Award-Level Defense
Thompson, who finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting, has impressed assistant coach Jarrett Jack with his ability to disrupt on the perimeter and serve as a secondary rim protector. “Whether he’s hawking the ball, making it tough for guys, or eating up clock coming up the court, he’s unique,” Jack said.
Childhood Friends Share Backcourt Duties
Behind starting point guard Cade Cunningham, rookies Daniss Jenkins and Marcus Sasser are sharing reserve minutes while realizing a long-held goal of playing together professionally. The Dallas–Fort Worth natives attempted to attend the same high school and later college but were unable to do so until Jenkins joined Detroit this season.
“It’s definitely a dream come true,” Sasser said of finally teaming up “at the highest level.”
Duren Second in MIP Voting
Second-year center Jalen Duren placed runner-up for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award, adding another accolade to a season in which Detroit is leaning heavily on its youth and defense.
Game 3 tips off Saturday at Amway Center.
Source: Hoops Rumors
