DETROIT – Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins credited the team’s defense and late-game execution after Thursday night’s 107-97 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers gave them a commanding 2-0 series lead.
“I think first it started with our defense,” Jenkins said. “They were kind of comfortable; they had it going in the third quarter. We knew we had to come out and get some stops.”
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Jenkins provided a key spark off the bench, finishing with 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists in 26 minutes.
He wasted no time crediting teammate Cade Cunningham for taking over late.
“Our closer was a closer,” Jenkins said.
Cunningham scored 12 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter and added 10 assists as Detroit pulled away for good.
Harris serves as mentor for Jenkins
Jenkins also spoke about the influence of veteran forward Tobias Harris, calling him a mentor throughout the season.
“He’s really like my guy,” Jenkins said. “All the little things, just talking to me, because it’s not easy playing behind the main guy when you’re in that position.”
Jenkins said Harris has helped him stay mentally prepared and aggressive as he adjusts to a reserve role and the intensity of playoff basketball.
“This is my first time going through it,” Jenkins said. “You can’t simulate the playoffs. Early on, I was pressing a little too much. I just had to relax and play.”
Orlando series laid postseason foundation
Detroit’s earlier playoff run also helped shape the team’s current mentality, Jenkins said, pointing to the Pistons’ previous series against Orlando as a defining moment.
“Orlando did a really good job of preparing us for this moment,” Jenkins said. “They came out and hit us in the mouth first and showed us what playoffs are about.”
Pistons stay hungry despite 2-0 lead
Despite holding a 2-0 series lead, Jenkins made clear the Pistons are not taking anything for granted as the series shifts to Cleveland.
“We was down 3-1 last series, so we’re going to keep swinging,” Jenkins said. “The world still don’t believe. We still trying to prove something to ourselves.”
Jenkins added that Detroit’s mindset has not shifted despite the early series advantage.
“We’re not finished,” Jenkins said. “We just took care of home court like we were supposed to.”