CLEVELAND – Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff credited his team’s defense and depth as the driving forces behind a 115-94 Game 6 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday that evened the series and forced a decisive Game 7.
“We did what needed to be done,” Bickerstaff said. “We’re at our best when it’s the defense that carries us. It’s the physicality.”
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Bickerstaff praised the Pistons for setting the tone on that end of the floor and said the effort was spread across the entire roster.
“I was pleased that we were allowed to play our style of basketball tonight, where we can be handsy, be physical, legally physical, legally handsy, and just make it difficult on people,” Bickerstaff said. “Up and down the roster, we did a great job of that, and it helped us close the game out.”
Duren dominates on both ends
Center Jalen Duren was a focal point of Detroit’s frontcourt effort, finishing with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks.
Bickerstaff said Duren’s influence started with his work on the glass.
“It starts with the rebounding part of it,” Bickerstaff said. “What he was doing defensively for us, his communication, but the offensive rebounds are huge. That means he’s imposing his will on the game.”
Bench delivers 48 points
Detroit’s bench unit provided a significant boost, contributing 48 points in the win.
Bickerstaff pointed specifically to guard Marcus Sasser as an example of the trust he has built in his reserves.
“We just trust these guys and trust the depth that we have,” Bickerstaff said. “Guys like Marcus Sasser, when his number is called, he’s prepared. He can go out and give us buckets, defend at a high level."
Bickerstaff also singled out former Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert for his two-way impact throughout the series.
“Vert’s not afraid of the moment,” Bickerstaff said. “He puts a ton of pressure on defenses, and defensively he’s a pest, deflections, steals, one-on-one challenges.”
Robinson comes off the bench
Guard Duncan Robinson made his impact coming off the bench, a decision Bickerstaff said was driven by matchups and the team’s overall rhythm.
“We liked what the starting lineup looked like, and his ability to come in and give a spark, knock down shots,” Bickerstaff said.
Eyes on Game 7
When asked what has made the Pistons so difficult to eliminate, Bickerstaff pointed to the team’s resilience and composure under pressure.
“They just don’t quit,” Bickerstaff said. “They don’t hang on to things. They move on to the next play. There’s a built-in trust, and there’s no insecurity in our chemistry. That makes a huge difference in these moments.”
With a trip to the next round on the line, Bickerstaff said the message heading into Game 7 is straightforward.
“We understand the moment,” Bickerstaff said. “We’ve been here before. It’s winner-go-home, and our guys don’t want to go home.”
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