CLEVELAND – Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins said execution, connectivity, and depth were the keys to the team’s commanding Game 6 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, a win that evened the series and set up a winner-take-all Game 7.
The Pistons seized control with a dominant third quarter, outscoring Cleveland 30-11 and holding the Cavaliers to 29% shooting in the second half.
Recommended Videos
“I think we came out different than last time,” Jenkins said. “We didn’t execute down the stretch. This time we came, and we executed. We didn’t have no lapses, and we came out and dominated like we were supposed to.”
Defying the odds
Jenkins said the team’s mentality stems from a shared sense of purpose and a collective desire to prove doubters wrong.
“We just look at the backgrounds of this group,” he said. “I’m not supposed to be in this position, according to everybody in the league. We just special. We want to defy all the odds. It’s us against the world. We just try to come out and bond together. We family.”
Depth fuels Detroit
The Pistons have relied heavily on their bench and rotation depth throughout the series, a dynamic Jenkins said has defined Detroit all season.
“We’ve been doing that this whole year,” Jenkins said. “We’ve got a team full of guys that can contribute to winning. Whoever steps out there can help us win.”
Jenkins pointed to guard Marcus Sasser as a key example of that depth paying off in Game 6.
“X factor,” Jenkins said. “That’s my dog. I just told him, be you. Don’t defer to nobody. Just go out there and be you.”
Duren’s energy sets tone
Jenkins also credited forward Jalen Duren for setting the right tone on both ends of the floor, something Jenkins said he emphasized after the team’s previous loss.
“His energy and his spirit was right,” Jenkins said. “That’s all I kept telling him after the last game.”
Coaches keep roster ready
With rotation roles shifting throughout the postseason, Jenkins acknowledged the challenge of staying prepared but praised the coaching staff for maintaining accountability across the roster.
“It’s not easy,” Jenkins said. “But the coaches do a good job of keeping us ready. We just tell each other, stay ready.”
Eyes on Game 7
With a series-deciding game on the horizon, Jenkins said the Pistons’ experience competing under pressure has them ready for the moment.
“Our backs have been against the wall,” he said. “We know what it feels like. It’s just about the better man. May the best men win.”