JB Bickerstaff gets real on impact of Pistons’ youngsters

The Detroit Pistons have taken a 2-0 lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers in their second-round series in the playoffs after taking Game 2, 107-97, at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.

The top-seeded Pistons controlled the majority of the game, halting the multiple comeback attempts of the fourth-seeded Cavaliers.

Cade Cunningham had 25 points, three rebounds, 10 assists, and two blocks, while Tobias Harris tallied 21 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and two blocks to power the Pistons. Daniss Jankins was also instrumental, adding 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists in 26 minutes off the bench.

In the postgame conference, coach JB Bickerstaff reiterated his trust in Jankins and Ron Holland II.

“You continue to take advantage of the opportunities, and they’re willing to listen. They can take experience and learn from it quickly,” said Bickerstaff in the video posted by MLive’s Jacob Richman.

“When you have young guys who are doing things for the first time, playing in these situations, it’s not going to be perfect. But what we judge them on is their effort base, and if they’re giving us all they’ve got, then we’ll stick with them and give them the chance to play through some bumps and bruises because we trust them.”