Pistons’ Jalen Duren addresses benching during Game 5 stinker

The Detroit Pistons have been fighting for their life for most of the 2026 NBA playoffs, and they’re back to being behind the eight-ball after they allowed a nine-point lead in the final three minutes of regulation to vanish in Game 5 of their semifinal clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They’re now down 3-2 in the series as a result, and they’re one loss away from seeing their dream season come to an end.

One of the problem points nearly all postseason long for the Pistons has been the declined production of Jalen Duren. Duren came into Game 5 of the Cavs series averaging just 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game — a far cry from his numbers during the regular season. And it looks as though head coach JB Bickerstaff’s trust in him has eroded almost completely, with Bickerstaff benching Duren for the entirety of fourth quarter and overtime in Game 5.

After the game, Duren, who finished with nine points and five rebounds in 25 minutes of play in Game 5, admitted that he can be better all while praising his teammates for holding down the fort amid his struggles during their 117-113 OT loss.

“Absolutely, I feel I could be better in all aspects of the game,” Duren told reporters after the game, per Jacob Richman of MLive. “I think my brothers handled it. (Paul Reed) came in ready to go, did his thing.”