Pistons Notes: Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren, Cade Cunningham, Cavs

Tobias Harris is headed for free agency, but the Pistons forward is showing he remains a major factor. Harris scored 30 points in Sunday’s Game 7 win over the Magic, finishing the first-round series with averages of 21.6 points and 8.1 rebounds.

Coach J.B. Bickerstaff made his stance clear afterward.

“Nobody can say anything to me about Tobias Harris,” Bickerstaff said. “He’s dependable, reliable, prepared for the moment. He’s a leader, a great teammate and a high-level competitor. What he did when it mattered most was exceptional.”

Harris has been central to the Pistons’ progress over the past two seasons, and teammates continue to rely on him in big spots.

“He’s the ultimate vet,” center Jalen Duren said. “He’s been in these games. He’s a guy we can go to when we need a bucket. He’s been that all season.”

Cavs Up Next

Detroit now advances to face the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and Harris believes the first-round battle will pay off.

“Every series, you learn something about your group,” he said. “The playoffs test what you’re good at and what you need to improve. We adjusted and found ways to win.”

Duren delivered in Game 7 as well, finishing with 15 points and 15 rebounds while anchoring the defense. He is eligible for restricted free agency this summer.

“I know who we are,” Duren said. “When our backs are against the wall, that’s when we respond.”

Cunningham Cooks

All-Star guard Cade Cunningham averaged 32.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists in the series after returning from a late-season lung injury. He credited the Magic for sharpening Detroit heading into the next round.

“Playoff basketball is a lot of fun,” Cunningham said, per Keith Langlois of Pistons.com. “They pushed us, made us take a look in the mirror. We got better from this series, and that’s going to help us going forward.”