Yardbarker
x
The Daniss system: Unheralded guard saves Pistons with huge shots
Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) dribbles in overtime against the Washington Wizards at Little Caesars Arena. Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The Daniss system: Unheralded guard saves Pistons with huge shots

You could be forgiven if you'd never heard of Daniss Jenkins before Monday night. After he saved the Detroit Pistons in only his 13th career game, the Pistons — and the Washington Wizards — won't forget him anytime soon.

Jenkins made two three-pointers in the final three seconds of regulation, sending the game to overtime where the Pistons beat the Wizards, 137-135. He finished with 24 points, which is the same number of points Jenkins had scored during his entire NBA career before Monday's game.

Daniss Jenkins is a huge two-way contract success story

Jenkins wasn't drafted after a college career spent at three different colleges. He averaged 14.9 points for St. John's as a senior and managed to land a two-way contract with the Pistons before the 2024-25 season. Jenkins spent most of that season with the G League's Motor City Cruise, where he made the G League's All-Rookie team.

He signed another two-way deal this season, where he's seen more opportunities as the Pistons' third-string point guard with Dennis Schroder gone and Marcus Sasser's hip injury. With Caris Levert out for Monday's game, along with Ausar Thompson and Tobias Harris, the Pistons needed to lean on Jenkins.

Jenkins was ready.

Daniss Jenkins could become the ball handler Detroit needs

Sasser was a first-round pick in 2023, but he hasn't ensured a rotation spot in his two seasons. His minutes dropped from 19 to 14.2 per game last season, and his scoring and assists dropped.

Jenkins has been a solid defender and is becoming a reliable energy player off the bench. That hustle was on display Monday when Jenkins racked up four steals and eight rebounds, despite standing just 6-foot-3.

Monday's game showed that the Pistons have developed their depth, even deep down the bench. Javonte Green started and had an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double. Second-round pick Chaz Lanier played 27 minutes and had eight points, finishing with a respectable -2 plus/minus for the game.

Of course, it's also a sign that Cade Cunningham can make any of his teammates look good. He put on a tour de force performance, with a 46-point triple-double, adding 12 rebounds, 11 assists, five steals and two blocks, willing the shorthanded Pistons to the win.

Not only did Cunningham dominate, he trusted his teammates. He found Jenkins for the game-tying shot and added a dime to Duncan Robinson for a go-ahead three-pointer in overtime.

Jenkins had the game of his life and might have earned himself a long-term role in Detroit. For Cunningham, he's proving he can elevate any supporting cast, no matter how unknown.

Sean Keane

Sean Keane is a sportswriter and a comedian based in Oakland, California, with experience covering the NBA, MLB, NFL and Ice Cube’s three-on-three basketball league, The Big 3. He’s written for Comedy Central’s “Another Period,” ESPN the Magazine, and Audible. com

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!