Pistons’ Tobias Harris gives Jalen Duren flowers for active Game 1 vs. Cavs

May 6, 2026 - 03:45

Though the Detroit Pistons were able to advance to the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, there were plenty of concerns coming out of the series, including the play of Jalen Duren, the star center some openly feared could play a massive role in an early exit for the Eastern Conference’s best regular season team.

Statistically speaking, Duren’s Game 1 against the Cavs wasn’t a whole lot better than his Game 7 against the Orlando Magic, scoring just 11 points with 12 boards over 35 minutes of action, but in the opinion of Tobias Harris, Duren’s presence was felt even if it didn’t show up in the stats sheet, as he was an “active” part of the 111-101 win.

“Just being active all game long. I thought he was all over the game, but I thought just his movements on the offensive and defensive end. He was all over the place, so just getting offensive boards, creating winning plays, extra plays for the whole group, extra effort plays,” Harris noted.

“And that’s what playing basketball is about, is just exerting yourself all throughout the game and stepping up. And I thought he did a great job of that, just embracing this moment. First game, but second round at home. It’s the type of energy we need from him consistently on a nightly basis. But also I just think once the playoffs, and he’s finding his footing, and game by game, he’s continuing to improve. And just fuel off of the last game, proud of him, and just gotta keep it going.”

Now, to Harris’ credit, he was no slouch in the game either, recording 20 points, eight rebounds, two steals, and an assist in 39 minutes of action. Still, where another player may be eager to tip their own cap and toot their own horn, Harris wanted to give his teammates props as he looks to bring his regular season game to the playoffs, which has proven to be easier said than done. Why? Because if Duren can get things going, it could propel the Pistons to the Eastern Conference Finals.