Pistons' Cade Cunningham unveils Jalen Duren NBA Playoffs plan to win vs. Magic

Cade Cunningham knows the Pistons will only win in the NBA Playoffs if they involve Jalen Duren more against the Magic.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:39am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game with overlapping shapes and planes, capturing the dynamic energy of the Pistons-Magic playoff matchup.A cubist interpretation of the intense battle between the Pistons and Magic in the NBA Playoffs, with Jalen Duren's presence in the paint a key focal point.Today in Detroit

After the Detroit Pistons' 112-101 loss to the Orlando Magic in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs, Cade Cunningham outlined the team's plan to use Jalen Duren more in the upcoming games. Cunningham acknowledged that the Pistons need to trust Duren more and give him better passes to get him more involved offensively.

Why it matters

Duren was just named an NBA All-Star, so the Pistons will need to feature him more prominently if they want to have a chance of defeating the Magic in the playoffs. The Pistons' offense was too decentralized in Game 1, with only Cunningham and Tobias Harris scoring in double figures.

The details

In Game 1, Duren only played 33 minutes and scored 8 points with 7 rebounds. Cunningham said the team needs to "give him space" and "make sure to give him good passes" to get Duren more involved. The Pistons had 11 players score, but their offense lacked a clear focal point, which allowed the Magic to pack the paint and limit their production.

  • The Pistons lost to the Magic 112-101 in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs.

The players

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' star guard who outlined the team's plan to get Jalen Duren more involved in the offense against the Magic.

Jalen Duren

The Pistons' All-Star center who the team needs to feature more prominently in order to have a chance of defeating the Magic in the playoffs.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The Pistons' head coach who played Duren for 33 minutes in Game 1 but needs to find ways to get him more involved offensively.

Tobias Harris

The Pistons' veteran forward who was one of only two players to score in double figures for Detroit in Game 1.

Paolo Banchero

The Magic's star rookie who had a strong performance in Game 1 against the Pistons.

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What they’re saying

“Just give him space. Make sure to give him good passes in there. There were a couple times where I felt like I had him, didn't give him good passes, same thing with Stew. That's what they do is pack the paint, so just making sure that we're spacing properly and making crisp passes. Also if they're packing the paint, making sure that we're making plays on the back side of it.”

— Cade Cunningham, Pistons Guard

What’s next

The Pistons will look to bounce back in Game 2 against the Magic on Monday, April 22nd. Cunningham and the team will need to find ways to get Jalen Duren more involved offensively if they want to even the series.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the need for the Pistons to feature their All-Star center Jalen Duren more prominently in their offense. If they can get Duren more touches and opportunities, it could open up the rest of their attack against the stifling Magic defense.