The Detroit Pistons will have two NBA All-Stars this season, as Jalen Duren was picked as a reserve alongside starter Cade Cunningham, and the 22-year-old center recently reflected on his latest individual achievement.
“I mean, it was tough because I’m trying to focus on the game. I didn’t really want to know until the end. But I mean, it’s a blessing, man. As I said, it’s hard not to smile. It’s hard not to be happy,” Duren explained via The Detroit Free Press’ Coty M. Davis. “Just a testament to the work. I thank my teammates, my coaches, and everybody who helped me get here. Couldn’t do it alone – just happy.”
“I want to do even more for this city; they’ve been supporting me. They’ve been supporting the whole group and the whole organization through the ups and downs,” he added. “To be able to bring another All-Star back to the city is great. They deserve it. The fans — we have the best fans in the league, by far. They come out every night, no matter the weather, the game or what. They show up, and they show love. So, they deserve everything they’re given.”
Duren celebrated his first career All-Star selection by notching his 23rd double-double of the season, finishing with 21 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two steals on 8-for-12 shooting from the field in the Detroit Pistons’ 130-77 rout of the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday evening.
Detroit Pistons set franchise record in blowout victory vs. Brooklyn Nets
The Detroit Pistons‘ 130-77 home win over the Brooklyn Nets is their largest margin of victory, surpassing the 52 points set in a 118-66 win against the Boston Celtics on January 31, 2003.
“You know, there were games earlier, even this season, where we got a big lead,” Detroit Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff said. “And then, you know, we let out our foot off the gas a little bit and fumbled the lead and had to figure out a way to win it in the fourth quarter.”
“So, you know, we talk about it all the time. We never expect to start the season as good as we expect to finish it. And for us, it’s always about taking those steps of continuing to improve. And you find different ways and areas where you need to improve. And I think our guys have continued to do that,” he continued.
