One word springs to mind for Detroit forward Ausar Thompson when asked to describe teammate Jalen Duren’s recent surge.
“Domination,” Thompson said.
It’s an ominous thought for the Orlando Magic, who host in-form Duren and the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons on Sunday.
Duren matched his season and career high of 33 points, along with 16 rebounds and three blocks, leading the Pistons to a 122-119 overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
Duren is in some of the best form of his blossoming career, chalking up at least 25 points and 13 boards in each of his last four outings.
The first-time All-Star is averaging a career-best 18.5 points this season, to go with 10.8 rebounds.
“Super aggressive, super strong — I feel like if you take a bump from him, it’s not a normal bump,” Thompson said of Duren. “It’s like getting hit by a train. Him coming down with a full head of speed, (and) them playing back is to his advantage.
“He’s just doing extra now. He’s just trying to show off.”
Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff is excited by the impressive way Duren has turned things around.
“It’s that moment when you figure it out, and all the things coming together,” Bickerstaff said. “And I think they’re coming together for him. The game slowed down for him, his understanding of the spacing and when to attack, all those things have slowed down and given him opportunities.”
Fellow All-Star Cade Cunningham compiled 25 points, 10 boards and seven assists before fouling out, while Thompson chipped in with 18 points and eight rebounds.
The Pistons trailed for most of the fourth quarter before clawing back to draw level at the end of regulation, then controlled overtime defensively.
Detroit’s lofty standing at the top of the East is no fluke.
“We’re ready,” Thompson said. “We’re ready for any moment. Minor setbacks don’t mess with our heads. We just keep our heads at the task ahead.”
That task will be in the form of an Orlando side smarting after a 113-108 defeat to the visiting Houston Rockets on Thursday.
Desmond Bane scored 30 points and Paolo Banchero flirted with a triple-double — posting 19 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.
Led by that duo, the Magic were in complete control, up 76-57, before that big lead was wiped in the space of just 3:31 as Houston went on a 21-0 third-quarter tear.
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley is confident about what his team must improve to prevent a repeat of that disaster.
“Not turn the ball over,” he said. “We need to take care of the basketball. That’s what sparked them (Rockets). We had done a great job prior to that, taking care of the ball, making them have to play long possessions one-on-one individually.”
Bane, who hit 12 of 19 from the floor, including 6 of 10 from 3-point range, is averaging 20.3 points on the season.
He is averaging 28.3 points across the Magic’s past six, which includes four 30-plus outings.
“We’re going to respond for sure,” Bane said. “I think we’ve done that all season long. … I don’t think responding is something that this team has struggled with. Two days off, good opportunity after coming off a west coast trip to have a break and reset. Excited for another game at home.”
