Pistons’ Jalen Duren open up about remaining confident despite playoff struggles

Jalen Duren has been the butt of jokes aplenty throughout the Detroit Pistons’ run in the 2026 NBA playoffs to this point. Duren, after all, has seen his numbers fall off a cliff, and, in turn, his minutes have dipped, what with head coach JB Bickerstaff’s trust in him seemingly eroding. But in Game 6 of their semifinal series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Duren put up a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double in a 115-94 victory to stave off elimination.

Now that is a performance that’s more like it from Duren, who made it to the All-Star team for the first time in his career a few months ago. This was a man who nearly averaged 20-10 this past regular season, which is why his struggles have been such a major talking point for Pistons fans who couldn’t seem to comprehend how his performance would drop off to this historic of a degree.

But Duren’s confidence amid all his struggles hasn’t been shaken whatsoever, as he revealed to reporters following the Pistons’ season-saving Game 6 victory.

“I’m always having fun at the game. I talk to my mom, she gave me strength. My confidence never wavered. I know who I am. I don’t forget who I am. I know what I can do. I know what I can be,” Duren said, via Hobie Artigue of Local 4 WDIV Detroit.

The playoffs can make even the biggest of men seem small, as the pressure mounts and one’s fortitude is tested with each passing game. It is a concern for the Pistons that Duren hasn’t been able to showcase the same level of dominance in the paint that he showed in the regular season in the playoffs, but perhaps this is the start of his journey in overcoming the brightness of the playoff lights.

Duren looms large once more as one of the biggest factors for the Pistons heading into Game 7 on Sunday night, and it helps that his confidence is not shaken even though he’s been drawing criticisms left and right.

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