Jalen Duren credited the Detroit Pistons’ team culture and resilience after they overcame a 22-point deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 121-113 in their season opener on Tuesday.
Detroit trailed 72-50 early in the third quarter before rallying behind a strong second half, with Javonte Green scoring 19 points and Cade Cunningham finishing with 22 points and eight assists. Duren contributed 22 points and nine rebounds.
Asked about Detroit’s ability to mount another comeback, Duren stressed that the team was not satisfied with the result alone.
“I don’t like satisfied because we’re definitely not satisfied,” Duren said. “I think the comeback just embodied the culture and what we’re trying to build here. We’re a team who is known to be gritty, known to get it out the mud, known to never quit, and that’s our identity.”
The center added that the team’s determination remained intact despite the deficit and the pressure of opening the season at home.
“Not at all, because we know who we are,” Duren said when asked whether the Pistons were concerned about falling behind in front of a national audience. “We’re not the team to hang our heads. We’ve seen the bottom. A lot of guys are new here, but we’ve seen the bottom. So we’re not afraid of it.”
Duren also praised Green, who did not play in the first half but made five three-pointers after entering the game.
“Every game, you never know how many minutes he’s going to get, but every time his number is called, he’s ready,” Duren said. “He’s ready to do whatever we need him to do, whether it’s knock down shots, get stops, guard the other team’s best player.”
Duren described Green as a positive presence who helps bring the team together, adding that he was happy to have him in Detroit.
The Pistons center also highlighted the importance of rebounding against a Boston team that attacks the offensive glass. Detroit finished with 49 rebounds to Boston’s 39, a 10-rebound advantage.
“My mindset tonight was, whether I get it or not, I just got to keep him off,” Duren said of the battle against Mitchell Robinson and Boston’s other offensive rebounders. “I tried to do it to the best of my abilities, and we came out with a good outcome.”
Duren also welcomed the physical challenge of facing opposing big men as his profile continues to grow.
“It’s part of the game, bro. It’s basketball, so we’re going to bump,” he said. “Obviously, I play physical, so I would imagine teams tell their bigs to be physical with me, too. But I love that part of the game. Let’s see who’s stronger.”
Detroit will look to build on its opening-night win when it visits the Miami Heat on Friday.
