Jalen Duren had a strong showing in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference second-round series between Duren's Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Los Angeles Lakers' front office definitely took notice.
Detroit used a strong first quarter (37-21) to take the opening game of the series, 111-101, and the Pistons definitely benefited from Duren's rebounding prowess, as his 12 boards matched the combined total from Cleveland's twin-tower centers, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Jalen Duren outplayed Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in Game 1
Duren added 11 points and two blocks; he was a game-high +17. Meanwhile, Mobley was a game-low minus-17, and Allen was virtually invisible: two points (1-4 FG) and three rebounds.
Mobley and Allen should ensure that Cleveland never gets outrebounded, but they failed that assignment in Game 1, as the Pistons won the battle on the boards, 45-41. Duren was the main reason why.
Lakers fans want badly to sign Jalen Duren this summer
Duren has now put together two consecutive good performances in the playoffs after having a mediocre first six games in the first round against the Orlando Magic. In the Game 7 clincher over Orlando, Duren awoke, tallying 15 points and 15 rebounds (he was a monstrous +27).
Before that Game 7 explosion, Duren hadn't achieved a double-digit rebounding game in the first round, and he'd only scored in double figures in three of the six contests.
Amidst these first-round struggles, Lakers fans were looking on and low-key rooting against Duren and the Pistons, thinking that a first-round exit might make Duren more attainable once he hits restricted free agency this summer.
With Duren now returning to All-Star form in the last two games, Lakers fans are conflicted. They're happy that Duren looks exactly like the center who could make LA a contender, but they're also realizing that the Pistons will do everything possible to bring Duren back if he keeps playing like this.
If Duren ultimately doesn't work out for the Lakers this offseason, general manager Rob Pelinka and LA's front office could turn to the trade market for a starting-caliber center. Allen is a name that makes sense for LA, but maybe not if you were watching his performance in Game 1 on Tuesday night!
Regardless of how the Pistons' season ends, keep an eye on Duren, and more importantly, keep an eye on Pelinka -- he's been known to pull a rabbit out of a hat every now and then.
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