DETROIT -- Long after Tuesday's practice had ended at the Detroit Pistons' facility, Jalen Duren remained on the court, working in the post with one assistant coach clinging to his back, another camped out in the paint and a third assistant on the perimeter ready to smother the All-Star big man once the ball was in his hands.
Duren was trying to simulate the kind of packed paint he might face again against the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of their best-of-seven series on Wednesday. The Pistons' center was limited to just eight points and seven rebounds while taking only four shots.
Duren made it clear that he will be much more aggressive in Game 2.
"That's not enough," Duren repeated twice of going 3-for-4 from the field. "And that's on me. I just got to be better for my guys."
Duren, who is in his fourth year is a finalist for Most Improved Player, averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 65% shooting to help the Pistons win 60 games and claim the top seed in the Eastern Conference. He credited the Magic for a good defensive game plan of packing the paint and collapsing on him but also, more than anything, coming out with more intensity.