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Jalen Duren · Plenty of work remains, should the Detroit Pistons intend on establishing a never-to-be-forgotten defensive identity like that of decades past. But, through a one-handed “snatch block” that reeked of early-1990s-like attitude, Jalen Duren certainly entered March 1, 2025’s duel against the Brooklyn Nets with the right idea. Approaching the first period as if he had something to personally prove, Duren initially establishes camp in the paint, opting for drop coverage against Brooklyn’s screen-and-roll. Audacious in what follows, Duren sends his chiseled 6-foot-10 frame skyward, nonchalantly plucking Ziaire Williams’ layup from the air before channeling “point center” skills through a painless coast-to-coast finish on the opposite end. Unbothered by the trash talk-heavy, chippy encounter, Duren led a victorious 16-block team effort — Detroit’s most in a regular-season game since 2006-07’s 53-win season — dominating both ends. The equally-impressive individual ledger read as follows: 18 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals, six blocks, a game-high 12 contested shots, and elite efficiency overall (six-of-seven) and from the charity stripe (six-of-six). · State of Mint