Monday night in the NBA was absolute madness. There were several games that ended in game-winning buzzer-beaters. Andrew Wiggins against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Desmond Bane versus the Portland Trail Blazers. But what happened with the Detroit Pistons was the most legendary.
Enter Daniss Jenkins, a second-year guard who played for four different universities (JUCO included) in four seasons. On a two-way contract and seeing very few minutes, Jenkins happened to be on the floor in crunch time in this one,
What happened at the end of the game can best be described by Oregon legend and NY Liberty All Star, Sabrina Ionescu. If you can shoot, you can shoot.
Daniss Jenkins Delivers in the Clutch for the Pistons
The Pistons were trailing the Washington Wizards by five points when the ball left the hand of Daniss Jenkins with just five seconds on the clock. He buried the triple. After quickly fouling, Washington only split their attempts. The door remained open.
The next time down, trailing by three, Jenkins was the only one open enough on the inbounds play. He caught it, lets it rip, and as seen in the video, incredibly knocked the incredibly difficult look from the corner down.
On a night where Cade Cunningham had a 46-point triple-double, it was an undrafted rookie that shined brightest. Jenkins had two opportunities, and absolutely made the most of both of them.
Once the game got to OT, Detroit scrapped and clawed on the glass. Cade, despite 31 missed shots, hit some big ones. Javonte Green rocked the rim. The defense stopped C.J. McCollum (42 points) one final time to secure the victory.
Credit of course to Jalen Duren, who had 19 and 14, and some massive offensive rebounds to extend late possessions. And to Green, who finished with a double-double.
This day in Detroit though, will henceforth be known as Daniss Jenkins Day. A historic breakout that helped the Pistons win their eighth game in a row.
Worth mentioning that the franchise hasn’t gotten off to a start like this since the 03-04 season. Primetime basketball is back in the Motor City.
Daniss Jenkins Path to this Moment
Talking about Daniss Jenkins is not something most Detroit Pistons fans would be expecting this year. Especially with the squad off to an 9-2 start. To be fair, he had played in 12 career games since joining the team last season. And after averaging 1 ppg as a rookie, where he spent most time in the G-League.
Jenkins had only averaged 3.4 points per game to open this season. But, as guys like Isaiah Stewart, Ausar Thompson, and Tobias Harris were all out, among others, it opened the door. And he walked right on through it liked he belonged.
After two seasons with the Pacific Tigers, coached by Damon Stoudamire, Jenkins spent a year in the community college ranks. Following that campaign, he played a huge part in resurrecting Iona, along with fellow future-NBA player Walter Clayton Jr. They went 27-8 under Rick Pitino, and reached the NCAA tournament.
Jenkins then went from Westchester to Queens, using the last year of eligibility with St. John’s. He followed Pitino there, and though the team won a little less, the production from the fifth-year guard improved further.
After that full college hoops career, Daniss Jenkins signed a two-way deal with the Pistons after going undrafted. He hardly saw the floor last season.
But finally, in game number 11 of year two, Jenkins got his opportunity. And after finishing with 24 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and four steals, he may have earned some more playing time in the interim. He also hit nine of 17 shots, and delivered in the big moment.
Perhaps that two-way contract will even be converted to a standard deal later this season.
Keep the party going, Detroit. You’re now 9-2. Alone at the top of the East. Life is good.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Undrafted Guard Leads Detroit Pistons to Miracle Win appeared first on Heavy Sports.