Something shifted for Jalen Duren in the playoffs—and the Detroit Pistons are reaping the rewards.

The 22-year-old big man delivered a commanding performance Tuesday night at Little Caesars Arena, powering the Pistons to a 111-101 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. It was the kind of statement game that reminds everyone why Duren is such a force in the paint.

With the game tied at 93 and the crowd holding its breath, Duren took over. He threw down three consecutive dunks—two off dump-off passes from Cade Cunningham and a third on a one-handed bounce pass from Cunningham that traveled from just past halfcourt. The sequence gave Detroit a lead they never surrendered.

But Duren's impact went far beyond those highlight-reel slams. He dominated the offensive glass, reading the floor with veteran instincts. Defensively, he anchored the paint and executed the team's coverages perfectly. The Cavaliers simply had no answer.

After a slow start to the postseason, Duren has flipped a switch. Over the last 10 quarters—dating back to Detroit's incredible Game 6 comeback against the Orlando Magic—he has been one of the best players on the floor. Tuesday marked his second straight double-double: 11 points, 12 rebounds (seven offensive), four assists, and two blocks.

"His all-around game is effective for us," coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "Down the stretch, his will to go get the ball and the offensive rebounds he had—he imposed his will on the game to give us extra possessions. Defensively, he was in the right spot. He did a great job all around."

For a team that struggled early in the playoffs, Duren's emergence couldn't have come at a better time. The Pistons are surging—and their young big man is leading the charge.