Daniss Jenkins got hot from beyond the arc and turned in an effective performance on Monday to lead the Detroit Pistons to a win over the Houston Rockets in the NBA Summer League.
Jenkins produced a game-high 26 points, four assists, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal in the 87-73 victory at the Thomas & Mack Center. He went 8-of-16 from the field, including 6-of-11 from 3-point range, in 27 minutes.
The undrafted guard from St. John’s scored the bulk of his points from the 3-point line, but he also made a few layups and helped move the ball on offense. He was a pest on defense and locked up much of the opposition throughout the contest.
He was pleased with his effort.
“I was just comfortable,” Jenkins told Autumn Johnson on NBA TV. “I love the Detroit Pistons, a great organization. I love the new staff that came in. My best friend, Marcus Sasser, just came and gave me a big hug, so it just feels amazing to me. I just came out and played with confidence.”
Daniss Jenkins puts in a stellar performance to lead the @DetroitPistons to the #NBA2KSummerLeague W!
26 PTS | 6 3PM | 4 AST pic.twitter.com/0uSW9veRGe
— NBA (@NBA) July 16, 2024
With Jenkins leading the way, the Pistons also received strong efforts from second-round pick Bobi Klintman (18 points, nine rebounds) and Sasser (13 points, eight assists). The team improved to 1-1 in Las Vegas with the win after dropping its opener on Saturday.
Jenkins, who signed a two-way contract with the Pistons, has showcased himself at a high level thus far. He registered 10 points, five assists and three steals in their loss to Philadelphia and has looked to be one of the better rookies in summer league.
After producing his best game with the Pistons on Monday, Jenkins will look to keep it going and build positive momentum over the remainder of his stay in the desert.
“This is how I come out and play every single night,” Jenkins said. “I never take a game off. I never take a day off or a practice. I know I belong in this league. I just want to go out and show what I can do and what I’m about.”
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