Duncan Robinson is showcasing his versatility during the Pistons' playoff run, averaging 17.0 points with 58.3% shooting from beyond the arc. His recent performances highlight his ability to score in various ways, not just through three-pointers.
Key points
Duncan Robinson averages 17.0 points in playoffs
Robinson shoots 58.3% from three-point range
He has developed skills beyond three-point shooting
Robinson and Harden received technical fouls for altercation
Robinson set a record for three-point shooting percentage
He scored an And-1 basket as big man Thomas Bryant fouled him in the process.
As the crowd erupted in cheers, Robinson celebrated in front of James Harden, who responded by pushing him in frustration. Both players received double technical fouls for their minor dust-up, but for Robinson, the moment was revealing.
"I like to mix it up every now and then," Robinson said. "When players run me off the line, that is something I've worked on a lot throughout my career. In my second year, I set the league record for the highest percentage of shots for 3s. From there, I made it a point not to be one-dimensional. When you see me celebrate, it's when I mix it up and get a two."
The Pistons' Duncan Robinson has averaged 17.0 points on 58.3% shooting from the 3-point line through the first three games of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Pistons' Duncan Robinson has averaged 17.0 points on 58.3% shooting from the 3-point line through the first three games of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Q&A
What are Duncan Robinson's playoff statistics for the Pistons?
Duncan Robinson is averaging 17.0 points with a shooting percentage of 58.3% from the three-point line during the playoffs.
How has Duncan Robinson improved his game beyond three-point shooting?
Robinson has focused on becoming less one-dimensional by developing skills like driving to the basket and scoring in different ways, including executing the euro step.
What incident occurred between Duncan Robinson and James Harden during the game?
Duncan Robinson and James Harden received double technical fouls after a minor altercation following Robinson's And-1 basket.
What record did Duncan Robinson set in his second year in the NBA?
In his second year, Duncan Robinson set the league record for the highest percentage of shots made from three-point range.
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Robinson went on to score 19 points to help the Detroit Pistons take a 111-101 Game 1 victory over the Cavaliers inside Little Caesars Arena on May 5. He did so by shooting 5 of 8 from behind the arc.
Robinson has averaged 17.0 points on 58.3% shooting from the 3-point line through the first three games of the Eastern Conference semifinals, helping the Pistons take an early 2-1 series lead. However, his and-1 floater became one of many illustrations of how the veteran guard has become more than a 3-point shooting specialist amid the Pistons' success this season.
When Robinson joined the Pistons in July, it was clear his role was to fill the 3-point shooting void left by Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. He connected on 41.0% of his shots from behind the arc during the regular season and exceeded the Pistons' expectations. However, he has shown he is more than just a shooter — both on and off the court — which has become more noticeable during the playoffs.
"His competitive spirit. Watching the fire that he plays with. His willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team win," coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "All of the hustle plays and the scrappy plays. Accepting assignments and challenges. It has been fun to watch that spirit come out of him."
One of Robinson's key contributions this postseason has been his veteran leadership, in which he has shared valuable career lessons to guide several teammates throughout the hardships of the playoffs.
Robinson made significant contributions during the Pistons' seven-game series against the Orlando Magic, where he averaged 10.3 points while shooting 36.5% from beyond the arc. His most important role, however, came off the court.
He was one of several veterans who helped Ron Holland II get through his five consecutive DNPs during the first round. In addition, he also helped maintain the team's positive morale during their comeback from a 3-1 deficit to the Magic. Robinson was able to lean on the postseason experiences he gained during his seven-year tenure with the Miami Heat, which included learning how to navigate difficult situations.
As a member of the Heat, Robinson made two NBA Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023 by overcoming the challenges of the postseason. A few years later, he carried the same lessons to Detroit, which became a foundation for the team's five-game playoff winning streak, which ended Saturday with the Game 3 defeat to the Cavaliers.
"I'm pretty comfortable playing that role. I've played it much of my life, definitely all of my NBA career — it's just part of what comes with the territory,” Robinson said. “This is what you live for, this time of year. This is what all the work's for. This is what we're building towards all year. It's not always going to be perfect, right? … It's a group effort."
The Pistons are just two wins away from reaching their first Eastern Conference finals in 18 years. Every player who steps onto the court for the remainder of the series will play a crucial role in helping the Pistons achieve the milestone.
Each postseason experience has made Robinson a crucial part of the Pistons’ journey to a possible final four. While he will continue to be a significant threat from the perimeter with his shooting, Robinson also will draw on various other aspects of his game.
These attributes will contribute to the team’s dynamics and highlight how he has become a central figure in the Pistons’ championship aspirations.
NBA Playoffs, second round: No. 1 Pistons vs. No. 4 Cavaliers
