Game Recap/Notes: Game #24. Pistons 113 - Pacers 122. (4-23)
Pain.
Killian Hayes:
I don't know what was going on here but it was awful
Played 29 minutes and only took 3 shots to end up with 2 points and 1 assist. Supposedly it was just bad luck basically? That’s what the acting coach said at least. This was awful either way.
Cade Cunningham:
19 points on 17 equivalents with 4 assists. Continues to look better and better going to the hoop, I know it’s probably too much to ask of someone so young but I do really hope that he gets more assertive with Grant out. When he goes towards the hoop he is excellent.
This also brings us to a wider point because I want to bring some positivity to the conversation. As a prospect, one of the biggest questions people (including myself) had was whether or not Cade was athletic enough to get to his spots against NBA defenders, that question has been resoundingly answered by Cade already. Not only is he capable of driving into the paint but it already looks like his strongest attribute. That’s great to see.
Saddiq Bey:
Might be a slump buster. 28 points on 20 shots and a lot of them came inside the arc (he went just 3-8 from deep) maybe it’s in the headband. He was active and seemed almost to step right into the role he was thriving in last season of “Well I guess I’ll just take these shots” which is nice. I will admit that I’d rather Cade be the one to look at the shots now available with Grant out but at least someone has the gumption to take them.
Hamidou Diallo:
I’m a broken record on this guy now, love the way he’s playing. 12 points on 6 shots, getting to good spots and finishing at the hoop. Still don’t love him in the starting lineup given his issues as a shooter but the energy he’s bringing is worth something.
Isaiah Stewart:
9 points on 10 shot equivalents with 9 rebounds. Maybe I’m just misremembering but felt like it was a quiet 9 and 9. was +10 despite playing just 26 minutes.
Trey Lyles:
Scored 10 points. I still very much dislike watching him play.
Isaiah Livers:
First action. Only played 5 minutes and looked bad.
Frank Jackson:
Another day, another 18 points gunning off the bench for Frank Jackson. I almost wonder if he could be a valuable trade-piece at the deadline with how he’s come on recently. Obviously it’d be nice to keep him long-term but he may have more value as a trade-piece. Either way, a nice bright spot.
Saban Lee:
11 points on 10 equivalents with 5 assists. Lee’s game is a goofy combination of athleticism and herky-jerky, I’m amazed he hasn’t ruined his shoulder with his shooting form, but it is working and I am exceptionally thankful that he is getting Cory Joseph’s minutes and even more thankful that he has played well enough to deserve them.
General:
The Pistons need to get a win. Even in tanking seasons these kind of streaks are not good.