Game Recap/Notes: Game #46. Pistons 110 - Pelicans 116. (12-34)
The Pelicans are also missing guys so it’s a bit hard to put it on the injuries but given the Pistons lack of all big men it seems pretty clear that the Pistons could’ve done much better in this one had they had one of Duren or Stewart.
Killian Hayes:
Another banger for Hayes, who finished with 17 points on 7-10 shooting and 6 assists in 30 minutes of play and hit all three of his long balls. On the other end, his defensive impact was noticeable and he continues to be a two-way rock for the Pistons. There is a certain degree to which certain fanbase members are over-stating where is impact has been (his scoring efficiency is still awful for instance) but there is little doubt that in the Pistons current - injured - form he is probably the best player on the team.
Jaden Ivey:
Another quiet night for Ivey who finished with just 12 points on 4-15 shooting, did have 6 assists and 7 rebounds to produce some in other areas but he needs to get more shots to fall. Going 0-6 from three is not helping anything, but I suppose at least he had a degree of aggressiveness in trying to make something happen.
Saddiq Bey:
A second solid game for Bey who did most of his damage inside the arc on his way to 20 points on 5-14 shooting along with 10 rebounds and even 3 assists! This game was also a bit of a throwback to earlier in the season as he did much of his damage from the free-throw line where he went 9-10. That still ends up being only okay from an efficiency stand-point but we will count it as another positive outing from Bey.
Bojan Bogdanovic:
Just another day at the office for Bogdanovic. 22 points but needed to go 9-19 to get them. Generally did his job but like Bey the Pistons needed him to hit just a couple more shots to have tried to pull it out. It does remain pretty remarkable just how consistent Bojan is.
Nerlens Noel:
After a really strong game he came out he and pretty much flopped. ONly played 19 minutes due to foul trouble, generally got worked.
Isaiah Livers:
1-4 from the field. No other real impact. He does seem to be moving well on defense which is good to see.
Kevin Knox:
17 positive minutes for Knox who went 3-4 from the field for 7 points and also chipped in 5 rebounds. He continues to play at a decent level when inserted into the rotation.
Alec Burks:
One of the first poor nights for Burks in a while. Just 7 points on 3-8 shooting and it was pretty much as simple as not hitting some shots he’s normally hit this season.
Hamidou Diallo:
He’s the man. 27 minutes off the bench, 19 points on 9-11 shooting, 7 rebounds. He’s so much fun and he was a huge part of the Pistons pulling back into this game, at some point the production is going to speak for itself so much that it will be hard to deny he’s a guy who makes you better at basketball even if he is missing some key skills.
General:
Frustrating because it felt like they would’ve had a better chance at the end if not for some bad mistakes, but it was clear that Valanciunas would be a problem coming in and he finished with 33 points on 12-15 shooting from the field and that isn’t hardly even the Pistons fault. Onto the next. Preview still won’t be up till tomorrow but remember that the Pistons play at like 1:00pm tomorrow against the Knicks.