Game Recap/Notes: Game #69. Pistons 117 - Pacers 97. (16-53)
THEY WON A BASKETBALL GAME AND THEY DID SO BY A WIDE MARGIN WOW.
Obviously the Pacers were not exactly putting their best team on the floor tonight but shit neither were the Pistons. To pretty much dominate proceedings from start to finish in this way was exceptionally nice to see from Detroit.
Killian Hayes:
Got off toa great start and finished with a really effective game. 10 points on 4-11 shooting is nothing to write home about but he added to that with 11 assists (with 5 turnovers) and a pair of steals. I believe I saw that he scored or assisted on the Pistons first 15 points or something like that. He came out ready to go which was great to see. He did slow down after the hot start but he set the table to get the Pistons the big lead which they never relinquished. Positive outing.
Rodney McGruder:
Great game for Rodney. 18 points on 7-14 shooting (4-5 from deep) in a lovely night for the veteran. I drew some baffled faces when I said that McGruder is a guy I’d actually like to have back next season and this stretch where he’s been forced into the rotation is exactly why. As a 15th man he obviously isn’t good but that’s true of everyone’s 15th man. Everyone raves about how great he is as a teammate in the locker room, and his shooting provides a concrete skill for the rare times he needs to get in. He’s over 40% from deep on the season and teams really guard him, so on the odd chance he needs to come in he provides real offensive value. Lastly, he’s 31 so no reason to think he couldn’t have another season of this in the tank. I have really enjoyed him in Detroit.
Eugene Omoruyi:
We can have conversations about whether or not he should maybe come back next season once the season is over but he continues to really make a mark. Tonight he finished with 17 points on 8-13 shooting from the field along with 6 boards a pair of assists and a game-high +24 on the night. Part of how good he’s looked is simply giving away how badly the Pistons needed a guy of his physical attributes and skills on the team. Who knows if he will shoot well the rest of the way for him to remain an actual 3 and D player but he certainly earned that second 10-day. I certainly hope the have him ride out this season. His physicality, effort, and just enough skill/smarts to go with it is sorely needed for the Pistons.
Isaiah Livers:
Only played 20 minutes and scored just 2 points on 1-7 shooting largely due to getting into foul trouble. Poor night for Livers.
James Wiseman:
Another night on the job for Wiseman. 18 points on 8-15 shooting along with 14 boards in 24 minutes of play. The skill and potential is well on display with some tough finishes and huge dunks. The issues in other areas can be seen with his -1 on the night but the guy is showing what we wanted to see. He’s really a joy to watch offensively.
Jalen Duren:
With Duren as the alternative, it does make Wiseman’s shortcomings more obvious. In 24 minutes of work Duren finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds capped off with 3 assists, a steal, and a pair of blocks. Duren also finished the night +21. He was effective on both ends and continues to show flashes of offensive polish that I was not expecting at all coming into the season.
Buddy Boeheim:
Played 23 minutes, hit 1 of his 7 threes. Didn’t see anything worthwhile.
RJ Hampton:
Had a good night shooting from deep going 3-3 to finish with 15 points on 5-8 shooting along with 6 boards and 3 assists. This was a positive night for Hampton but still it mostly looks the same where his value beyond occasionally hitting threes is almost nothing.