Without Pistons executives, Paul Reed is pulling out all the stops

« I’m not even sure what question to ask. Just, wow! », exclaims the journalist. ” Yes, amazing », shakes his head JB Bickerstaff looking at the stat line Paul Reed. The Pistons coach established the latter for the arrival of Taurus.

And that’s because of numerous absences for this part: Cade Cunningham, Tobias Harris, Ausar Thompson, Jaden Ivey and especially the holder of the 5th position, Jalen Duren. Despite the high turnover rate, the Pistons have found a way to win and owe much of that to their pitching staff, usually the bench.

« He had an impact all over the field. He was excellent in defensive communication. It speaks to the character of the team and their desire to keep the ball alive for him as he was in for a big night. He didn’t want to disappoint, he didn’t want to disappoint his teammates “, repeats the coach.

So it did not disappoint. As a symbol of the very good evening that awaited him, the former Sixers player turned his first shot behind the arc, into the head of the racket, which was opened by Nikola Vucevic. A small event for him who, since his debut in the Big League in 2020, has made only about thirty baskets of this type (21/57 anyway in 2023-24).

On his second long shot of the second quarter, his direct opponent raised his hand. The result was the same. That’s about all Paul Reed showed in the first half. But during the second, the pivot, who so far averaged about 4 points and 4 rebounds, was constantly active.

Things to prove

Regularly served by the other nice surprise of the evening, Dennis Jenkins (18 points and 12 assists), the pivot multiplied the finish, especially in the alley-oop. Even if it offers itself an amazing “above and below” worthy of the background. His final production line is as impressive as the visuals: 28 points (11/13 shooting including 2/2 from distance), 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals for 46 points in 31 minutes.

After the meetingthe person in question surprisingly highlights the “next man up” mentality. ” Every guy on the field tonight had something to prove. We wanted to show that we can play our basketball, Pistons basketball. » says the 28th pick of the 2020 draft, who appreciates the support of local fans. We also saw how he went and clapped some of them after another finish, this time with his left hand.

« What’s going through my head? I’m banging, I’m yelling at the crowd, I’m just trying to fire them up, really, to show them that we’re here, we’re not going anywhere. And that we will pull out this victory. And that’s what really motivates me: helping this team win », continues Paul Reed, according to whom his team is the most armed in the league at position 5 (with Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart and him).

Mission accomplished for him and the Pistons, who are on an 8-game winning streak. And who remain at the top of their conference (10v-2d) with two wins ahead of their pursuers, the Cavs.

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=aiHpO56B97U

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.