Under the Hood – it’s time to see what’s really going on inside this Pistons team.
Firing on All Cylinders
There wasn’t a whole lot to enjoy in this one, but Jalen Duren showed multiple flashes of expanding his game in the first half.
We’ve seen him take this jumper a few times now when his defender sags down at the top of the key.
A shot like this next one is where I think he could really help the offense. Even the threat of a 15-foot catch-and-shoot jumper can pull the center away from the rim.
Adding
a floater to his offensive bag is a great idea, too.
Last, I didn’t think this was a great look, but JD was obviously confident as he knocks down his third jumper in the first half.
Transmission Trouble
Kawhi Leonard exploded for a career-high 55 points and he did it on an absurdly low 26 shots.
How are you stopping him when he’s making shots like these?
He was on a mission last night and I’m not sure anyone could’ve stopped him.
Mechanic’s Note
Jaden Ivey Minutes Watch is back on.
He played 29 minutes last night! That’s his highest mark so far this season and only the second time he’s seen over 20 minutes. Only Cunningham and Duren saw more playing time than Ivey after he played roughly 14 minutes in four of the previous five games.
He struggled from the field, but he nailed two of his five three-point attempts – and this is the area I think the team could use him the most. He is currently the team’s best three-point shooter (39.6%) ahead of Duncan Robinson (38.7%), Caris LeVert (38.4%), and Isaiah Stewart (36.6%).
