Accidents proceed to pile up for the Detroit Pistons, however it did not cease them from profitable their third straight sport on Sunday.
The Pistons defeated the Indiana Pacers, 121-117, behind a 31-point efficiency from Saddiq Bey. Detroit was with out Cade Cunningham (proper hip soreness) and Cory Joseph (left lumbar backbone pressure); they joined Jerami Grant, Marvin Bagley III and Hamidou Diallo in avenue garments.
Bey scored his 31 factors on 11-for-18 taking pictures and 7 of 9 3-pointers, in slightly below 23 minutes of motion. Frank Jackson completed with 19 factors, newly-signed level guard Carsen Edwards added 13 factors and 9 assists, and Braxton Key, who was promoted to a two-way contract earlier than the sport, added 12 factors and 9 rebounds.
BEI-LEIVERS: How John Beilein is bringing ‘sunshine’ to Pistons and making a difference
ROSTER MOVES: Pistons sign Carsen Edwards and Braxton Key, waive Chris Smith
SMOKE ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM: Allen Iverson, Ben Wallace launch cannabis lines as recreational sales in Michigan turn 2
Detroit led for practically 17 minutes within the second half, and took the lead for good with a Jackson 3-pointer with roughly three minutes left within the third quarter. The Pistons led by as many as 12 factors within the ultimate interval and had one in all their finest evening of the season from behind the arc, flattening a season-high 21 3-pointers on 41 makes an attempt (51.2%).
Bey explodes in 1st quarter
When Bey heats up, he actually heats up. His 51-point efficiency in opposition to the Orlando Magic on March 17, after all, was a wonderful showcase of his shot-making capacity when he is feeling it. That evening, he scored 21 factors within the first quarter and tallied 30 factors by halftime, and knocked down 10 of his first 15 photographs.
Bey appeared on observe for his second 50-point efficiency in opposition to the Pacers. He fell quick, however it was nonetheless one in all his finest offensive nights of the season. He scored 21 of his 31 factors within the first quarter and hit six 3-pointers within the first six minutes of the sport.
After taking part in the whole first quarter, he was restricted to simply 10 minutes for the remainder of the sport. It is late within the season, and Detroit’s teaching workers is prioritizing giving minutes to fringe gamers on the roster, akin to Key and Edwards.
Edwards makes Pistons debut
After waiving Chris Smith, the Pistons stuffed their empty roster spot by signing Edwards, a 2019 second-round choose who averaged 26.7 factors, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals whereas taking pictures 38.9% from 3 on 8.3 makes an attempt per sport with the Salt Lake Metropolis Stars of the G League this season.
“He can shoot it, that’s the first thing that comes out,” Pistons coach Dwane Casey mentioned earlier than the sport. “He’s a maker. He’s a guy that can get his shot at any time. He’s a proven scorer. That’s something we’re looking to see. This is the time of year we’re going to get a good look at different players and not wear our guys out, these last few games with injuries. It’s an opportunity for him to come in and see what he has and see if we like him for the future.”
Edwards joined the Pistons in Indianapolis round 3 p.m. Sunday. As a result of the Pistons had been with out Cunningham, Joseph and Saben Lee, leaving them quick at level guard, Edwards ended up taking part in 31 minutes just a few hours after formally signing.
He had a strong debut, simply lacking out on a double-double. Edwards’ finest ability is his outdoors taking pictures, and he may get an prolonged run over Detroit’s ultimate three video games, relying on Cunningham and Joseph’s standing.
Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@freepress.com. Comply with him on Twitter @omarisankofa. The Free Press has began a new digital subscription model. This is how one can gain access to our most exclusive Pistons content. Learn extra on the Detroit Pistons and join our Pistons newsletter.
This text initially appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons, Saddiq Bey scorching in 121-117 win over Pacers
