Pistons may have uncovered the key to bouncing back: Paul Reed
Detroit wouldn't have had a chance without Reed.
Pistons may have uncovered the key to bouncing back: Paul Reed originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Detroit Pistons wouldn't have had even a chance on Monday night if not for their undersized, third-string center.
Paul Reed couldn't quite rescue the Pistons in Game 4, not as the Cleveland Cavaliers put up a 23-0 third-quarter run and got 43 points from Donovan Mitchell. But what Reed did prove in nearly pulling Detroit back from the brink after that massive run was this: If the Pistons want to bounce back, they might need to do it with him on the floor. Reed has been an analytics darling for a long time, but he's rarely a top of the depth chart option.
He often only ends up playing in tough spots, but then his teams usually do better with him on the floor. MORE: Donovan Mitchell never wanted the Knicks, only moments like this "B-ball Paul," as he's affectionately known, simply makes plays, size be darned. In 14 minutes against the Cavs, Reed had 15 points.
He made 7-of-9 shots, including a powerful dunk as well as a 3-pointer (1-2 3FG). He grabbed 4 rebounds, dished out 2 assists and nabbed a steal. Reed had been key energy in Game 3, as well.