Aussies in NBA: Banger hits double-digits
Aron Baynes had a good outing against a 82-94 loss against the Indiana Pacers registering double-digits in points for the 3rd time this season.
Baynes scored 10 points (3-of-5 shooting, 4-of-4 FT) grabbed 3 rebounds and threw his body into any Pacers player in his general vicinity during his 12 minutes of action.
He had been struggling offensively since returning from a 1 game layoff due to back spasms, not hitting multiple field goals in his past 6 games.
Against the Pacers he moved freely and looked to be more aggressive offensively, diving hard to the basket after setting his picks, either drawing the foul.
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Or the easy finish.
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He looks to have found himself a giving pick-and-roll partner in rookie Stanley Johnson, who set-up Baynes with some nice pocket-passes throughout.
Baynes was most impressive in his stint during the 2nd quarter when he scored 8 points and helped the Pistons take the lead.
He returned to the game at the start of the 4th quarter, when the second unit were again able to cut the down the deficit, making it a two point game before the starters returned to finish off the game.
With the bench unit proving more productive on the court than the starting unit it was a role reversal for the Pistons team. Yet, Stan Van Gundy was unwilling to roll with the players who were proving the most productive, like a Gregg Popovich or Rick Carlisle do in similar situations.
Statistically Detroit’s bench is the worst in the league, but it’s hard to know were the problems start. Van Gundy gives them very little playing time and they in turn give very little production, or is it the other way round?
There are certainly times when the bench has played terribly and are best kept on the pine especially considering the Pistons are in a dogfight for a playoff spot. But today seemed like a missed opportunity to build their cohesion and confidence by sticking with them at a time they were clicking and outplaying their opponents.
Detroit’s second unit is largely constructed of new players and Baynes recently spoke to Fairfax Media about their struggles this season.
It's one of those things that you come in and you have to find a rhythm with the new guys and we started getting that there but it's fallen off now.
On the season Baynes is averagine 4.5 points and 4 rebounds in 13 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJsgzZ6LGmo&feature=youtu.be