Aussies in NBA: Baynes’ late flurry falls just short

Aron Baynes had a strong second half and an inspiring dunk that almost led the Detroit Pistons to an unlikely comeback against the Toronto Raptors.

Baynes finished the game with 11 points (3-of-7 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), 7 rebounds and 2 blocks in 20 minutes with a team high plus/minus of +14.

It was a tough first half for Baynes who could only register 1 rebound to his name after picking up 3 early fouls.

He looked more aggressive offensively in the third quarter and was able to make an impact by and get to the line and win some rebounds, in a physical battle with the Raptors big men.

He sat on the bench at the start of the fourth, when the Raptors quickly pulled out to a 18 point lead and it looked like the game was headed for a blowout when Andre Drummond fouled out with just over 6 minutes to go.

Enter the Banger.

Baynes was able to energize his team by producing the play of the game - and one of the best highlights of his career - with this putback dunk off a blocked shot.

https://vine.co/v/i5jMqAQX1DL

The dunk quickly sent Twitter into meltdown.

Pistons' Aron Baynes makes a sick slam upon catching Brandon Jennings' blocked layup in mid-air: https://t.co/s3JbNP673G

— Complex (@ComplexMag) January 31, 2016

Aron Baynes just had an insane putback dunk of a Bismack Biyombo block.

— Raptors Republic (@raptorsrepublic) January 31, 2016

From that moment the momentum of the game changed and the Pistons closed the game on a 23-13 run, falling just short in the end, going down 111-107.

The game capped off an impressive month for Baynes, where he went from being mocked for size of his contract to praised as being a value signing.

During January Baynes averaged 8.7 points and 5.6 rebounds, while shooting 59.3% from the field and 82.9 on free throws.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nk6dMuwjPdg