Just like the Detroit Pistons After dealing with the Miami Warmth for his or her first NBA Cup set final week, veteran ahead Tim Hardaway Jr. suffered a head damage. Though it was a daunting sight, Hardaway did not count on a long-term absence. The veteran was recognized with a head laceration.
For the subsequent three video games, the Pistons coasted with out Hardaway on the court docket. In his absence, JB Bickerstaff seemed to make use of Malik Beasley within the beginning 5.
All through the season, Beasley has been a high-volume shooter for the Pistons. Earlier than his first begin, the veteran averaged 12 photographs from the sphere in 12 video games. When he earned the promotion in opposition to his former group, the Milwaukee Bucks, Beasley made 17 photographs in 44 minutes. He shined with a double-double of 26 factors.
For the subsequent two video games, Bickerstaff stored Beasley within the lineup. Towards the Toronto Raptors, Beasley made 53 % of his photographs to attain 20 factors. Within the subsequent sport in opposition to the Washington Wizards, he made 63% of his photographs to attain 26 factors. It was the second time this season he scored greater than 25 factors.
When Hardaway returned to the Pistons’ rotation for Monday’s sport in opposition to the Chicago Bulls, Beasley resumed his bench position. Earlier than the sport, Bickerstaff as soon as once more defined the choice to make use of Hardaway within the beginning 5, regardless of Beasley’s scorching streak.
“Should you’re injured and you are a starter, you come again and you will be a starter,” Bickerstaff informed reporters.
JB: “If you’re injured and also you begin, you come again and you’ll begin. » https://t.co/O67EvuGbxo
-Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) November 18, 2024
Recency bias would possibly lead individuals to consider Hardaway wasn’t the proper alternative for the beginning 5 Monday in opposition to the Bulls, however Hardaway had a powerful first run with the Pistons since making his debut in late October .
Earlier than the damage, Hardaway averaged 13 factors whereas taking pictures 46 % from three.
There was some rust for Hardaway on Monday night time. He stayed for half-hour and solely made one of many ten photographs he tried from the sphere. He went scoreless in three after taking eight photographs from deep within the Pistons’ loss to the Bulls.
Whereas Beasley continued to thrive by scoring 21 factors on 42 % taking pictures, the Pistons will seemingly proceed to roll with Hardaway within the beginning 5. The Pistons are anticipated to return to the court docket Thursday night time to face the Charlotte Hornets.
