Detroit Pistons barely escape the outstretched wings of the Hawks

Despite the horrendous end of the game, Ish Smith had a really good night. He hit 61 percent of his shots, all coming inside the perimeter. He scored 22 points, 9 assists, and got a couple of steals. Everyone in the starting lineup were positive in the plus minus, and Smith had the second highest with a plus 13 rating.

Reggie Bullock did the usual, scoring 15 points, with nine coming from the arc. He had one assist, block, and a steal. However, he also had three turnovers. He led the team in plus minus with a plus-21 rating.

Stanley Johnson had another decent showing, although his defensive intensity lacked a little, presumably from the tough schedule. He scored 14 points, five of them from the foul line. He was able to grab five rebounds and dish out a pair of assists too. His affinity for aggressively attacking the rim does him wonders, as he’s pretty good at finishing around it. He finished with a plus-12 rating.

Blake Griffin had a mixed night, he was one assist off of a triple double, but shot 40 percent. He had 13 points, one coming from the foul line, and the rest of the 12 came from deep. All of his four makes came from behind the line. He missed the three shots he took inside. His plus minus rating came out as a plus-11. But to counter his good night, he turned the ball over six times.

As you would expect, Andre Drummond’s scoring has fallen off since Blake’s arrival. Tonight he managed another double double, with 13 points and 15 rebounds. He was also able to come up with three blocks, some in crunch time.

Jameer Nelson had a rough night, shooting and missing all five of his shots. He got two assists and two turnovers to match. He was minus-7 in the plus minus rating. Nelson looks physically outmatched by every person on the floor at all times. He’s slower and shorter than everyone on the court, and it is apparent. On defense he is non-existent, and on offense he’s too slow to do anything outside of a pick and roll. Maybe after getting some actual practices in he’ll be able to perform, but you’re going to be hard pressed telling me that he ever deserves minutes over Langston Galloway.

Luke Kennard struggled mightily tonight, having the worst plus minus rating at minus-15. He scored five points on 28 percent shooting. He didn’t look as confident as he should have, and the schedule is probably taking an extra toll on the rookie.

James Ennis played solid in his 19 minutes. He scored 11 points on 50 percent shooting. He also hit all four of his free throws. Ennis could be a good piece going forward, with his versatile offense and solid defense.

Anthony Tolliver had a really rough shooting night, hitting only three of his ten attempts. All three of them came from deep. He was also able to grab three boards and two assists. His defense, as always, hid whatever happens to ail him that game.