Kelly Olynyk gave the Detroit Pistons a big boost
Before I get into Olynyk, big shout out to Cory Joseph, who has been great lately and is really providing that calming veteran presence the Pistons have lacked.
He got off to a slow start this season but is now shooting 43 percent from long range and has been an important veteran leader for this young team.
Back to K.O.
Olynyk played in his first game since November and his impact was immediately felt. After getting off to a slow start and leaving a few shots short while he tried to get his legs under him, Olynyk hit some huge shots down the stretch to keep the Pistons in it.
He scored a season-high 22 points in his return, grabbed nine rebounds and added five assists on top of making several hustle plays that seemed to inspire his young teammates.
He was a team-high +27 for the night and Detroit absolutely would not have won that game without him.
Hopefully this will continue in the second half of the season as the Pistons try to get some W’s and learn how to win close games.