3 takeaways from Pistons’ overtime thriller vs. the Hornets
After 15 losses and over four years, the Detroit Pistons have finally beaten the Charlotte Hornets.
It took everything the Pistons had, as they won on a last-second shot by Kelly Olynyk in overtime after a slew of clutch shots by guys like Saddiq Bey and Jerami Grant.
It was a team effort by Detroit, who had to overcome early foul trouble from rookie Cade Cunningham and got another solid effort by Killian Hayes off the bench.
The Detroit Pistons just have a different vibe about them lately, as they are playing much more consistently, not making as many mistakes and playing the type of competitive basketball we expected from them all season.
Related Story. Cade Cunningham Rookie of the Year watch. light
Things are coming together for Detroit, who would love to pile up some wins and go into the offseason ready to make the leap as a franchise.
Here are three takeaways from the most thrilling win of the season.
Detroit Pistons: Hamidou Diallo is a steal
Hamidou Diallo has been playing well of late (ejection aside), particularly on the defensive end, where his hustle and quick hands have been a difference maker.
Diallo added another three steals last night and now leads the NBA in steals since December 21st in addition to averaging double digits off the bench.
Diallo is particularly crafty when it comes to going after the ball after made shots or turnovers, faking like he is going to run up the floor and then quickly cutting back to intercept a pass.
Diallo is already deadly at the rim and good in the mid-range, so if he can ever develop a 3-point shot, he is going to be a handful on offense as well.
The Detroit Pistons have the beginning of a special bench unit that can be a weapon for them in the future and Diallo is a big part of that.