Cade Cunningham and the Pistons clip the Hawks: 3 takeaways

Isaiah Livers could be a key bench player for the Detroit Pistons

I thought Isaiah Livers was low key an important part of the Pistons’ win last night and is providing Detroit some things off the bench that they have lacked for most of the season.

He’s a threat from the 3-point line, something the Pistons desperately need. He hit 3-of-6 last night, two of which were important shots that kept Detroit alive in the 4th quarter.

He is also active defensively, notching three steals last night and always putting himself in the right position to make the play.

He showed his high basketball I.Q. with a couple of slick passes that either directly or indirectly led to buckets.

He got the “hockey” assist in the 3rd quarter after beating his man and dumping it off in the paint to Jerami Grant, who was able to give a touch pass to Kelly Olynyk for the bucket. Grant got the assist but it was Livers who made the play happen.

He also made the extra pass at the end of the 3rd quarter, swinging it to Killian Hayes who drilled the open 3-pointer. Livers could have taken the shot himself but Hayes had a better one and was set up perfectly.

After being hurt for most of the season, Livers is showing why the Pistons signed him to a 3-year deal. He can be their “glue guy” off the bench, a connector who sets up teammates, plays smart defense and knocks down open shots.

He’s the perfect type of role player to put with Cade Cunningham and I look forward to watching the two build chemistry.