The Pistons’ shooting had been in decline over recent games, but they got their mojo back against a weak Hornets defense, especially Kevin Huerter. Huerter had been shooting a middling 33% from three going into the game, but managed to hit a season-high 3 threes on 5 attempts on Monday night.
Huerter is picking up steam at the right time
Huerter’s 9-point explosion has potentially huge ramifications if it helps him rediscover his old shooting stroke. A version of Huerter approaching 40% from deep would fully vindicate the Pistons’ trade for him and add another dangerous bench weapon.
It wasn’t a completely isolated performance either, as Huerter shot 2-of-4 from deep in the previous game. He’s building some momentum in his shot now and the timing couldn’t be better for Cade Cunningham in particular. Cade has needed more help from his teammates recently, either in the form of scoring or spacing.
The exact way that Huerter hit his threes should also add more confidence. His three makes came off a stepback, a quick catch-and-shoot with a hand in his face, and a spot up from deep behind the line in transition. Those are some of the toughest possible makes, pointing to a possible turnaround back to his lethal shot.
The rest of Huerter’s game is already dangerous
Unsurprisingly, Huerter also made an impact in the game beyond his three-point shooting. He added 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. Anybody who’s been paying attention since he arrived in Detroit knows that Huerter has a very well-rounded game at this point in his career.
He helped push the Pistons’ transition attack with his solid defense and outlet passes. Even when Huerter wasn’t directly coming up with a steal or an assist, he helped Detroit run the break against an unprepared opponent.
The Pistons are always at their best when they get defensive stops, especially turnovers, and turn them into easy runouts. Huerter fits that playstyle perfectly with his poised skills, but a shooting bounce back would add even more.
This season has shown us how much a potent 3-point shooter can thrive in the fastbreak, as Duncan Robinson has frequently taken advantage of transition opportunities to get open looks. He’s able to get his easiest shots this way, or clear lanes for his teammates to get finished right at the rim.
If Huerter can reach a similar level, the Pistons’ bench will look even better. They already have a chaotic defense with athletic slashers; the return of Huerter’s shooting is all they’re missing. This resurgence is exactly what the Pistons hoped to see when they extended Huerter for three more years in the offseason.
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