Here are the top performers on May 4 and the stats to highlight their impact.
BEST PLAYER OF THE DAY:
Jarrett Allen CLE C 22 PTS | 19 REB | 3 BLK| 59.8 FPS (vs. TOR)
In the first six games of the series, the big man provided mostly decent production, but he stepped up in a big way today, making a significant impact on both sides of the court. Offensively, he excelled from both the field and the line to match his playoff career high. Defensively, however, he was even more impressive, dominating the boards while also tallying five stocks.
BREAKOUT:
Max Strus CLE SF 12 PTS | 8 REB | 5 AST | 35.1 FPS (vs. TOR)
It was a tough series for Strus, as he struggled to find consistency in the scoring side. That remained the case today, though he was able to make up for it with a solid overall performance. Still, his scoring will be much more crucial for the team heading into the next round.
SLEEPER:
Duncan Robinson DET SF 10 PTS | 6 REB | 3 STL | 29.7 FPS (vs. ORL)
For the most part of the series, the veteran has gotten the job done, scoring in double figures in five games and hitting at least three three-pointers just as often. With offense being a major issue for the Pistons, the team will definitely need more of the same from Robinson moving forward.
ELITE ASSET:
Paolo Banchero ORL PF 38 PTS | 9 REB | 6 AST | 55.8 FPS (vs. DET)
Though it’s been an up-and-down series for the former first overall pick, he’s still delivered when it mattered most. Twice in his last three games, he was exceptional, scoring around the 40-point mark while also making strong contributions in rebounds and assists during that stretch. Overall, it’s been a solid year for Banchero, though it would have been better had he been more consistent.
CATEGORY SPECIALIST:
James Harden CLE PG 18 PTS | 6 REB | 3 STL | 36.7 FPS (vs. TOR)
This would have been a very different performance if not for his free-throw shooting, where he did most of his damage, converting 11-of-13 attempts. The multi-time All-Star really had a difficult time offensively, going 1-for-5 from deep while also tying his least productive playmaking output in a month.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Tobias Harris DET PF 30 PTS | 9 REB | 3 STL | 54.8 FPS (vs. ORL)
Clearly, the veteran forward has been the second-best player for the Pistons in the series, averaging 20.2 points and 8.0 through six games. Today, however, he was even better, knocking down five three-pointers for a playoff-high scoring output to go along with a superb all-around performance.
STREAMER:
Daniss Jenkins DET PG 16 PTS | 3 REB | 5 AST | 27.1 FPS (vs. ORL)
During the season, the back-up guard came through with big contributions at multiple points, though he’s had trouble carrying that over into the playoffs. He found his rhythm today, however, hitting 4-of-5 from three to finish with his best scoring game of the playoffs.
FLOPPER:
Donovan Mitchell CLE SG 22 PTS | 3 REB | 1 AST | 25.1 FPS (vs. TOR)
Things just haven’t been clicking for the star guard lately. While Mitchell has still produced solid scoring numbers, he’s been far from efficient and has had less overall impact. That was once again the case today. Still, having never missed the playoffs in his career, he has the experience to turn things around moving forward.
