All Hayes On Me | NBA

In Cade Cunningham’s absence, and even if his recent outings have been marked by awkwardness, Killian Hayes looks like he’s hitting a milestone in his young NBA career!

The 21-year-old French leader, who scored a new boss game last night with 25 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds in the Pistons’ overtime win over Charlotte (141-134), after confirming that he won the game with confidence. Game in his third season in the Major League.

“It’s growing before our eyes”

Even better, and just like he did against the Mavericks on Dec. 1, Hayes was decisive late in the game with 10 points in the final quarter and overtime, especially those 3-pointers after several plays against Terry Rozier. A minute into overtime that decisively sealed Detroit’s victory over North Carolina.

“You have to believe in your work and I did”he says in The Athletic. “The shots are starting to fall and it’s because of the work I’ve done beforehand. I never gave up. I was never satisfied with what I had, I always kept pushing. »

Killian Hayes also has 12 points, 7 assists and 3 rebounds on 42% shooting, including 38% from 3-point range (on 4 attempts per game) since November 11th when Cade Cunningham was injured (he won’t return this season). . Now single at the starting point guard position, he’s starting to play for more carries on offense while continuing to be his team’s best defender on the outside.

“He doesn’t move at the pace that others want to impose on him, he goes at his own pace, at his own pace”Dwane Casey recently said. “That’s how it works for young players. Everyone wants him to play like a veteran with ten years of experience behind him, but he’s only in his third year, right? So it doesn’t surprise me. You just have to be patient. Unfortunately, there is not much patience in this league, you have to win games. But it is growing before our eyes. »

“I enjoy the field”

Of course, if you want this change to be a symbol of action, you have to consider his corner 3-pointer with less than 2 minutes left in regulation.

Killian Hayes inherits the ball in the corner at the end of possession, he sends but his shot goes around the circle and goes out. On an offensive rebound, Isaiah Stewart can’t miss a guard with his arms up for a second chance. That he gets and he does not miss! Or another 3-pointer with LaMelo Ball’s hand in his face and the Pistons at -3 with 3 minutes left in the game, but another field goal under pressure.

“It was a little bit like the Dallas game, we were ahead for a good part of the game and they came back in front. But we stayed together.” Enjoyed Killian Hayes. “EU [Alec Burks] it took a few big hits to get us back on track. We held up well defensively against T-Rose, who had a hot hand. And we get another win in extra time, which shows our character. »

Killian Hayes was there from start to finish. Bleeding from the start with 12 points on 5/8 in the first quarter, a career best in the first quarter, he was unfortunately held back by fouls, getting his third a little over five minutes into the half. But what could have derailed him in seasons past re-motivated him for the final sprint.

“I try [d’obtenir un triple double] but JD [Jalen Duren] had 19 rebounds alone [sourire] ! But I feel good. I’m having fun in the square and the kids are shooting. It was an attacking match that we didn’t want from a defensive point of view, but we are having fun attacking and sharing the ball well. The team clearly has a good understanding. concludes thus.