Kevin Huerter Shines in First Pistons Start as Detroit Navigates Key Injuries
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Kevin Huerter delivered his best performance in a Detroit uniform Thursday night, scoring 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting and logging 34 minutes in his first start since arriving from Chicago at the trade deadline. The veteran wing stepped in for Duncan Robinson, who sat out with right hip soreness.
Huerter, now in his eighth NBA season and headed for free agency this summer, also collected three rebounds, two assists and a steal. The 34 minutes easily surpassed his previous high of 26 with the Pistons.
“Kev’s nice, man,” center Jalen Duren said. “I’d always seen him as just a shooter, but he can put it on the floor, get in the paint and make plays. He’s meshed really well with everybody.”
Huerter credited Detroit’s ball movement for his quick adjustment. “That’s my biggest strength,” he said. “When the ball swings side to side, I can attack closeouts, get downhill and find guys. With Cade Cunningham out, there’s even more emphasis on that.”
Injury List Grows, Reserves Step Up
The league-leading Pistons (53-20) were without four rotation players Thursday: Cunningham (collapsed left lung), Isaiah Stewart (left calf strain), Robinson (hip) and Caris LeVert (right knee soreness). In their absence, Duren, Huerter and rookie guard Daniss Jenkins have carried the load.
Over the five games since Cunningham’s injury, Duren is averaging 24.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 30.4 minutes. Jenkins is contributing 19.8 points, 8.0 assists and 3.6 rebounds while playing 37.8 minutes a night during the same stretch.
Duren’s All-Around Growth
Duren, 22, continued his breakout season Thursday with 30 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks in 31 minutes. The seven assists set a season high and matched his career best.
“There’s untapped potential using him as a hub,” head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “His growth offensively has been off the charts—reading coverages, making the right pass at full speed. He’s getting better right in front of us.”
Thompson Draws Defensive Praise
After the victory, Duren called third-year forward Ausar Thompson the “Defensive Player of the Year.” Bickerstaff likened Thompson’s disruptive style to former award winner Ron Artest, citing his combination of footwork, strong hands and physicality.
Source: Hoops Rumors
