NBA 2018-19, Hits and Flops: Detroit Pistons vs Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards put in one of their best displays of the season in a victory over the Detroit Pistons by a score of 101-87.

The Wizards never allowed the lead to go below 10 points in the second half and got a much deserved victory. They started the game on a very bright note by taking a 29-17 lead after the first quarter. The Wizards conceded only 34 points to the Pistons in the first half. This was probably the best defensive performance from the Wizards till now.

With this win, the Wizards now have an outside chance of getting into the playoff positions. They have a 20-26 record and are the 10th ranked team in the Eastern Conference standings. They have improved a lot from their early season struggles and are 7-3 in their last 10 games. The Pistons are also having a 20-26 record and are the 9th ranked team in the Conference.

Let's have a look at the best and the worst players from this match:

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Flop - Reggie Jackson:

Reggie Jackson is not having a great year

Reggie Jackson signed a huge contract upon his arrival to Detroit. But he has not looked the same player this season. He has struggled to create quality plays for his team.

Reggie Jackson was never allowed to get into this match. He finished the match with just 7 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists and shot a very poor 3-11 from the field. His outside shooting was also not effective and he finished 1-5 from the 3PT line.

Jackson is averaging 14 points and 4 assists per game for the season. The Pistons have struggled a lot on the offensive end after a great start to the season. Jackson needs to step up for his team if the Pistons want to make the playoffs.

Hit - Blake Griffin:

Blake Griffin had a good game

Blake Griffin is again having a great offensive season. He has become a leader for the Pistons and is having great displays for them.

Griffin finished this match with the game high 29 points and also grabbed 9 rebounds. He was one of only 2 players for the Pistons to have a double digit scoring night. He shot 9-16 from the field and 4-7 from the 3PT line. He was the only player for the Pistons that looked comfortable on the offensive end.

Griffin is averaging 26 points and 8 rebounds per game for the season and has played like an All Star. He is also dishing out 5.2 assists per game and is the most potent offensive weapon for the Pistons. The Pistons need to win their next encounter when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans and they will need Griffin to be at his best.

Flop - Bradley Beal:

Beal had a disappointing night individually

Bradley Beal has been one of the best players in the Eastern Conference and has become the leader for the Wizards in the absence of John Wall. He has been putting up some terrific numbers for his side and they have thrived with him as their primary option. He has also been a subject of plenty of trade rumors if the Wizards decide to break up everything.

Bradley Beal had a bad scoring night in this match against the Pistons. He finished the match with 16 points, 1 rebound and 4 assists on 4-12 shooting from the field and 1-3 from beyond the arc. This was one of the rare off nights for Beal.

Beal has been averaging All Star numbers this season. He is putting up 24.7 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game for the season on 47% shooting from the field. It will be interesting to see if he ends this season as a member of the Washington Wizards.

Hit - Trevor Ariza:

Ariza is a great two way player

The Wizards acquired Trevor Ariza through a trade with the Phoenix Suns. He was one of the hottest properties on the market with plenty of teams lined up to trade for him. He has been a great acquisition for the Wizards and has immediately made their team stronger and more competitive.

Ariza had a double-double game for the Wizards. He scored the team high 20 points and also grabbed 12 boards in the match. He even dished out 4 assists to help his teammates. Ariza shot 7-13 from the field, 2-5 from the 3PT line and 4-4 from the FT line.

Ariza is averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds per game for the season. His veteran leadership and competitive attitude has added great intensity on both ends for the Wizards. He is a valuable contributor and will continue doing so in the second half of the season.