NBA 2018-19: Hits and Flops - Detroit Pistons vs Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics hosted the Detroit Pistons at the TD Garden in a matchup between two Eastern Conference teams. The Celtics came away with a 118-110 victory in their final match before the All-Star break.

The Celtics have now won two straight games without Kyrie Irving, a highly convincing victory over the loaded 76ers and now a win over the resurgent Pistons. With the win, the Celtics regain the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference with a 37-21 record. Meanwhile, the Pistons are at the 8th and final playoff spot with a 26-30 record.

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

#3 Flop - Thon Maker

Thon Maker was traded to the Pistons after he wanted to get away from the Bucks in the hope of getting more playing time elsewhere. He had a very poor outing in this match for the Pistons.

Maker tallied 19 minutes in the match and scored 6 points and grabbed only 3 rebounds. He was also very inefficient and shot 1-7 from the field and 0-5 from the 3-point line. Maker is very young and he needs to develop more maturity in his game to succeed at this level.

#3 Hit - Gordon Hayward

The former All-Star is subtly returning back to his old form. He had a horrific start to the season since returning from his injury but has looked good in recent games.

Hayward finished the match with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists and was very efficient from the field. He also went to the free throw line a lot of times and made 7 out of his 8 free throws.

Hayward is only averaging 11 points per game this season, way below his All-Star averages. But he is gaining confidence and will be integral to the Celtics' championship aspirations.

#2 Flop - Marcus Smart

Smart had added responsibility in the absence of Kyrie

Marcus Smart is one of the best competitors in the NBA. He fights on every possession and gives his 100% effort. Smart finished the match with 16 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists. But he was guilty of turning the ball over a lot of times. He had 6 turnovers in this match and that kept the Pistons within reach of the Celtics score.

Smart is averaging 8.3 points per game for the season in 27 minutes of action. His real contribution is one on the other end of the floor where he shows remarkable hustling and fighting abilities.

#2 Hit - Blake Griffin

The five-time All-Star is having one of his best NBA seasons with the Pistons. Blake Griffin has almost single-handedly taken this franchise to the 8th spot after they were faltering midway through the season.

Griffin finished the match with the game-high 32 points on 10-19 shooting from the floor. He also grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out 5 assists. Griffin will be making his first All-Star appearance this year since 2015.

#1 Flop - Langston Galloway

Langston Galloway is one of the better perimeter shooters for the Pistons side who struggle a lot on the offensive end.

But Galloway was a total non-factor in this match. He did not contribute anything for the second unit of the Pistons and looked lost out there on the floor. He finished the match with 0 points, 0 rebounds and 0 assists while shooting 0-3 from the field.

This was a match to forget for Langston Galloway.

#1 Hit - Al Horford

Al Horford is one of the most underrated players in the NBA. He contributes from everywhere for the Celtics and is pivotal to their success.

Horford finished the match with 17 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists. He shot 3-5 from the 3-point line. Horford also made several key defensive plays and was a real positive factor for the Celtics.

Horford is averaging 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists while shooting 53% from the field for the season. It will be interesting to see how the free agency unfolds for the Celtics big man.

Edited by Raunak J