Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Playing sure beats not playing in the NBA.
Austin Daye of the Detroit Pistons would have to admit that. He and other players for the Pistons such as Will Bynum and Charlie Villanueva have seen a lot more playing time lately and the Pistons have enjoyed the fruits of their labors.
The second unit played well in a 126-119 double overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks last Wednesday, overcoming a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit.
Friday, the second unit played the key role in the Pistons 109-99 win against the Miami Heat.
Daye scored 11 points against Miami and had nine points and 11 boards against Atlanta. Bynum had a combined 56 points.
“Me, Will and Charlie weren’t even in the rotation, we weren’t seeing games, and we were getting DNPs (did not play),” he said. “It just shows how players can play when you’re given a great opportunity. I think we’re doing a great job of moving the ball and playing with each other and that’s the key. When you have guys who aren’t playing, it just shows that we’ve been working hard to be in this position.”
Daye admits how frustrating not playing can be.
“Yea, I honestly think it did,” he said “We used to talk about, ‘man, if we could just get out there and play together we could help.’ I think we did a great job of proving that to coach, that we can help this team win games. I think the second unit is key to victories just because they give us more options and attack.”
