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00:00:00Джейлен Johnson told me that he embraces being the face of this franchise right now.
00:00:05And in spite of the huge responsibility, he's been incredibly productive.
00:00:09When you talk about emerging stars, this might be the best kept secret in the NBA.
00:00:14Джейлен Johnson, take a look at those numbers.
00:00:16Not only their leading scorer, look at those rebounding numbers from the small forward position.
00:00:21He's also their number one playmaker in the half court.
00:00:24He does a lot of this.
00:00:25You're going to see him a couple times a game show you this elite athleticism.
00:00:29But he's a lot more than that.
00:00:30He has the mid-range.
00:00:31He has great patience and poise in the half court.
00:00:34And his vision is what really sets him apart.
00:00:37He understands the responsibility of drawing traffic and making his teammates better with that passing ability.
00:00:43And this is the kind of stage Jalen Johnson is going to relish against the number one seed in the
00:00:48Eastern Conference.
00:00:49The first-time All-Star, still very hungry.
00:00:52And C.J. McCollum, the adult in the room for the Hawks.
00:00:55Tip coming right up after the break.
00:01:01NBA Courtside is presented by Michelob Ultra Zero.
00:01:04Zero alcohol, just 29 calories.
00:01:11We don't play scared because at the end of the day, we know we play defense.
00:01:15Like, we're going to guard you and we're going to make it tough for you when we're on the defensive
00:01:19end, man.
00:01:20And so, when we get in these tight moments, it's never a panic.
00:01:23Like, we always got something ready to attack whatever it is that we got to do.
00:01:29There's a certain swagger that comes with that.
00:01:31And this is saying they're scared of nobody here, Perk.
00:01:33And that's because of their defense.
00:01:34Absolutely.
00:01:35And they're giving me OKC vibes defensively, right?
00:01:38And the active hands, being up there, playing with physicality.
00:01:43And Paul Reed has been an unsung hero at times for them.
00:01:50But the deflections, coach.
00:01:51And here it is.
00:01:52They lead the league in steals.
00:01:53They lead the league in blocks.
00:01:54Do not play in a crowd against this team, Perk.
00:01:56That ignites their break.
00:01:57The MVP candidate is out.
00:01:59But they are all getting out and running.
00:02:01They are hungry.
00:02:02They're ready to come.
00:02:03And, hey, Cade's out.
00:02:04We got you.
00:02:05They have an identity, Wendy.
00:02:07Look at right here.
00:02:08You can see points off turnovers.
00:02:0924 points a night, over 10 steals per game.
00:02:12And they're forcing 18 turnovers per game.
00:02:15Elite defense right there.
00:02:16I love that soundbite from Dennis Jenkins.
00:02:18That was a player who was speaking like a veteran.
00:02:20Look what has happened since Cade's gone down.
00:02:22Their defense has gotten much better.
00:02:24J.B. Bickerstaff sold them on it.
00:02:26They've followed through.
00:02:27They've won these games without him because of how they defended.
00:02:30They're going to do it again tonight.
00:02:31There is a reason why this group is 8-2 without Cade Cunningham.
00:02:34They show up, and they show up in a crowd.
00:02:36We'll see if they do so against Atlanta.
00:02:38Tip off right after this.
00:02:39I like that.
00:02:47Welcome to NBA Wednesday, presented by State Farm.
00:02:51Part of the playoff push, presented by Advil.
00:02:54From Little Caesars Arena here on the banks of the Detroit River.
00:02:59As the Pistons take it on the Atlanta Hawks.
00:03:03Fourth time this season as we take a look at the starting lineups brought to you by Royal Caribbean.
00:03:09C.J. McCollum, Alexander Walker in the backcourt for the Hawks.
00:03:12Daniels, Johnson, Nakong, who are up front for Atlanta.
00:03:15Jenkins, who's been a great story for Detroit this season.
00:03:19Robinson in the backcourt with him.
00:03:21Thompson, Duren, and Harris filling out the starting five for the Detroit Pistons.
00:03:27The number one team in the Eastern Conference at 52-19.
00:03:32Team Wild.
00:03:33Atlanta coming off an impressive win a couple of nights ago against the Memphis Grizzlies.
00:03:41Steven Snyder has seen four different iterations of his team, Tim.
00:03:46And it really speaks to his great coaching to be where they are right now.
00:03:50Well, completely reinventing yourself.
00:03:51Not only in terms of your personnel.
00:03:53They changed the entire identity in the face of their franchise on the fly when they traded Trey Young.
00:04:00So now you have a different direction for this team.
00:04:03They fought into it.
00:04:04And you're seeing massive improvement across the board right now.
00:04:07That's why they've won 13 out of 14.
00:04:09Meanwhile, on the other sideline, J.P. Bickerstaff has done a phenomenal job.
00:04:13The odds-on favorite right now to win the NBA's Coach of the Year Award.
00:04:17And you look at the amazing metamorphosis that he has orchestrated going back to a couple of seasons ago.
00:04:24Really speaks to the great job he's done in coaching these Pistons.
00:04:29Detroit has won seven of eight overall.
00:04:32And three in a row against the Hawks this season.
00:04:37It'll be Turin and Okonwu at center circle for the tip.
00:04:50And we are underway.
00:04:52It'll be Hawks' first possession of the ballgame.
00:04:55Last game, they came out and ran a little flare for Alexander Walker.
00:04:58This time, it's Okonwu handing off to Johnson.
00:05:04There's Johnson open off the screen.
00:05:08He sees two.
00:05:09Nice beat inside to Dyson Daniels, who draws the foul against the Pistons.
00:05:14That's good recognition by Johnson.
00:05:16They ran that flare screen for him.
00:05:17He had a little catch-and-shoot 15-footer on the baseline,
00:05:20but decided to take Duncan Robinson into the post and use that size and vision to find a cutter.
00:05:26Dillon Johnson missing the last two games with a left shoulder inflammation injury.
00:05:32A column on the bounce.
00:05:35Gets into the paint.
00:05:36Daniels could make the catch, and they turn it over.
00:05:40This Pistons team number two in defensive rating.
00:05:44They really hang their hat, Tim, at that end of the floor.
00:05:47And force more turnovers than any team in the league.
00:05:49It's a big part of their offense.
00:05:50This isn't a team that's going to take and make a lot of threes,
00:05:53so they've got to create easy opportunities in other ways.
00:05:56They do that with their defensive pressure.
00:05:59Dillon, back out to Jenkins.
00:06:02Runted by Dyson Daniels on the drive.
00:06:05Danis Jenkins with the lob and a slick finish up top from Thompson.
00:06:17There's Jalen Johnson out front.
00:06:21Well defended by Harris.
00:06:22Now Alexander Walker.
00:06:24Second leading scorer on this Hawks team.
00:06:28Daniels inside.
00:06:30And they turn it over again.
00:06:32Well, this is a great job by Jenkins.
00:06:35Gets downhill.
00:06:35Takes advantage of the weak side.
00:06:37You saw C.J. McCollum staring at the basketball.
00:06:40Loses sight of Thompson in the corner.
00:06:44Doesn't know that he's cutting right behind him along the baseline.
00:06:47He is not going to stand in the corner and settle for three-point shots.
00:06:50Pretty good catch radius on that dunk there, partner.
00:06:52Yeah, a lot of margin for error as a passer.
00:06:56Dillon, lunging his way inside for the bucket.
00:07:00Dillon Dillon on the board.
00:07:02Headed towards potentially an all-NBA season.
00:07:07All-star this year as well.
00:07:08Good contest on Alexander Walker, who knocks it home.
00:07:12Man, has he relished the opportunity to expand his game offensively since he came to Atlanta.
00:07:17More of a role player and a defender in Minnesota.
00:07:19He has opened it up here.
00:07:21Jenkins lacing the three.
00:07:24Boy, what a story he is, untrapped and coming out of St. John's.
00:07:28Again, his collegiate career at the University of Pacific with Coach Damon Stoudemire,
00:07:33former Raptors all-star.
00:07:36Johnson spins on Harris.
00:07:38He's seen two bodies a lot, Tim.
00:07:40Out to McCollum, who knocks down the three.
00:07:42Well, they know that Jalen Johnson likes to spin either direction.
00:07:46If he's got one defender on him, you're seeing early Detroit sending a second guy to be in his lap
00:07:51as he comes out of the spin, but he's got the poise to make plays regardless.
00:07:55On the roll, Turin inside with the lefty leg.
00:08:03Detroit back up four.
00:08:04Dyson Daniels with the low gather.
00:08:09McCollum over Robinson, cashes out.
00:08:12Boy, what a great acquisition McCollum was from Washington.
00:08:17He has really been a sage voice in the locker room.
00:08:23Harris trying to walk down Dyson Daniels.
00:08:27Fires over the top and knocks it home.
00:08:29Oh, his favorite shot on the court right there.
00:08:31That's what he prefers to do.
00:08:32Either baseline, he wants to turn over the shoulder toward the baseline to go to that fadeaway jump shot.
00:08:38Jalen Johnson off glass, rebounded by Turin.
00:08:42Quickly up to Jenkins.
00:08:43Able to chase it down.
00:08:45Pulls the three.
00:08:48Turin tipped it up.
00:08:49No good.
00:08:49And it comes out to Alexander Walker.
00:08:52Here's McCollum.
00:08:54Alexander Walker with a quick three.
00:08:56This Hawks team shoots a ton of threes.
00:08:59They are top ten in both percentage and volume.
00:09:03And that guy right there, Nikhil Alexander Walker, the hottest of the group.
00:09:0650% from the three-point line over his last ten games,
00:09:10in which he's averaging about 24 a night.
00:09:13Turin again completing the two-man game.
00:09:17Doesn't seem like their pick-and-roll game has skipped a beat without Kate Cunningham.
00:09:21Making great reads.
00:09:22It's a great decision.
00:09:23Turin is such a great screener, and he dislodges people and creates space.
00:09:27You can run your pick-and-roll game regardless of who's handling the ball.
00:09:31Boy, Asar Thompson almost had two steals.
00:09:33Got one.
00:09:34Harris with some room service.
00:09:36And the Pistons lead by four.
00:09:39Thompson with the deflection.
00:09:41These Pistons number one in the league in deflections.
00:09:46Have to be strong with the basketball around them.
00:09:49McCollum around the screen.
00:09:51Knocks down another one.
00:09:57Different stylistically between these two teams.
00:09:59Atlanta's going to take a lot of threes.
00:10:00They're going to rely on that.
00:10:02They get dribble penetration, kick out, make you chase it.
00:10:05Detroit is more about what they get in the paint.
00:10:08Here's Robinson, wide open.
00:10:11Somebody hit the snooze button on him.
00:10:13Duncan Robinson with his first field goal.
00:10:15That's perfectly timed by Robinson.
00:10:17The dive by Durin occupied everybody to the edge of the lane so Duncan Robinson can fill that vacuum.
00:10:22Kong Wu's been shooting a lot more threes this year and connecting on a lot more as a result.
00:10:2837% on the season.
00:10:30Atlanta back to within one.
00:10:31Both teams shooting exceptionally well to start the game.
00:10:35Like I said, both teams shooting exceptionally well to start the game.
00:10:38That was a 10 a.m. shoot-around jumper.
00:10:41Not much resistance.
00:10:44Three-point advantage.
00:10:46Alexander Walker spinning and connecting.
00:10:51Three for three from the field for Nikhil Alexander-Walker.
00:10:56Signed as a free agent after spending last year with Minnesota.
00:10:59Ball knocked away.
00:11:00Here come the Hawks in transition.
00:11:02Johnson elevates and lays it home.
00:11:06Timeout, Pistons.
00:11:10The Hawks taking a one-point lead when we come back.
00:11:15The NBA on ESPN is presented all season long by State Farm.
00:11:21Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
00:11:23And in part by Burger King.
00:11:26You come back, everyone, to NBA Wednesday presented by State Farm.
00:11:28Tonight's playoff push is brought to you by Advil.
00:11:31Atlanta has surged up to the number six seed in the Eastern Conference
00:11:36by virtue of winning 12 of the last 13.
00:11:39Tim, some people question the quality of those wins
00:11:42and their opponents during that run.
00:11:45But tonight then becomes a nice acid test for them.
00:11:47Well, for a team with a younger core, it starts somewhere.
00:11:50And where that typically has to start is beat the teams you're supposed to.
00:11:54They did catch some teams at the start of this winning streak
00:11:57that are lottery bound.
00:11:59There's no doubt.
00:11:59Then they had a really good win against the Magic.
00:12:01And now you get a real test.
00:12:03It gives you a gauge of where you are as a team.
00:12:05Out of the timeout.
00:12:08Duran rolls hard.
00:12:09Catches the lob.
00:12:10Smoked the dunk.
00:12:11And here comes Gabe Benson, who checked in during the break.
00:12:17Around the screen by Okungwu.
00:12:18Wide open.
00:12:19Jalen Daniels, not a great three-point shooter.
00:12:22Under 20% on the season.
00:12:29Thompson on the wing.
00:12:31Go to the corner.
00:12:32Ron Holland, pardon me.
00:12:33Jenkins.
00:12:34Duran inside.
00:12:35Boy, he is having his way in the paint right now, Tim.
00:12:38Four of six from the field already.
00:12:40Very few bigs in this league right now are stealing smaller defenders.
00:12:44Better than Jalen Duran.
00:12:45Once he gets you on his back, he is going to stay there, put his hand in the air,
00:12:49and then he's got that soft touch around the rim.
00:12:53Here's Daniels.
00:12:56Jenkins goes under the screen.
00:12:58Great shot off the window by Dyson Daniels.
00:13:01That was a lot harder that he just made that look.
00:13:04That's some crazy English that he put on that basketball.
00:13:07Headed left and getting it up there with his right hand.
00:13:09Robinson turns it over.
00:13:10Jenkins tried to take it back, but he fouled Gabe Vincent in the process.
00:13:17And that's going to be a foul against Danis Jenkins.
00:13:20One more look at that shot.
00:13:21Yeah, he made this look like a practice shot.
00:13:23Look at that.
00:13:24He flipped it.
00:13:25He didn't really even stay with it with any sort of extension.
00:13:28He just put some George Girvin-like spit on that thing.
00:13:32Perfect English to get it to go.
00:13:34And that's the next time he touched it after that air ball three.
00:13:37So he wanted to atone, and he certainly did.
00:13:40Good to see him bounce back in the next sequence.
00:13:43Sideline out of bounds.
00:13:44Thompson comes out of the ball game.
00:13:47Detroit's human stop sign defensively.
00:13:49And, Tim, how surprised are you that Atlanta is running right through the number two defense in the NBA right
00:13:56now?
00:13:56Well, Detroit has not made them feel him yet.
00:13:58And that's exactly why Jamie Pickerstaff took that timeout.
00:14:01And out of the timeout, Atlanta continues to operate now.
00:14:0510 for 12 and 6 for 7 from the three-point line.
00:14:09This is very atypical for Detroit defensively.
00:14:12Jenkins drives baseline.
00:14:14Steps through.
00:14:15Draws the foul on Risa Shea.
00:14:17And he'll go to the free-throw line for a couple of shots.
00:14:20What a great story this young man is.
00:14:21Danis Jenkins out of St. John's started collegiately at the University of Pacific
00:14:27under the former NBA star Damon Stoddermeyer, then played for Rick Pitino at Iona,
00:14:32then transferred to St. John's with Pitino, who told the front office,
00:14:37you will not regret signing this guy.
00:14:40And they haven't.
00:14:42Played mostly in the G League on a two-way deal last year and just recently was converted
00:14:48to an NBA standard contract.
00:14:50And he has had some big moments of brilliance for the Pistons.
00:14:53And we talked with Jamie Pickerstaff about that.
00:14:56Ked Cunningham goes down.
00:14:57You obviously have to put the ball in somebody else's hands.
00:14:59And he said Danis Jenkins is a natural-born leader.
00:15:02And at no point is he phased by added responsibility.
00:15:06And he has clearly stepped up as their lead decision-maker
00:15:10without their best player right now.
00:15:13Here's Daniels around the screen.
00:15:16Johnson sees two again.
00:15:18That low gather is a little bit strong.
00:15:20Daniels inside with the stick back.
00:15:23Boy, Tyson Daniels has been lethal in the paint.
00:15:26Got some long wings on this team.
00:15:28And they're going to crash from the opposite wing or opposite corner when shots go up.
00:15:32They've got three or four guys that have free reign at the rim.
00:15:36Harris off the mark with the middie.
00:15:39Daniels across midcourt with pace.
00:15:41On the cross set.
00:15:43Couldn't connect that time.
00:15:45Tipped out.
00:15:46And there's going to be a foul against Detroit
00:15:48as Jock Landale tried to corral the loose ball.
00:15:52Kevin Herter coming into the ballgame for Detroit for the first time tonight.
00:15:56Along with Nikhil Alexander-Walker for the Hawks.
00:15:58That foul, by the way, was against B-ball Paul.
00:16:02Paul Reed of the Pistons.
00:16:05This Pistons team is deep.
00:16:09Talked about it in the open.
00:16:10J.B. Bickerstaff using his bench liberally.
00:16:13Johnson short.
00:16:19He lost the handle underneath.
00:16:20He felt like he got grabbed when he secured that offensive rebound and put it down to gather.
00:16:26He was about to go up off two feet.
00:16:28Trying to finish that at the rim.
00:16:29But he got raked and he was the last one to touch it.
00:16:33Read out top.
00:16:39Jenkins inside.
00:16:41And they'll turn it over.
00:16:45Atlanta has pretty good defenders on the perimeter.
00:16:49We were talking about earlier with Daniels and Alexander-Walker.
00:16:52We talk so much about the Pistons, right?
00:16:54And where they've been all year defensively.
00:16:57The second defensive-rated team in the NBA.
00:16:59But you take these seasons in segments if you're other teams.
00:17:02For the Atlanta Hawks,
00:17:04they have been the second-best defensive team in the league over the last 15 games.
00:17:07When this winning streak really began.
00:17:10That's where the main growth has come from.
00:17:12They're competing on every play and they have the personnel to do it.
00:17:16Jonathan Kaminga getting ready to come into the ball game for Coach Snyder.
00:17:21He got a jump ball!
00:17:22And Reid ties up Risa Shea and will have a jump ball.
00:17:29Jonathan Kaminga still finding his rhythm and making incremental improvement game to game.
00:17:35Had 16 a couple of nights ago in their win against Memphis in Atlanta.
00:17:39Including four of six from downtown.
00:17:42And so far his fit, Tim, seems to be pretty seamless.
00:17:46Well, he gives them something they need.
00:17:49They need a wing that can put down attack, draw fouls.
00:17:52Chris Snyder said that's an element he has brought to their offense.
00:17:55And he's been surprised at his commitment defensively and his concentration and on-ball effort as well.
00:18:02Bird finds Reid.
00:18:04Drives it on Landale.
00:18:06Tough shot off the window.
00:18:09Reid getting more burns because of the fact that Isaiah Stewart is still out with an injury.
00:18:15Alexander Walker knocks down yet another three ball.
00:18:18Shooting right around 40% on the season for the Hawks.
00:18:22He's up to double figures already with 10.
00:18:27LeVert.
00:18:29Tipped up a couple of times, no good.
00:18:31Here's Jalen Johnson.
00:18:32Nice hit ahead to Risa Shea.
00:18:34Punching it home!
00:18:35Oh, he hurt some feelings with that one.
00:18:38And what a great throw ahead by Johnson.
00:18:40That was on a rope.
00:18:41That ball traveled probably 50 feet in the air.
00:18:43And he got there before Jenkins could react.
00:18:47Vincent with a pull of three.
00:18:51Jenkins with the rebound.
00:18:52Falls to the court.
00:18:53And we're going to have a loose ball foul against Atlanta and Risa Shea.
00:18:58But you talked about that laser-like outlet a moment ago.
00:19:01Well, Atlanta wants to play with pace.
00:19:03Get out and run.
00:19:04And Jalen Johnson is the guy to reward you.
00:19:06Risa Shea throwing it down.
00:19:10Player pulse.
00:19:12Look at Jalen Johnson on the season.
00:19:17And Jalen Duren for Detroit.
00:19:19Well, DraftKings is the number one sportsbook for live betting.
00:19:22Use promo code SPLASH when you sign up.
00:19:25And, boy, that guy's checking a lot of boxes today.
00:19:28And he's already halfway to a season assist average of eight.
00:19:31And this one right here was impressive because Danish Jenkins, you can see right here, he's backpedaling.
00:19:36He's relaxed because he thinks he's got a perfect angle for Risa Shea that the ball gets on him so
00:19:43fast
00:19:43because of the velocity that Jalen Johnson puts on that.
00:19:47He's got the ball so much, and he's going to see a lot of traffic.
00:19:50It's a really good defensive team.
00:19:51There's going to be a lot of opportunities for Jalen Johnson to get assist tonight.
00:19:55Kevin Herter connects on his first field goal attempt.
00:19:57First foul, the Chicago Bulls came over in that trade.
00:20:03He's looking to discover his, or rediscover his three-point shooting stroke at this point.
00:20:09Landale hands it off to Kaminga.
00:20:12Braves it out to the wing.
00:20:13One more, one more.
00:20:15They got the Pistons in rotation.
00:20:18Landale with the follow.
00:20:19Alexander with his back and lays it home.
00:20:22Well, that's a pretty possession right there.
00:20:24I mean, you get around the horn really twice.
00:20:26Dribble penetration, everybody touches it, and then Landale's effort creates a second chance
00:20:31opportunity.
00:20:33Herter off the mark from downtown.
00:20:35Atlanta number one in assists per game in the NBA.
00:20:40Saw evidence of that on the last sequence.
00:20:42Alexander Walker out front.
00:20:45Landale with the screen on Thompson.
00:20:47That's going to be a foul against the Pistons.
00:20:52This is nice.
00:20:53This is Jonathan Kaminga getting downhill.
00:20:55We talked about that already.
00:20:56And then you love it when it goes all the way around the horn to a shooter.
00:21:01And then the effort by Landale creates this opportunity for Walker, who's off to an incredible start.
00:21:06Five for five from the field already.
00:21:0912 points.
00:21:09Alexander Walker, the cousin of Shea Gilgis Alexander, spoke with Vaughn Alexander recently.
00:21:16He recalled the days when Nakeel and SGA would shovel snow and then go off to practice.
00:21:24Toronto.
00:21:25Kaminga from 15.
00:21:28Tipped up.
00:21:29And Turin comes out of the pack with the board.
00:21:35Lavert, a little thirsty here, working against Alexander Walker.
00:21:41Gets it back from deep.
00:21:43And it comes off to Risa Shea.
00:21:45One minute to go in the opening quarter.
00:21:48Atlanta hanging 35 on the number two defense in the NBA.
00:21:59Dominga guarded by Holland.
00:22:03Alexander Walker snatches it back on the cross over man.
00:22:07He's on an early heater.
00:22:0914 points of the game for Alexander Walker.
00:22:12And done it every way.
00:22:13He's hit threes.
00:22:14He's taken you off the dribble into the paint.
00:22:16There he was with a mid-range stop on a dive pull-up jumper.
00:22:21Herder couldn't connect.
00:22:24Alexander Walker in a rush.
00:22:27Oh, he gave it away.
00:22:28Lost it.
00:22:29Ron Holland flying charter.
00:22:31Got an easy one.
00:22:34And the lead is down to eight.
00:22:36Mocs can run it all the way down.
00:22:40Moccolin out top against good ball pressure from Thompson.
00:22:45Knocked it away.
00:22:46But it goes out of bounds in the backcourt with 5.8 to go.
00:22:51CJ McCollum looking at the official like, say, wait a second, man.
00:22:55This dude's already 6'7", strong, quick, laterally.
00:22:59As good as anybody in this league defensively.
00:23:01And he can put his hands on you a little bit at the half-court line.
00:23:08Going to work quickly here.
00:23:10Kaminga does.
00:23:11Tipped out right back to McCollum.
00:23:13It'll count.
00:23:15And that's the end of the first 12 minutes of play.
00:23:17Atlanta shooting a scourging 63% from the field.
00:23:24Nikhil Alexander-Walker leading the way with 14 on a perfect 6 of 6.
00:23:30Back after this.
00:23:32Access brought to you by Mercedes.
00:23:34We're on the sidelines with Nikhil Alexander-Walker.
00:23:36Nikhil, you and your teammates are off to a great start offensively.
00:23:396 for 6 from the field for you.
00:23:40What do you like about the shots you guys are creating right now?
00:23:43I think the ball's just moving.
00:23:44It's popping.
00:23:45They're trying to be physical.
00:23:46That's who they are.
00:23:47That's the M.O.
00:23:48And I think we're handling the pressure well.
00:23:51We're moving the ball.
00:23:52We're moving our bodies.
00:23:52We're playing with pace.
00:23:54And we're not allowing their physicality to slow us out.
00:23:56Defensively, you guys have been great since the break.
00:23:59What's the key in defending against these guys?
00:24:01They have a lot of threats.
00:24:02You know, Dern's a big body down in the paint.
00:24:05It's just about showing a crowd.
00:24:07Trying to rotate.
00:24:09Be together.
00:24:09Talk.
00:24:10I think early we got into rotation, but we weren't on time with our rotations.
00:24:14And that's what I think the back and forth was.
00:24:16The scoring, the high scoring as of late.
00:24:18But we're able to settle down, make adjustments, and respond.
00:24:21Thanks, Nikhil.
00:24:22Thank you.
00:24:22Guys.
00:24:24Pretty concise explanation by Alexander Walker right there.
00:24:27His team up 37-29.
00:24:31You know, it's incredible, Jonesy, is they've got 37 points,
00:24:34and they've shot the way that they have to start this game.
00:24:36That's their seventh turnover.
00:24:38It's a really high number.
00:24:39When you're 13 minutes into a game, if they had taken better care of the ball,
00:24:44they'd be north of 40 in that first quarter for sure.
00:24:47Heard her around the read screen on the baseline.
00:24:50Nice pocket pass for the slam.
00:24:53And as Reed punches it home.
00:24:56He's got four points.
00:25:0110 different players have been in the ball game already for J.B. Pickerstaff.
00:25:05Landale launching off the mark.
00:25:07It'll come back the other way to the Pistons.
00:25:11Pistons 52-19 overall.
00:25:1427-8 at home.
00:25:20Heard her off the wide pin.
00:25:24Spins and fires.
00:25:27Now one for three.
00:25:31Daniels, good play by Herter defensively.
00:25:33Got the steal off on his own.
00:25:35And reversed it home.
00:25:41Not only does he get the deflection, really smart in the open floor.
00:25:45The way he slowed down to let the defender bump into him.
00:25:49And then that created the space he could get to the rim.
00:25:51Kispert knocking down the three ball.
00:25:53Another one for Atlanta who lead by seven.
00:25:56Holland back out to read the trailer.
00:26:01Green for three.
00:26:04Holland trying to hustle for the offensive rebound.
00:26:06But it's out of bound off of him.
00:26:09It'll be Atlanta basketball.
00:26:13Quinn Snyder makes the call.
00:26:23Call him off the Kaminga screen.
00:26:26Nine on the shot clock.
00:26:31Kispert lost control, but he was fouled.
00:26:33Reid calling for a challenge potentially.
00:26:41Holland's going to go against Holland.
00:26:43Correction.
00:26:44Foul is on Reid.
00:26:45Foul is going to go against Reid.
00:26:50Definitely not in legal guarding position.
00:26:52That's going to be his second personal foul.
00:26:54Yeah, he was sliding when he hit him with his chest.
00:26:56I think he was more reacting to the fact that he did get a lot of ball when he finally
00:27:01reached in.
00:27:01But the foul really had been committed before that.
00:27:04Kaminga launching the three is way off.
00:27:06And here's Jenkins.
00:27:08Picked up by McCollum.
00:27:10Detroit turns it over.
00:27:14McCollum for three.
00:27:16Tipped up another time.
00:27:18Kispert controls.
00:27:22Kispert on the drive.
00:27:24Reid with a good contest.
00:27:26Actually fouled.
00:27:28You hear the whistle.
00:27:31Paul Reid with a couple of quick fouls back to back.
00:27:34That's going to be his third.
00:27:35And we mentioned the fact that without Isaiah Stewart available,
00:27:40we're a little bit short at the five spot.
00:27:42One more look at that foul against Reid.
00:27:47Yeah, I think that's a foul.
00:27:48He's reaching across really both wrists,
00:27:51but definitely made contact with his right wrist as Kispert was trying to release it.
00:27:55Well, it's time for tonight's national TV schedule brought to you by Samsung Galaxy.
00:27:59Tomorrow night on NBA TV, Knicks Hornets at 7 Eastern.
00:28:02Friday, doubleheader on NBA TV, Heat, Cavs at 730,
00:28:07followed by Mavs Trailblazers.
00:28:08And Saturday on Prime Video, it's Spurs, Bucs at 3.
00:28:12And over on ABC, it's Pistons, Timberwolves at 530.
00:28:16For more on these games, please go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app.
00:28:20Kispert goes 0 for 2.
00:28:24Those were the first two free throws by the Hawks in the game.
00:28:29Jenkins at the sticks at control.
00:28:32Kispert goes to the Pistons offensively.
00:28:34Inside, Reid spins on Kaminga.
00:28:40And Atlanta with possession.
00:28:45Kaminga working against Herter.
00:28:49McCollum wide open, unabated, couldn't convert.
00:28:55Detroit got away with one there.
00:28:57They over-pursued the basketball.
00:28:59He sent too many to flood on penetration.
00:29:01You're not in position to recover to the three-point line.
00:29:04CJ McCollum just missed a great look.
00:29:08That's going to be a foul against McCollum at the other end,
00:29:11sending Jenkins to the free throw line.
00:29:14He'll have a couple of shots.
00:29:15Detroit will shoot its third and fourth free throws of the game.
00:29:20I mentioned a moment ago that Atlanta just shot its first two with Kispert at the line.
00:29:27How is Detroit different, if at all, Tim, with Jenkins out there running the point as opposed to Cunningham?
00:29:34Well, they're definitely not going to be as reliant on middle-of-the-floor ball screen offense.
00:29:39With Cade Cunningham and Duren bringing the two guys that primarily are going to run that, put pressure on you,
00:29:44it's going to be a little bit different.
00:29:45He's going to play a little bit faster, actually, up the floor than Cunningham.
00:29:50He's going to try to get up in the gaps, create early transition opportunities at a little bit of a
00:29:54quicker rate.
00:29:55But the half-court offense is just not going to be as dominant in that middle-of-the-floor area
00:30:00with two players.
00:30:02Lead is down to six for the Hawks.
00:30:06Here's Daniels.
00:30:07Johnson off the wide action.
00:30:10He's been quiet offensively, but he has passed the ball well.
00:30:13Has four assists, gets it back here.
00:30:16They clear out the side for him.
00:30:18Spins away from the double and knocks it home.
00:30:21That's tough.
00:30:22Tough bucket.
00:30:22That is tough.
00:30:23I mean, that is just so patient.
00:30:25Got deeper into the clock.
00:30:27Pretty good closeout earlier in the possession, but he knew if he could just get into that dribble rhythm,
00:30:31he's got the length to spin baseline over any defender.
00:30:34Duren had it knocked away, but a foul going to go against Dyson Daniels.
00:30:38One more look at Johnson.
00:30:40Yeah, this is pretty.
00:30:41You see what he catches in, and he knows right now there's going to be a double team coming from
00:30:46the top side.
00:30:46So he wants to get to the baseline the entire time, and he knows he's just got a higher release
00:30:52point
00:30:52that Green is able to get to defensively, and that's right in his wheelhouse in that middle area of the
00:30:58floor that he loves to operate.
00:31:00Johnson told me about his summer workouts with LeBron James with their trainer, Chris Johnson, out in Sherman Oaks,
00:31:06the L.A. area in California.
00:31:08He said that he realized the importance of preparation A and B, treating every workout, every practice like it's a
00:31:15game from LeBron James this summer.
00:31:18Certainly paid off in paying dividends for him right now.
00:31:22On the foul, it'll be two shots coming up for Duren.
00:31:27And, you know, Jalen Johnson was actually tracking towards an All-Star appearance last year before he suffered his injury.
00:31:37Duren at the free throw line.
00:31:39Katie has more on Jalen Johnson.
00:31:41Well, Mark, Tim, during the offseason, C.J. McCollum will work out in L.A. for a few weeks.
00:31:45Well, a few years ago, he said he was working out at 6 a.m. because he has kids, and
00:31:49they get up at 8.30.
00:31:50He said you usually don't see young guys work out that early in L.A.
00:31:54Tyrese Maxey's kind of an exception.
00:31:56But he said there was Jalen Johnson, and McCollum remembers telling him,
00:31:59you're not going to be very, very good.
00:32:01You're going to be a great player.
00:32:02And this was before he was an All-Star.
00:32:04But it's the work ethic, McCollum says.
00:32:06It's the preparation.
00:32:06It's the love and the joy for the game that makes Johnson successful.
00:32:10And now that they're teammates, McCollum says he gets to see that every single day, and that's been special.
00:32:14Yeah, he's from a basketball family, a wonderful, loving family.
00:32:17Mom and dad both played collegiate basketball.
00:32:20Brothers do as well.
00:32:21Here's Kaminga pulling from the wing and connecting on his first three.
00:32:26Lead is up to nine for the Feisty Hawks.
00:32:30Evan Herter's former team, Jenkins, in rush hour traffic,
00:32:34had it knocked away by Jalen Johnson playing both ends of the court.
00:32:41It would be baseline out of bounds.
00:32:43Detroit basketball down by nine.
00:32:51Remember Kevin Herter is a member of the Hawks when they made it to the conference finals that year.
00:32:59Green from the corner.
00:33:01Got it.
00:33:08And that's a welcome sight for any of Detroit's wings that occupy the corners of Jalen Johnson once again.
00:33:16Pulls up, knocks down that jump shot.
00:33:19But Detroit, the corner three's there for them a lot because of the traffic in the lane with Durant and
00:33:24Cunningham.
00:33:25So green hitting that three is very important for the Pistons.
00:33:28Jenkins from outside couldn't connect.
00:33:30Rebounded by the Hawks.
00:33:32And here's Kaminga.
00:33:37Okongwu.
00:33:38Alexander Walker.
00:33:40And deflected out of bounds by Jenkins.
00:33:42It'll stay at that end.
00:33:44Atlanta ball with the lead when we come back to Detroit.
00:33:47The NBA on ESPN.
00:33:49Presented all season long by State Farm.
00:33:51It's brought to you by Advil Liquid Gels.
00:33:55Targets pain caused by inflammation for fast and strong relief.
00:34:00So far, especially on the ledger for the Atlanta Hawks.
00:34:039 of 19 so far.
00:34:05It's really impacted a lot of things in this game.
00:34:08And it's the best answer against a team that is committed to protecting the paint the way that Detroit is.
00:34:13You have to use their reaction defensively against them and knock down perimeter shots to loosen up those driving lanes.
00:34:20We got a seven-point game and you've got a plus-18 differential at the three-point line.
00:34:24It's really been the story here at the start.
00:34:27These are typical numbers for the Pistons.
00:34:28But this is an incredibly hot start for the Atlanta Hawks tonight.
00:34:32They started 5 of 5 from deep tonight.
00:34:35Kispert.
00:34:37Missed the floater and rebounded by Duren.
00:34:40Meanwhile, Tim, Detroit hasn't exactly been able to impose their style so far, had they?
00:34:45Because they lead the league in point paint.
00:34:47They have point paint.
00:35:07And Duren.
00:35:09Robinson on the dribble handoff.
00:35:11Back to Duren.
00:35:12Slick ball movement.
00:35:13They've got the Hawks in rotation.
00:35:16One pass too many, perhaps.
00:35:18Tipped out of bounds off of Thompson.
00:35:20It'll come back to Atlanta.
00:35:21That's their seventh turnover.
00:35:23Yeah, LaVert has tried to do too much with that.
00:35:25He could have taken the three or he could have taken a little pull-up there in that foul line
00:35:30area.
00:35:30Got hung up in the air.
00:35:32Didn't exactly know where he wanted to go with that.
00:35:37Alexander Walker out front to Johnson.
00:35:42Inside threads the needle to Kispert, who draws the hit.
00:35:46And will be rewarded with a couple of foul shots.
00:35:48But a nice dime drop there by Jalen Johnson, who already has four assists.
00:35:53That's a second foul on Thompson.
00:35:58With the Hawks leading by 10 already.
00:36:01That's the third team foul.
00:36:04Against Detroit.
00:36:11Shoot.
00:36:12I forgot to confirm I took my meds yesterday.
00:36:15Simplifying care for people with rare, chronic, and complex conditions.
00:36:19Okay.
00:36:19Time to work.
00:36:20It's why the WNBA and NBA trust their health to Evernorth Health Services.
00:36:28Second foul shot, good.
00:36:30J.B. Bickerstaff had an interesting comment when we asked him about his team's ability to play well without Kate
00:36:36Cunningham.
00:36:36He says, we do more of who we are without doing too much.
00:36:41That was pretty insightful.
00:36:44Maybe that's a little too much from LaVert.
00:36:46Missed everything.
00:36:48But his team down by 12, under five and a half to go in the first half.
00:36:52McCollum and Dyson Daniels coming into the game for Kuminga and Kisper.
00:36:56You know, the other thing we're noticing here, you know, you go back to last year, even in that postseason
00:37:00that they played against the New York Knicks, the environment in the building was incredible.
00:37:05This place has been quiet because they're not seeing their Pistons defense exert itself on this Atlanta Hawks team.
00:37:12So this crowd is trying to get into it, but you've got to string together stuff to make that happen.
00:37:17Johnson springs it out for three.
00:37:18Another dime drop for Johnson and another three for Kong Wu in the Hawks.
00:37:23Now 10 of 20 from downtown.
00:37:26A 9-0 run right now for Atlanta.
00:37:29Daniels, man, took LaVert's cornbread, lays it home.
00:37:34And right now, J.B. Bickerstaff and the Pistons, busted, disgusted, and not to be trusted.
00:37:44Look at the numbers that Kate Cunningham has put up so far this year, heading towards an All-NBA selection.
00:37:51They're missing his fourth game in a row tonight, the result of a collapsed lung.
00:37:55Katie George has more.
00:37:56Well, Mark, C.J. McCollum for Atlanta has actually experienced a collapsed lung twice in the past.
00:38:01He said the hardest part of the recovery is being forced to rest.
00:38:04He said you have to hit idle.
00:38:06You can't do anything until the organ heals on its own.
00:38:09So that can be frustrating.
00:38:09You've got to have patience.
00:38:10He also said both he and Cade Cunningham are represented by the same agency.
00:38:15So when Cade got hurt, his agent immediately called C.J.'s reps
00:38:19so Cunningham could see the same pulmonologist who treated McCollum during his recovery.
00:38:24So interesting they have the same doctor.
00:38:26McCollum, of course, wishing Cade a speedy recovery.
00:38:29He's so vitally important to the Pistons.
00:38:32At both ends of the court, Harris missing on the turnaround.
00:38:35He's going to have a loose ball foul underneath against Atlanta.
00:38:39That'll be the 14th foul against the Hawks.
00:38:41Detroit with three.
00:38:44And we hope to see Cade Cunningham back on the court soon.
00:38:48Of course, in full health and strength and restoration.
00:38:53That's the second personal foul against McCollum.
00:38:59Robinson off the pin down.
00:39:01Clean look and knocks it home.
00:39:06Duncan Robinson leading the Pistons shooting 40% from deep on the season.
00:39:11He did his work early on that one.
00:39:13Nice job setting up his defender to utilize that screen.
00:39:16So he can come off square up and have plenty of time.
00:39:20Shooter as good as Robinson gets this kind of time.
00:39:22You typically know the result of that.
00:39:26Walks him in, releases.
00:39:28Nice job there as well by Dern.
00:39:30He forced Alexander Walker to run wide around that screen.
00:39:34He was not able to get there in time.
00:39:36And Duncan Robinson even had enough time to really kind of get his feet set
00:39:40and on balance before he went up to release that.
00:39:44Robinson back in the area where he played his collegiate basketball at Michigan
00:39:48after a successful tenure with the Miami Heat.
00:39:5412 points in that win against Los Angeles 48 hours ago
00:39:58as Johnson knocks down the second free throw.
00:40:00Atlanta in charge by 15.
00:40:07Thompson on the handle.
00:40:09Robinson around the Durance screen again.
00:40:11This one comes off, though.
00:40:14Johnson with a grab-and-go.
00:40:16Bounce pass of Kongwu with the layup.
00:40:19And Johnson showing off his passing skills, Tim.
00:40:22Yeah, that's the key.
00:40:23Handling the basketball with your head up.
00:40:25As he's coming up the court and he's starting to get some traffic.
00:40:28Defensively, he never took his eyes off of the floor area.
00:40:33Ahead, Kongwu rewarded for that.
00:40:36Thompson with a nice-looking jump hook with the left inside.
00:40:39Makes it a 16-point game again as we head towards 3-and-a-half to go in the first
00:40:43half.
00:40:44Johnson off the in-and-out dribble.
00:40:46Spins and pulls and connects.
00:40:48That's the spin I was talking about earlier.
00:40:50He loves that one in particular.
00:40:52Going to his right, spinning back.
00:40:55Early in the game, the Pistons had a second defender right there as he came out of the spin.
00:40:58He had one-on-one opportunity that time.
00:41:01Robinson off the Jenkins, quickly inside.
00:41:03Duran off glass with the left hand.
00:41:06Good ball movement that time by the Pistons.
00:41:09Dyson Daniels inside a Kongwu.
00:41:12And that's going to be a foul against a Kongwu.
00:41:18It's going to be his first personal foul.
00:41:21And Jalen Johnson putting it all on his plate.
00:41:23You see here his head the entire time.
00:41:26His vision is up the floor.
00:41:28And I think his teammates now know enough.
00:41:30Keep running.
00:41:30You're going to get rewarded.
00:41:31This is that spin he loves.
00:41:33He's got such a long stride.
00:41:35He gets the defender completely retreating.
00:41:37Stops spin into his jump shot.
00:41:40Thompson with a nice roll to the bucket for the layup.
00:41:44Under three minutes to go.
00:41:45The lead down to 14.
00:41:47And this is the big area of improvement in Johnson's game.
00:41:51As a primary ball handler and creator.
00:41:54Daniels with the rebound.
00:41:55Sprees it out to a Kongwu.
00:41:57That three comes off.
00:41:59And Robinson controls.
00:42:01A chance to get it down to 12 now for the Pistons.
00:42:05The uber confident Jenkins out to Robinson.
00:42:11They run their split action.
00:42:12Robinson pops out.
00:42:16Robinson for three.
00:42:21I'm not sure if Daniels bumped him.
00:42:23But that was incredible.
00:42:25Individual effort on the part of Dyson Daniels.
00:42:27That entire possession to disrupt that three-point shot by Duncan Robinson.
00:42:32And Dern got a piece of that shot at the other end.
00:42:35Thompson working against Johnson.
00:42:37Got him with the quick shot underneath.
00:42:40Asar Thompson with eight in the ballgame.
00:42:44The lead down to 12.
00:42:45Under two minutes to go in this very high-scoring first half.
00:42:50Johnson on a nice back cut and punch.
00:42:53Well, you get that wide screen on the opposite side of the floor.
00:42:57Where everybody is lifted.
00:42:59That has to be switched or at minimum bumped on Jalen Johnson when he makes that cut.
00:43:05Miscommunication leads to his easiest look of the night.
00:43:09Jalen Johnson with 12 points, six assists, a couple of rebounds.
00:43:13Second in the NBA in triple doubles on the season.
00:43:19Jenkins could make the catch.
00:43:21That pass coming in a little bit hot from Jalen Durant.
00:43:24And off the turnover, there'll be Hawks basketball.
00:43:28Johnson, meanwhile, with 10 points this quarter for Atlanta.
00:43:33I'm not sure Ozzie Smith was digging that one down.
00:43:36That thing had some steam on it.
00:43:38Couldn't turn that for the double play.
00:43:40But McCollum connects with the middie.
00:43:42Lead up to 14.
00:43:45D.J. McCollum with 11 points.
00:43:47And another Detroit giveaway.
00:43:50Johnson out to McCollum.
00:43:54Johnson relocates for three.
00:43:56Butter.
00:43:57Jalen Johnson heating up in this period.
00:44:00He's got 13 now.
00:44:04Every All-Star break, he went back to Los Angeles to spend four or five days working out.
00:44:10Even though he made the All-Star team this year,
00:44:13he still got back in the gym as Harris stops the hemorrhaging for Detroit.
00:44:17The thing you could really see about Jalen Johnson, and you really see it here against an elite defense,
00:44:22he's just never sped up.
00:44:24Everything is done at the pace that he wants to play at.
00:44:27What'd you say?
00:44:28Look at the versatility.
00:44:30Here with the tip-in gets on the offensive glass.
00:44:32But, you know, his rhythm to his game is just so controlled for an elite athlete.
00:44:39It's very rare in a young player to not get ahead of yourself and play too fast.
00:44:43And a rebound and a great outlet by Jalen Johnson.
00:44:47Room service at the other end.
00:44:48And the Pistons bleeding right now down by 21 at the crib here in Detroit.
00:44:57They can walk it across and run it all the way down.
00:45:02But what a second quarter for Jalen Johnson.
00:45:07Jenkins rejects the screen from Duran.
00:45:10Robinson for three, wide open and cashing out.
00:45:14With 4.5 to go, they got a little bit of time.
00:45:17The Hawks do.
00:45:18Daniels in a rush.
00:45:20And that's the end of the first 24 minutes of play.
00:45:23Atlanta leading 73-55.
00:45:27Coming up on the halftime, presented by Hyundai.
00:45:30Wendy Malika, Coach Malone, and Perk in the studio.
00:45:34Talking about the wild, wild Western Conference.
00:45:37But here tonight, Jalen Johnson has enough to feed the needy.
00:45:43He's cutting the check on those threes.
00:45:47Hawks with the lead and coming up after the break.
00:45:50It's the Hyundai halftime report with Malika Andrews, Michael Malone, Kendrick Perkins, and Wendy.
00:45:59Hyundai.
00:46:01Well, how about this?
00:46:02For the third straight half, it's the Atlanta Hawks that have scored at least 70 points.
00:46:07They're up 73-55 on the East leading Pistons.
00:46:12It's exactly how we talked about it pregame when we were complimenting the defense here of Detroit.
00:46:18Wendy, Coach Michael Malone, Kendrick Perkins.
00:46:20I'm Malika Andrews.
00:46:21Jalen Johnson back after missing the last two games.
00:46:23And he hasn't missed a beat here, Coach.
00:46:25Well, America, meet Jalen Johnson.
00:46:27Right.
00:46:28The future of the NBA.
00:46:29This guy is special.
00:46:30And what I loved about it, Malika, was that in that first quarter, he wasn't even looking to score.
00:46:34He was playmaking.
00:46:35He was getting all of his teammates involved.
00:46:37Second quarter, he got a lot more aggressive scored 15 of his 17 in that second quarter.
00:46:42But 17 points, seven assists, four rebounds.
00:46:45The guy can beat you in any way, shape, or form.
00:46:48The number one thing on the scouting report when you play the Pistons, get those threes up.
00:46:52Because the more you get up, the better chance you have to dominate them.
00:46:5523 threes that the Hawks got up.
00:46:57They made 11 of them.
00:46:59They're six up on the Pistons.
00:47:01It's just so hard for Detroit to win when they're getting outshot like this.
00:47:04You could tell in this first half that the Hawks came out to make a statement.
00:47:08As we get closer to the postseason, you want to make a statement.
00:47:12You want to build your confidence, and you want to show the world and the opponent, the Detroit Pistons,
00:47:18that, hey, if we happen to match up in this postseason at some point, if we do, it's going to
00:47:24be a brawl for it all.
00:47:25And that's a good message, and this is a good first half for the Atlanta Hawks and Jalen Johnson.
00:47:30Yeah, meanwhile, for the Pistons, it's sort of the same problems that they've had.
00:47:33Where is their offense going to come from if it's not from Cade Cunningham?
00:47:36And that's really what's reared its ugly head again for them, at least in this first half.
00:47:40Hey, here comes Houston, the second game on ESPN tonight.
00:47:44The Rockets.
00:47:44He had that beanie on.
00:47:45It might be a problem.
00:47:46His name is Superwolves.
00:47:47Oh, you're saying that he means business.
00:47:49Sorry.
00:47:49Just ball me in Minneapolis, man.
00:47:51Real talk.
00:47:55This halftime is presented by Hyundai.
00:47:58Visit HyundaiUSA.com.
00:48:00This moment, it is brought to you by Hyundai.
00:48:02The Lakers taking on the Pacers.
00:48:03Kaitlin Clark, a sharpshooter in more ways than one.
00:48:06Try your hand at photography there.
00:48:07The only bright spot for the Pacers.
00:48:09Well, here comes the Los Angeles Lakers trying to start another win streak here.
00:48:14Look out.
00:48:15LeBron James throwing it down the lane.
00:48:16He's still leading the league in transition points.
00:48:18He is at 41 years old, which is incredible.
00:48:22Oh!
00:48:23Again.
00:48:23They're going to go 5-1 on this road trip, and it's going to put them in excellent position
00:48:28to get that three seed.
00:48:29We talked about them needing to go at least, what, 3-2?
00:48:32And they've far exceeded that.
00:48:34The Los Angeles Lakers up double digits at the break on Indiana.
00:48:39In the meantime, Dennis Jenkins trying to find some sort of offense here, that connection.
00:48:44They need a little bit more of that coming up here in the second half.
00:48:46A lot more of that.
00:48:47Thank you, Coach.
00:48:49You're right.
00:48:49It's a lot more.
00:48:50I was trying to be kind.
00:48:55This halftime is presented by Hyundai.
00:48:58Visit HyundaiUSA.com.
00:49:00Back, everyone, to NBA Wednesday, presented by State Farm, part of the playoff push, presented
00:49:04by Advil.
00:49:07Well, the heartbeat for the Pistons right now, a little weaker than it usually is.
00:49:12Jalen Johnson has taken this game by the throat as we get ready to start the third quarter.
00:49:18But first, a look at our first-half stats, brought to you by Brooks.
00:49:22Look at the three-point shooting differential.
00:49:25Atlanta is plus 18 when it comes to three-pointers and fast break points as well with a decided
00:49:33advantage.
00:49:33As we check out our shot monitor, brought to you by Ensure.
00:49:38Jalen Johnson, 6 of 7 from the field in the second quarter, 15 overall in the period.
00:49:44And he really, Tim, took control of this game in that period.
00:49:48Well, I think we gave him an appropriate amount of hype leading into this game.
00:49:52And he more than delivered.
00:49:54You just see the all-around game of Jalen Johnson.
00:49:56And this was an example of a red-hot team coming in that was allowed to get into their rhythm
00:50:01right away.
00:50:02We just showed you the scoring of Jalen Johnson.
00:50:05But how about the playmaking?
00:50:06Because that was on full display as well.
00:50:08His ability to find teammates up the floor because of his ability to handle it in the
00:50:14overfloor and transition.
00:50:16The size and strength to throw it ahead with velocity.
00:50:20Allowing the Hawks to get out and run and convert easy opportunities, which is so important
00:50:25against a team as good defensively as Detroit.
00:50:28Now the question becomes, what is the response of the Detroit Pistons coming out of the locker
00:50:33room here to start the third quarter?
00:50:34Because defensively, that is not what they're used to, certainly.
00:50:39We'll see what J.B. Bickerstaff has countered with tactically to plug some of those defensive
00:50:45holes.
00:50:45This Hawks team getting a bunch of points on that board in the first half.
00:50:51That's a good point of 73.
00:50:53Jenkins will bring it up against Dyson Daniels.
00:51:00Harris out top.
00:51:02It will hand off to Thompson.
00:51:07Jenkins.
00:51:09Shot clock down to six.
00:51:11Harris inside for Duren.
00:51:14And Duren draws the foul against the Conway.
00:51:17That might be the Achilles heel of this Atlanta defense.
00:51:22Not a lot of rim protection when you look at their size of that position.
00:51:26Now you trade off some of the size and rim protection for the versatility defensively
00:51:31to have switchability.
00:51:32And I think that's been working for them as you've seen their defensive metrics just continue
00:51:37to surge over the last six weeks or so.
00:51:40All the way up to, as I said, over the last 15 games, second in the league.
00:51:44And I think that's the trade off.
00:51:46They've never had the versatility to take away as much space in the half court as they
00:51:51can and give up a little bit more size at the rim.
00:51:55Quinn Snyder told us there are four different iterations of this team already this year where
00:52:00they've had to integrate.
00:52:02C.J. McCollum, Gore Kisper, Kuminga, Gabe Vinson.
00:52:08But right now playing their best basketball of the season.
00:52:12Kongu off the elbow.
00:52:13Alexander Walker working against Jenkins.
00:52:16Touches paint.
00:52:17And that one rattles out to Duren.
00:52:23Jenkins off the drag screen.
00:52:25Goes around the world.
00:52:27Robinson racing up for three.
00:52:29Got it.
00:52:32And he hit a couple there toward the second half of that second quarter.
00:52:37And he knew he was feeling pretty good.
00:52:39But looking for that first touch here in the third.
00:52:42And he ran a long way to get this one.
00:52:45Nice job just finding that pocket off penetration.
00:52:47You saw C.J. McCollum, he had just turned his head slightly.
00:52:50And Duncan Robinson continued to pursue the basketball.
00:52:53And he had it ready to go before it even hit his hand.
00:52:57He actually had a career-high 10 threes against Atlanta several years ago.
00:53:01Right now, four of six.
00:53:05Boy, look at Thompson move his feet defensively.
00:53:07A Kongu playing out of the pocket.
00:53:09He walked with it.
00:53:10Actually, call it a double dribble, whatever you want to.
00:53:12It's a turnover.
00:53:14And Detroit seems to be a little bit more intentional at both ends of the court to start this quarter.
00:53:18And it was hard to see from this angle.
00:53:19But I didn't think his hessie was that tight.
00:53:21So I knew something must have taken place.
00:53:23We were sort of blocked off for what he did right there.
00:53:26But, yeah, Detroit here to start the half over the first minute and 15 here.
00:53:30They've gotten a couple of stops and finding a little bit of rhythm, at least defensively right now.
00:53:35Jenkins with a nice back cut for the slam.
00:53:38And they start on a 7-0 run here in the third quarter.
00:53:43The lead quickly down to 11.
00:53:48It's a 10-0 run going back to the first half.
00:53:53Harris switches on to McCollum.
00:53:56Float game a little bit strong.
00:53:57And here's Jenkins with pace.
00:54:03Duran posting up.
00:54:05Had a little one on him.
00:54:06Couldn't convert.
00:54:07Got the second one.
00:54:08Buy one, get one free.
00:54:10Jalen Duran.
00:54:14There's just not much Atlanta's going to be able to do playing a smaller lineup if Jalen Duran gets an
00:54:20early seal like this.
00:54:21Dyson Daniels is an elite defensive player.
00:54:24But he's not going to be able to displace or dislodge Jalen Duran.
00:54:28And then he's got the easy cleanup on the glass.
00:54:31Tell you what, when it comes to Jalen Duran, every day looks like it's been a shoulder day in the
00:54:35gym for him, Tim.
00:54:37He is a big load, a behemoth underneath, completing the three-point play.
00:54:43He's got 17 in the ballgame.
00:54:44And in a blink, the lead is down to eight.
00:54:50Let's see if Johnson can pick up in this third quarter where he finished off in the second.
00:54:54And then, iso against Harris.
00:55:00Okonglu with six on the clock.
00:55:01Alexander Walker sprays it out to a wide open McCollum.
00:55:05And Robinson clears.
00:55:11Danis Jenkins out to Robinson around the Duran screen.
00:55:14Thompson with the layup.
00:55:16Got it.
00:55:17Timeout Atlanta.
00:55:20That double-digit lead disintegrated under the asphyxiating defense from Detroit.
00:55:2912-0 out of the locker room.
00:55:31Detroit has this crowd in it.
00:55:38Around by the Detroit Pistons over the last three years.
00:55:41Kate Cunningham talked about literally walking floors at night when they had that franchise and NBA League-leading losing streak.
00:55:48And then turning it around to 44 wins.
00:55:51Last year, 52-19.
00:55:55And that series, pardon me, last year, the playoff series against the Knicks.
00:55:59Listen, what did the prospects look for them moving forward this year?
00:56:02Last year, they emerged.
00:56:04And they caught our attention.
00:56:05And they got into the playoffs.
00:56:07They gave the Knicks everything they could handle in that first-round series.
00:56:10This is a little different this year.
00:56:12They didn't sneak up on anybody.
00:56:14And their sights this year are on getting to the NBA Finals.
00:56:17And it's rare to make that leap in one season.
00:56:20You know, haven't won a playoff series collectively to the NBA Finals.
00:56:24But they believe their time is now to get there.
00:56:27Jenkins for three.
00:56:28Misses Badly.
00:56:30Got it back off the carom.
00:56:32Harris inside.
00:56:33Through the contact.
00:56:34And the Pistons have whittled away to get it down to four already.
00:56:40Harris in double figure scoring with ten.
00:56:44Johnson skip pass.
00:56:46Little rifle action.
00:56:47McCollum back to Daniels.
00:56:49Great ball move.
00:56:50And partially blocked by Thompson.
00:56:52Shot clock at six.
00:56:54And it's short by Alexander Walker.
00:57:00Duran had it knocked away, but he got fouled in the process.
00:57:03Doing his work early.
00:57:06Asar Thompson should make all defense this year.
00:57:09And I mentioned earlier that Jalen Johnson is rarely in a hurry.
00:57:12You need to be in a little bit more of a hurry
00:57:14if Asar Thompson is closing out at the three-point line.
00:57:17That's just great timing to get a piece of that.
00:57:19You've seen the defensive pressure and intensity pick up
00:57:22for the Pistons coming out of the locker room
00:57:24as you knew it would
00:57:25in their response to that first half
00:57:27when it landed in whatever they wanted to.
00:57:29Jenkins using the cash app.
00:57:32Banking that one home to make it a two-point contest.
00:57:37McCollum on the drive.
00:57:39Got it to go.
00:57:40Over two Pistons to make it a four-point game.
00:57:44But Detroit climbed back into this with brevity.
00:57:49Added up to a 19-0 run.
00:57:53Robinson with a catch-and-shoot three.
00:57:55Duran with the offensive board.
00:58:00Duran just bullying and bludgeoning that defense inside.
00:58:08Duran's a couple of free throws.
00:58:11He's right around 20 points and 10 rebounds on the season.
00:58:1664% from the field.
00:58:19You know, during his exit meeting,
00:58:21I'm told that they basically talked to him
00:58:24about what it would look like moving forward last year.
00:58:28And they told him that Bam Adebayo
00:58:31might be part of your roadmap to follow.
00:58:33That means running the floor at both ends
00:58:36and defending as well as Bam Adebayo does defensively.
00:58:39He's certainly the all-star that he earned this year.
00:58:42And that's a big ask
00:58:43because his body type is different, right?
00:58:47That's a lot of weight to carry end-to-end,
00:58:49but he's doing it.
00:58:49Time for tonight's national TV schedule
00:58:52brought to you by Hershey's tomorrow night on NBA TV.
00:58:54Knicks-Hornets at 7, Friday doubleheader on NBA TV.
00:58:58Heat-Cavs at 7.30, then Mavs-Trailblazers.
00:59:01And Sanity-Prime, Sanity-On-Prime video.
00:59:04It's Spurs-Bucks at 3.
00:59:06And over on ABC, Pistons-Timberwolves at 5.30.
00:59:09For more on these games, please go to NBA.com
00:59:11or visit the NBA app.
00:59:15Duran knocks down both.
00:59:2021-2 run.
00:59:26Hawks running a little bit of stack pick-and-roll here.
00:59:30Johnson on the bounce.
00:59:32Got into Harris' body and drew the foul.
00:59:38Jalen Johnson with a chance for two more.
00:59:41That's the first foul against Detroit in this third quarter.
00:59:45Harris with his third personal foul.
00:59:50How does Atlanta get its offensive rhythm back
00:59:52to where they were making all those threes early?
00:59:55Yeah, I think, listen, a lot of this is the awareness
00:59:59on the part of the Detroit Pistons.
01:00:00They're just not giving it.
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