WGL Sports Performer of the Day (2/1/17)
Detroit Pistons Shooting Guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (38 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals)
As the calendar turns to February, the Detroit Pistons find themselves squarely in the mix for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference (currently 0.5 games behind the Hornets). It goes without saying then, that each game could have major significance in determining this team’s fate at the end of the season. The Pistons picked up a big win last night against the Pelicans, overcoming an eight-point deficit in the 3rd quarter to win 118-98. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was the key man in the victory, scoring a career high 38 points to go along with 4 rebounds and 4 steals.
Caldwell-Pope was arguably the only starter on the Pistons who produced last night. With the Pistons trailing in the third quarter, coach Stan Van Gundy relied on a lineup led by Caldwell-Pope and consisting of four bench players. It was this group that sparked a big 52-24 run in the final 17 minutes of the game. Caldwell-Pope had the game of his life, showing his usual defensive tenacity but also playing like an unstoppable force offensively. The 38 points beat his previous career best by seven, and he also knocked down a career high eight three pointers on 11 attempts. The Pistons were +11 with Caldwell-Pope on the floor last night, the only starter with a positive plus/minus. He could be the X-factor in Detroit’s push for the postseason.
