Austin Daye’s big night
Austin Daye scored a career-high 28 points against the Heat last night, and calling that unlikely would be an understatement.
This season, 131 other players have scored more than 20 points in a game. All of them are averaging more points per game in their non-season-high-games than Daye is (3.5 points per game).
By scoring 28 points, Daye joined even more elite company. This season, 50 players have a season-high of at least 28 points. They’ve all scored at least 5.9 points per game more than Daye has in their other games.
Entering yesterday, the two players directly above (Kenneth Faried
Daye’s game could be a total fluke, or he could play the rest of the season less like Reggie Jackson and more like the typical player who’s scored 28 points in a game. Given that Daye played so well a day after a late-night shooting session with his personal trainer, I’m hopeful the third-year player has found his way.
Lost in his slump was the fact that Daye appears to be a hard worker. His confidence might be shaky, and his defense might leave a lot to be desired, but I think Daye works hard.
Daye’s big night puts him in elite company, and I hope he spends the rest of the season proving he belongs there.
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Jan 26, 2012 • 11:03 am
by Mr.BlockedShot
I wonder how many times will he play a decent game instead of a 20-plus game. I think this is the question with him. He´s not consistent at all, an this season has been missing in action for the most part. We need everybody to step up and maybe his time has come at last…
Jan 26, 2012 • 11:58 am
by Upper Michigan
I enjoyed last nights game despite the loss. It was fun to see Daye relax for a change and shoot so well. Sadly, LeBron torched him on defense and won the game for Miami.
It was good to see the Pistons play so hard, but I really had the feeling that Miami was just playing around and not worried a bit about winning the game.
I hope that Daye can improve and at least learn to play some defense. That way we could cut CV and send him packing. But the dude is so skinny that big forwards can push him around like a high school kid.
Another player I enjoyed watching was Wilkens. As Hayes so accruately points out, he makes Princes four year contract look totally rediculous. But that is Dumars specialty, signing aging players to long term, expensive contracts.
Anyway, it was a fun game to watch.
Jan 26, 2012 • 1:41 pm
by tarsier
Lebron torched him no more than he does most players.
Jan 26, 2012 • 12:48 pm
by Chill
Coming into this season, Austin Daye was the player I most looked forward to seeing. Since little was expected this season, I felt it was time to let players like Daye, Jerebko, and Maxiell (and even Villanueva and Gordon) play – sink or swim – so that moving forward, we know who can actually play during game time.
I will admit that I was growing concerned, but this performance has restored my hope. Give him the playing time to work his way on this team in the future or show that he doesn’t belong in this league. Hopefully, last night was a sign that he does belong.
Jan 27, 2012 • 9:36 am
by Andrew
I still believe that Daye has the potential to be our starting SF/SG, he has tons of potential on offense, maybe more than any of the young players when his jump shot is falling down and he isn’t trying to force plays by over dribbling and fitting the ball through tight windows on the court.
Although the other concern I have with Daye is if he is never able to gain weight, and from previous articles I have read when it is gained he losses it rather quick, then we need another player that can play SG/SF with more size and ability to guard elite SF. (ie. Batum, Kidd-Gilchrist)