Rookie Duane Washington Jr., a two-way player for the Pacers, impressed coach Rick Carlisle with his performance on Saturday, according to James Boyd of the Indianapolis Star. Washington contributed 19 points in Indiana’s 119-108 victory over San Antonio, shooting 7-of-9 from the field in 21 minutes off the bench.
Carlisle reflected on Washington’s impact, stating, “I was ready to substitute for him, but he kept hitting shots. He made three consecutive 3-pointers, so I had to change my plans and keep him on the court.”
Describing Washington’s style of play, Carlisle added, “Washington is a bold and team-oriented player who consistently finds ways to contribute. He approaches each game with fearlessness and selflessness, ensuring that his play aligns with the team’s strategy and flow.”
Washington joined the Pacers last August after going undrafted. He is averaging 9.1 points per game this season, with shooting percentages of 39% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc.
Other highlights from the Central Division:
- In a game against Cleveland, the return of Alex Caruso energized the Bulls, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. Caruso made an impact off the bench with 11 points, four assists, and four steals in Chicago’s 101-91 victory. Teammate Ayo Dosunmu praised Caruso, stating, “Having him back on the court was a game-changer. His competitive spirit elevates our defense and boosts team morale, drawing from his experience and winning mentality.”
- Pistons’ beloved commentator George Blaha will be absent for the remainder of the season due to a scheduled heart bypass surgery on Tuesday, as announced by the team. Although Blaha will be sidelined, he is anticipated to make a full recovery. He has been the voice of the Pistons for over 3,400 games since 1976.
- Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press delves into why prioritizing victories over draft positioning is crucial for the Pistons. Despite having one of the worst records in the league (tied with Orlando at 18-50), Detroit has shown promise with a 5-5 record in their last ten games.
