Paul Reed Delivers Again as Pistons Handle Raptors Without Their Top Centers
The Detroit Pistons were shorthanded in the frontcourt last night, missing both starting center Isaiah Stewart and backup Jalen Duren. But if you were expecting them to struggle against a playoff-caliber Raptors team, Paul Reed had other plans.
Reed, affectionately known around the league as “BBall Paul,” stepped into the spotlight and didn’t just hold the line-he dominated it. The third-string center poured in 22 points, grabbed five rebounds, dished three assists, swiped three steals, and swatted four shots. That’s not just filling in-that’s taking over.
This wasn’t a gritty, hang-on-by-a-thread kind of win. Detroit rolled past the Raptors, who came into the night holding the fifth seed in the East. And if last night was any indication, the gap between these two squads might be wider than the standings suggest.
Reed: The Ultimate Insurance Policy
Reed is quickly becoming one of the most valuable “break glass in case of emergency” players in the league. He’s not part of the regular rotation most nights, but every time his number is called, he makes his presence felt.
And it’s not just hustle plays or garbage-time energy-he produces. Real, tangible, game-altering production.
With Stewart still suspended for six more games and Duren out for at least one more, Reed is set to get extended minutes. But whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, one thing’s clear: he’s always ready.
That kind of readiness, especially from a third-string big, is rare. And it’s a luxury most teams simply don’t have.
A Role That Deserves More Recognition
Reed doesn’t play enough minutes to be in the Sixth Man of the Year conversation, and he’s not a nightly contributor in the traditional sense. But what he brings to the table is arguably just as important. He’s the guy who steps in when things go sideways-when injuries, suspensions, or foul trouble strike-and keeps the ship steady.
There’s no award for that. No stat that fully captures the value of a player who can sit for weeks and then come in and look like he’s been starting all year.
But maybe there should be. Because what Reed is doing isn’t just impressive-it’s essential.
A Pistons Tradition
Detroit has a history of role players who fly under the radar but play outsized roles in the team’s success. Reed fits that mold perfectly.
He’s not flashy, he’s not loud, but he’s effective. And when the Pistons needed him most, he answered the call-again.
If Detroit wants to make a deep postseason run, they’ll need their stars healthy and their rotation tight. But they’ll also need players like Paul Reed-guys who can step in at a moment’s notice and make a real impact. And if last night was any indication, they’ve got just the man for the job.