On Thursday, Killian Hayes produced a career night in just his third game back from a hip injury to help the Detroit Pistons post a dominating win over the Sacramento Kings.
Hayes recorded 11 points, three rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes of work off the bench in the 113-101 win. He converted on 5-of-7 shots from the field, including 1-of-2 from 3-point range, while he finished a game-high plus-12 on the court.
Of course, Hayes missed 41 games due to a right hip subluxation. He returned to the lineup on April 3 as Thursday was his third game back with the team. He has looked progressively more comfortable each time he has stepped onto the court and that showed in the win over the Kings.
Pistons head coach Dwane Casey said Hayes has improved in each of his three games since returning, but added that he is still working to get his conditioning back. Casey believes that can help unlock more of his offensive game.
I think his game conditioning is coming. The injury, and then you’re trying to come back, and then you’re trying to get into great NBA shape, it’s difficult; it’s not easy. You go up and down that long court every once in a while, you’re being aggressive offensively and then you got to get back and guard (De’Aaron) Fox, it’s a tough one and if you’re not in tip-top shape it shows. I think he is coming. He is not there yet but I think he is coming along with his conditioning and the more he does, the more he is going to be aggressive and the more he is going to make offensive plays.
The team knew that it would likely take some time for Hayes to get his conditioning and rhythm back after missing so much time. The organization views the final two months of the season as a great chance for Hayes to build positive momentum heading into next year and the seventh overall pick looks to be taking advantage so far.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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