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The Detroit Pistons wouldn't have had even a chance on Monday night if not for their undersized, third-string center.
Paul Reed couldn't quite rescue the Pistons in Game 4, not as the Cleveland Cavaliers put up a 23-0 third-quarter run and got 43 points from Donovan Mitchell.
But what Reed did prove in nearly pulling Detroit back from the brink after that massive run was this: If the Pistons want to bounce back, they might need to do it with him on the floor.
Reed has been an analytics darling for a long time, but he's rarely a top of the depth chart option.
He often only ends up playing in tough spots, but then his teams usually do better with him on the floor.
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"B-ball Paul," as he's affectionately known, simply makes plays, size be darned.
In 14 minutes against the Cavs, Reed had 15 points. He made 7-of-9 shots, including a powerful dunk as well as a 3-pointer (1-2 3FG). He grabbed 4 rebounds, dished out 2 assists and nabbed a steal.
Reed had been key energy in Game 3, as well.
The Pistons like their two sturdier centers, with both starter Jalen Duren and backup Isaiah Stewart having a bulk that the Cavs had a tough time dealing with early in the series.
But the last two games, Cleveland has started to figure things out. For Detroit, Reed provides a totally different look.
Maybe he's not the solution, but Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff owes it to his team to give anything a chance that seems like it might work.
On Monday night, Reed was pivotal. Detroit may give him more minutes in Game 5 to see if he can keep it rolling.
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