Empty the Bench

Take that, KG.

We’ll have much more on Monday night’s crucial Game 4 win by the Detroit Pistons 94-75 over the Boston Celtics later, but for now the undeniable highlight of the night. Pistons’ reserve power forward Jason Maxiell, who has done things like this before this season, showed why it’s important to always contest shots if at all possible, especially during the playoffs, by chasing down Kevin Garnett and sending it with authority on what at first looked like a easy dunk. I’ve seen J-Maxx make his fair share of dramatic rejections during his first three years in the league, but none was bigger, or perhaps more improbable, than this one.

For the record, this wasn’t all he accomplished in Game 4: in 20 minutes, the Pistons’ 2005 first-round pick was 6-6 FG for 14 points, 3 rebounds, and the block on KG. He tends to explode like this at home, but has struggled to establish himself on the road so far in these playoffs. As impressive as Maxiell’s performance was in Game 4, I’ll be doubly impressed if he can make a similar effect in Game 5.

Related: Jason Maxiell, Kevin Garnett, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics