NBA 2018-19: Hits and Flops - Detroit Pistons vs Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics hosted the Detroit Pistons at the TD Garden in a matchup between two Eastern Conference teams. The Celtics came away with a 118-110 victory in their final match before the All-Star break.

The Celtics have now won two straight games without Kyrie Irving, a highly convincing victory over the loaded 76ers and now a win over the resurgent Pistons. With the win, the Celtics regain the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference with a 37-21 record. Meanwhile, the Pistons are at the 8th and final playoff spot with a 26-30 record.

Let's have a look at the best and the worst players from the match.

#3 Flop - Thon Maker

Thon Maker was traded to the Pistons after he wanted to get away from the Bucks in the hope of getting more playing time elsewhere. He had a very poor outing in this match for the Pistons.

Maker tallied 19 minutes in the match and scored 6 points and grabbed only 3 rebounds. He was also very inefficient and shot 1-7 from the field and 0-5 from the 3-point line. Maker is very young and he needs to develop more maturity in his game to succeed at this level.

#3 Hit - Gordon Hayward

The former All-Star is subtly returning back to his old form. He had a horrific start to the season since returning from his injury but has looked good in recent games.

Hayward finished the match with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists and was very efficient from the field. He also went to the free throw line a lot of times and made 7 out of his 8 free throws.

Hayward is only averaging 11 points per game this season, way below his All-Star averages. But he is gaining confidence and will be integral to the Celtics' championship aspirations.