Dalano Banton took advantage of the absences to sign his career high

His previous career high? It was his 14 points against the Pacers … last Saturday. Dalano Banton smashed that record tonight against the Pistons. As Fred VanVleet (illness), Pascal Siakam (adductors) and Gary Trent Jr. (hip) were all absent, the Canadian was started for the first time this season, the second time since the start of his young career.

” Coaches trusted me enough to put me in the starting five, and Coach Nurse told me I had to make the most of it. », Reports the 23 year old playerwho did not miss the opportunity.

The playmaker was not only hyper aggressive towards the circle, but he also showed success from 3-pointers (3/7). Active in all areas of the game (5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks!), He showed composure in the last seconds on the throw line, where he was perfect (6/6) .

With his 27 points in the end (9/16), including 11 in the last quarter, he flourished in this remodeled five. The important thing for him was to try to involve others. We have a lot of talented players, a lot of players on the sidelines too, so the roles will change when they return. So I try to serve others in the right conditions, so that they take the shots they need to help us win. »

Play with or without the ball

” He’s a natural playmaker, but with different fives on the pitch, we like to see him play off the ball, so he doesn’t have to create all the time. Varying him between playing with and without the ball helps him set up some players », judge on his side Nick Nurse.

A welcome variety in the game because the Canadian, who only stayed on the floor for 25 minutes last night, has become a much better outside shooter.

He explains his success by his summer of ” repetitions “, between the games played with the national team, his participation in the Summer League or his training with the development team of the Raptors. ” I trusted the changes they want to make to my shooting. I’m trying to take quicker shots, like in a match, but that’s definitely a lot of reps “, he believes.

To see if he can maintain this momentum when he had so far been little used when the team was complete. At least the point guard says to feel really more comfortable. I trust the work done. They always told me, they are always there for me, looking for me to take the open shots. I really feel like it’s a gradual progression. Whether it fits or not, I continue to believe in my shots. It’s positive to see it come back and to try to do it again in the next game. But we must continue to work and repeat the gestures. »