Vince Ellis Detroit Free Press Published 10:33 AM EST Nov 10, 2018 ATLANTA — Reggie Jackson might be Stanley Johnson’s biggest cheerleader. That can be a lonely position when the Detroit Pistons’ fourth-year enigmatic forward is struggling offensively — which happens with great regularity. But here’s yet another reminder that Johnson is only 22. And after his second straight good game – 22 points, seven rebounds and three steals in a 124-109 smacking of the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night – Jackson’s faith looks prescient. “Just continue to work hard, it’s an 82-game season,” Jackson said afterward in the visitor’s locker room at State Farm Arena. “You’re going to have up-and-down stretches and don’t get too down on yourself. That’s the biggest thing I always try to let him know. “He’s made for this. He’s a really good player, he works hard so just continue to trust yourself and try to block out the outside noise and be aggressive and be you.” It has been three games since Johnson was removed from the starting lineup in favor of Glenn Robinson III. After struggling with turnovers in the first game off the bench – Monday night’s loss to Miami – he’s excelled, averaging 17.5 points. 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and two steals in the Pistons victories. The career 29 percent 3-point shooter has even shot the ball well the last two games, going 7-for-15 after a 4-for-9 performance against the Hawks. But first-year coach Dwane Casey accentuates the positive at all… [Read full story]
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