For a noticeably-gifted rookie seeking to carve out meaningful minutes on one of the NBA’s deepest benches, history suggests that there’s often one surefire way to succeed: tireless, high-energy play on both ends. Exemplifying that theory, Johnny Furphy — initially nowhere within the camera’s scope during the Indiana Pacers' attempt to protect the rim in transition — creeps into the fray immediately upon recognizing Ausar Thompson’s well-played pump-fake-and-pivot move. Wisely sensing the need to provide his shot-blocking teammate with a bit of assistance, Furphy, in superhero-like form, soars in unnoticed for a swat, prompting well-deserved applause from Indy’s home crowd. The Detroit Pistons, fittingly, wouldn’t be denied a victory on this night, as they quickly gained the poise needed to overcome their Central Division counterparts on November 29, 2024. Furphy, though, made use of his brief five-minute cameo, toggling into do-it-all mode with two points, one rebound, one assist, one steal, and two rejections. · Nov 30, 2024