Maxiell Turns Up The Energy

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">AUBURN HILLS -- It's easy to know when Pistons reserve forward Jason Maxiell enters a game.

He plays like a human wrecking ball, charging into games with the speed of a pinball freshly thrust off the plunger.

Bodies fly, shots get blocked and, more often than not, rims get rattled.

Maxiell wants to bring organized chaos, and the Pistons love the change of pace off the bench.

"I don't know any other way to play, I go all out all the time," Maxiell said. "And having this body (6-foot-7, 260 pounds), I know I can do some damage out there. My job is to go out there and bring energy and have an impact. Sometimes I can do that, sometimes it doesn't work as well. But I keep trying."

Maxiell's approach has been working, as his brand of physical enthusiasm can change a game. He's averaging 5.2 points and 2.5 rebounds in 13.2 minutes.

One of his most impressive performances came Sunday against the Bulls. The Pistons trailed 63-47 with 7:46 left in the third quarter, and looked to be sliding toward a loss.

Maxiell was called in and immediately put his stamp on the game. He had two blocks, four rebounds and two points in a span of two minutes.

That kick-started the rest of the Pistons, who went on a 20-6 run to close the third.

The Pistons won, 95-93, and a good chunk of the credit went to Maxiell.

"Maxy's energy is something we're always counting on," coach Flip Saunders said. "It's a great asset for us to have. He's grown this season, and he's making the most of the time he gets on the floor."

The Pistons want Maxiell to continue his high-energy, physical style but add some refinements. Teams are catching on to Maxiell's tack, preparing for his assault on the basket.

Adding more offensive skills -- a mid-range jumper, a reliable hook, a few more post moves -- will leave teams guessing on how to defend him.

So far, Maxiell has shown the dunk -- often as hard and nasty as possible -- to be his favorite play. He's improved his free-throw shooting -- it's up to 58.9 percent -- but it is clearly still inconsistent.

Bottom line: Maxiell has yet to reach his full potential.</div>

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