Everything looked good from the beginning until the subs came into the game. Murray was his usual erratic self, Nazr couldn't keep up, and Hayes couldn't hit his shots. The starters returned but couldn't stop the snowball effect and the deficit kept growing. Also, they didn't play good D allowing Atlanta uncontested layups and wide-open shots. The defense got better in the second half, but offense was stagnant. Then for some reason when Hayes and Murray came into the game (less Nazr) for the second time they played a lot better. They gave the main guys the rest and closed the gap somewhat. Then the starters came in and finished the deal. Everything started with playing D. That got the offense going as well. J-Max was the guy who kept the Pistons reasonably close with his boards and blocked shots and chipped in offensively as well.
Things I didn't like:
- when reserves came in in the first half the offense just stalled
- Tay played too many minutes in the 1st half and his shots were coming up short
- Sheed shot a bit too fast instead of taking his time while posting up
- Dyess was useless on the offense in the first half
Things I did like:
- The D was good in the 4th
- JMax made another case for more playing time
- Starters ended up with more manageable minutes than I've expected after the 1st half
- Hayes looked good playing with starters, I think that's where his main strength is going to be since if he's on the court with starters he's not going to be heavily guarded
- Murray played a lot more under control in the 2nd half and contributed
- The final play - a drive to the basket instead of a forced 3-pointer (looks like Pistons are learning after all)

Pistons ended up with 1 more point than Hawks and it's all that matters. I just hope that starters will get their minutes reduced a bit.

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I think the Washington Wizards have got to be the dumbest team in the history of civilization. - C.Barkley