11-06-2007, 09:48 AM
|
 | Retired from Forum | | Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,363
| |
 Re: Rotations
Quote: Wallace powers Pistons' defense
Detroit forward has shut down stars such as O'Neal, Lewis and Smith so far this season.
Chris McCosky / The Detroit News
AUBURN HILLS -- In the first game of the season, Rasheed Wallace guarded Shaquille O'Neal, a behemoth in the middle. Stopped him. O'Neal scored nine points and got off just six shots.
Game 2, Wallace covered Rashard Lewis, a sleek, perimeter-oriented power forward. Stopped him. Lewis scored 21 points but did not have a field goal in the second half.
Game 3, Wallace was assigned Josh Smith, a younger, bigger and longer version of Lewis. Stopped him. Smith missed 13 of 17 shots.
"I think Sheed has taken the challenge of knowing he's our so-called center and taking the challenge of knowing he's really the anchor of our inside defense," coach Flip Saunders said Monday. "He's always been known as a great defender. Now I think because he's in such great shape, he can use his versatility. He's always had great hands and he gets his hands on a lot of balls. But because he's in much better shape, he's able to sustain that and play more in late-game situations."
Wallace has gotten plenty of help. The Pistons' defense has been smothering at times. But there is no denying Wallace's impact. He had eight blocks and made five steals.
And most importantly, he hasn't been in foul trouble.
"I've always played good defense, even before I got here," Wallace said. "The only year I was kind of shaky on defense was my rookie year in Washington because the guys I was guarding,I didn't know their tendencies I've always loved playing defense. To me, it's a bigger and better part of the game than offense." | Right on, Uncle Sheed. Wallace powers Pistons' defense   |