Well, another fantastic 3 quarters of basketball. Only this time, it was the last 3 quarters. We were down 15 in the first half. Some good play from Maxiell, like two monster putback slams, and lots of Hayes taking advantage of small N.O. guards trying to guard him in the post, got us back into the game. Our starters played much better in the 3rd quarter, got a double digit lead, and N.O. pretty much just folded up their tent and went home about maybe 6 minutes before the game was over.
The Pistons played just an 8 man rotation, with Mohammed getting 5 minutes to start the 4th. No Murray, Amir, nor Afflalo.


Hunter did nothing too well, but nothing too bad either. He was effective enough to spell Billups in each half, and thats it. Good enough.
Billups got to the line a lot down the stretch, and Rip got player of the game with 21 points. Both our guards were playing some serious D those last 3 quarters.


Tay did not shoot at all in the first quarter, and never did get anything going at all.


Dyess had a pretty darn worthless first quarter. His play picked up considerably when in with the subs later in the 2nd quarter. I am thinking Dyess really does not like to take shots away from Billups, Rip, Sheed, and Tay in the first quarter. Dyess did hit an outside shot or two, but what I liked most was when he did go inside here and there. Dyess may have lost some ability vs. before his knee surgeries, but you know, just maybe there are less really good post defenders these days. Dyess should not sell his inside game short. And darn good job - after the first quarter, of going after the rebounds.


What a difference a month makes. Now Jason comes in for added rebounding. No, No, No, Jason is not better all the sudden. He is simply getting regular, every game, no games anymore, minutes. His comfort level has risen from the steady minutes. Knowing your role well allows you to concentrate on your mechanics. Note, when played a lot of minutes last year, we saw the same Jason Maxiell as we have seen the last few games. We just did not keep playing him good minutes.


I am not too upset about some of the youngs getting shut out in minutes tonight. They played just last night. Its not like they will gather rust from not playing one game amidst a furious schedule. Altogether, Pistons management has done quite well these past five games. Lots of player development, and five wins.
GO PISTONS!!!!!