01-29-2008, 08:41 AM
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 | Retired from Forum | | Last Online: 02-22-2008 10:45 AM Join Date: Sep 2005
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 Re: At Indiana Jan 29 7PM
Quote:
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Pistons: Notebook
Pacers present unusual obstacle for Pistons
Chris McCosky / The Detroit News
AUBURN HILLS -- Different night, completely different challenge for the Pistons.
After a long run of playing mostly traditional half-court-oriented teams, the Pistons will get to test their powers tonight against the dreaded small-ball style of Indiana.
"Without Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana has changed their style," coach Flip Saunders said Monday. "They put five perimeter players out there and play very open. They play like Phoenix and Golden State, just very open."
Once upon a time, the Pistons struggled mightily with small-ball teams. They never seemed sure how to attack them -- punish them with their size or downsize their own lineup
"We have to make them defend us in the half-court," Saunders said. "We still like to stay big, but with Amir (Johnson) emerging as our fourth big man, he's a guy who maybe can play against those guys because of his quickness and athleticism."
Saunders said he would resort to a smaller lineup only if necessary and said that going to a zone might be the preferable option to downsizing.
| Between the last game and this statement, it sounds like Flipper might be back tracking on playing AJ. We will just have to wait and see. Pacers present unusual obstacle for Pistons  |