Third, P.O.P.

For the first time all series in Game 5, the Pistons figured out how to play a little offense. They forgot down the stretch and turned the ball over enough to allow the Cavs back in the game, but I'm hoping they build on their offensive success from Game 5 in Game 6.

The Cavs, on the other hand, didn't really have any offensive success outside of Lebron's other-worldly night. If he doesn't have it tonight, will his teammates be able to step up after getting used to watching him carry them? It will be interesting to watch and see.

Thankfully this is a weekend game so I can watch at my house (Sunday morning in Tokyo). I missed most of the end of regulation and both overtimes of Game 5 when my boss walked into my office (so I couldn't pay attention to the broadcast). No interruptions this morning, so I'm hoping to watch 48 minutes of solid Piston basketball and a season-extending win.

Rip Hamilton's got to play like an MVP tonight.

Just in case he doesn't, though, here's something for the folks with Lebowski avatars to work with.

Give me defence, defence to make'em pay to make'em think twice. Go Pistons.

Got my beer in hand. If we keep playing hard and leave everything on the floor I like our chances.

well, Cavs' role players playing very well in the first quarter. Can't say the same for the Pistons at this point --- nothing from the bench in the 1st quarter, and Nazr in the game for a worthless two minutes.

36 minutes left to turn it around.

Delay b/w first and second quarter probably ended up helping the Pistons...at least the Pistons played better in the second quarter. Cavs shouldn't even be tied at this point were it not for the free throw parade at the end of the second quarter.

Pistons need to step up and get defensive rebounds in the second half. CWebb and Sheed with 5 total rebounds, and Big Z was all over the boards after CWebb tried to play better defense on the P&R.

I'd like to see Tay get it going on offense early in the second half, and for Rip to continue his roll (which really opened up the lane for CWebb to get a few chances as well). Defense has played Lebron pretty well --- hopefully his teammates do not replicate their first quarter performance, and Lebron has a difficult time getting going in the second half. I'm sure he's going to force the issue as much as possible (including taking three steps to the basket as often as the refs will allow).

Pistons started turning it around in the second quarter...time to win the next 24 minutes.

Utter collapse in the 4th quarter...and Sheed gets tossed after fouling out. I am ASHAMED of this team. No other word for what I feel about this bunch.

Yup. It's over.

First, they are too arrogant for their own good. Second, they should have known with the ref crew that this was going this way. Third, Stern wanted it this way.