Interesting that the teams we lose to typically come back and beat us again. (Washington, Utah, Nets ...) Either they've got our number, or the starters really don't care enough about the regular season to make revenge an issue. I'd bet the latter, yet it still bugs me. And Chauncey's quotes after losses are always the same - no big deal. You wonder what it takes to actually make the guy mad about losing.

Jersey's a lot tougher now that Krstic is stepping up and diminishing Collins' role. That was always their glaring weakness. Like the idea of them playing Miami before the Eastern Finals.

Random thought: Has Jefferson got a restraining order on Prince or something? That play where Jefferson blew past Ben for the dunk, Prince just stood under the basket with his hands in his pockets.

Hard to keep perspective, but it's vital. These guys have played more games than anyone in the league the last four years, so they know the priorities and aren't about to change. Flip should recognize and rely on the bench guys' hunger more, especially since it helps them prepare for the playoffs. Here's hoping that the Pistons have enough pride to actually TRY and inflict a payback game on the Mavs.