It's a sick feeling watching something wonderful come to an end. Even worse when it comes earlier than expected.

The Pistons have just finished dropping two close games against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Three more points in either game would have us all singing a different tune.

Six total points altering phrases like

• "Fire Flip!"
• "Can we get Kevin Garnett?"
• "Don't re-sign Ben!"

into

• "Detroit Basketball!"
• "Championship caliber clutch play!"
• "Why we played for home court advantage"

This is what the playoffs are all about. When mistakes are magnified. Where one missed free throw, one turnover, one timeout can swing momentum, gain or lose a game.

That momentum is a funny thing. It builds. It takes on a life of it's own. The Cavaliers have that right now. The fragile momentum that wins games, exceeding even the hype and expectations for LeBron James.

Watching the Pistons play the last 3-1/2 games has been a lesson that no matter how high we get with chants of MVP MVP MVP, or how special it is to have four All-Stars, nothing tastes so sweet or bitter as playoff performances.

The emotional highs and lows of every free throw, each turnover with relief coming during timeouts and commercial breaks.

You see, "Play the Right Way" is really coach-speak for "Approach everything the way you live your life. With dignity, fellowship and enthusiasm.". It's not just a catchphrase, it's who we aspire to be.

We thrived as fans and a franchise by being the underdogs. It reflects the blue collar, hardened northener mentality of the Detroit area. We aren't favored, but we won't give up without a fight. We aren't the best and brightest, but we'll take on any job and do it well. We do it because it must be done. We live here because it's one of the oldest settled areas in North America and no amount of sunshine can tear up our roots. Even international fans are thrilled and intrigued by the romanticism of Detroit and it's athletes.

And that is what makes the recent 3 losses to the Cavaliers all that much more distressing. These players are not the ones we fell in love with. They have a false bravado that reeks of passionless individualism and self promotion.

Deep down, I'm disheartened by this group. They could still pull this out and maybe even contend for a championship this season, but as my friend LanierFan wrote earlier today, "...just wondering where that Detroit team I used to like so much has gone off to. Because I don't like these guys very much, even when they win."

I want the no name players that we became enamored with. The ones who drank Gatorade from a Thermos and shocked the world. The fellas who toiled in the obscurity of the practice facility.

Where are the Goin' To Work Pistons?

We are all looking for you.

The largest missing persons hunt in the history of sports fandom.

Do you remember who you are?

Let's pray the amnesia is not permanent.