Pistons win 95-86

NBA.com

Yes it was a good game. Rip lead the team with 24 points and Sheed with 13 boards and 2 blocks. Pistons displayed a pretty deep bench tonight. Some was Flips choice and some was early foul trouble. Maxiel came up huge in extended mins (20) carrying the team for a stretch in the 2nd. Murry played almost exclusivly at the point for the 2nd straight game and did a pretty good job controlling the flow. Delfino logged in 16 mins looking very comfortable out there and seems to have found his shot going 3-6 with 1-3 pointer. But he played very smart out there which is the main thing. Hunter also saw some action.

For those of you who did not see the game the Pistons did get outscored in the paint 30-24. But keep in mind that opposing teams are looking to really test the Pistons there. Tonight it helped the Pistons to 7 blocks and holding them to 38% shooting as the Pistons did a good job denying penetration and making things hard around the paint. If this is where the opponents want to go then its actually going to work to our advantage as its going to take away a lot of what they normally do. I would rather give up some paint points if it results in a 37.8% night for the opponent.

Sheed got 1 tech which he probably deserved as he was his usual self and would not shut up. There were plenty of other times where Piston players discussed calls with the refs without penalty. Looks like if its in situations where its not going to hold up the game ( before FT's ) and its done in a productive manner they will allow it.

Anyway, 2nd straight win and 2nd straight game where Pistons took over the game down the stretch. Rebounding wise the Pistons enjoyed a 4 board difference.