Better. This is the Piston team we have seen glimpes of only this season but a team that can show up for the big dance. Yes, Denver is bad but good to see that we can still impose our will: grind, lock down, grind. Yes.

Billips actually took good shots--that is all I ask. The ball actually came back to him--there was really a play. Can he and Rip practice shooting around the basket though? I wish Rip would just stick to the mid-range game.

Like to see Prince used more for a set up three. That would spread the defense as they do in the West. He can post up when convenient. He can shoot.

As Lee said, Webber. The guy is getting that shot back--the one I use to watch against the lakers.

When Sheed plays, he can be impressive. And Rip is indeed a scorer.

Good to see JMax on that jumper. If he hits that, watch out!

If this team plays like it can, we can go to the big dance.