We started out slow. Chicago scouted us good and used an up tempo game to score easily to start the game. And defense? The Pistons were not playing any. Webber had some good inside scoring for us, but in all he hurts us being out there right now. I assume of course he is not 100% yet, as that was quite a long bout with the flu, and of course the missed games that went with it. Still, it is possible that against Chicago, Webber is the wrong guy. Meanwhile, Billups is still playing hurt, and yes, I still say he should take that week off he was contemplating.

Billups hit some shots, but the opposing point torched us for a whole lot more than CB got. The Pistons did concentrate on getting Gordon in foul trouble. That helped us stay in the game at least having their top scorer only get 2 points and hardly playing.

On our side, we had Rip in foul trouble all game and he scored about 3 points. Tay was agressive, but looks pretty much whooped as his shots were coming up short. In general, yes Flip, you better watch the minutes of your team. Flip said he does not care about the minutes? Ok, two good games of coaching and then stupidity. Mid 2nd quarter. Things are going ok. We have 5 subs in the game. 5 subs doing ok. So Flip decides to lose the game right there. Yes, he did leave two subs in, but Billups and Sheed came in with about 7 minutes to go in the 2nd. He even brought Tay back in for 90 seconds rather than letting him relax and recharge. This is not the way to win games, and its not the way to develop the bench.(Not to mention he is trying to develop a bench with the wrong players.)

Flip Murray scored some. But thats a catch 22. If he scores, he forgets about driving and dishing. When he gets his minutes served to him on a platter, he forgets to take good shots. And defense, something he only plays if he is in danger of being out of the rotation. Flip Saunders has chosen, for some completely unknown reason, to play a guy who fell out of the rotation for lack of effort over a player who has been there all season long playing excellent defense. What kind of message that gives the team should be obvious. Good team play and good D will not be rewarded. So why bother.

Delfino missed shots. Made a three,then was ignored the next time open. By Billups as usual. Delfino triggered several scores by passes that sat up plays. No assist. No points for him. But points for the team. Good team play.

Dyess was invisible in this one. Davis did not play. He was one of the later flu victims so maybe he is not over that yet.

Maxiell did not do a whole lot. But then again, since we don't use an actual point guard when he plays, just how well do you think he can do. A guy named Will Blalock is playing down in the development league that could get Jason the ball in a position to score.

Sheed hit 4 triples. Great. But why was he playing with the banged up hand. Him not being able to catch a pass did not help us much. If a guy is injured, hey, we got other players. I would much rather Sheed have been able to catch the ball down around the basket and score inside.

Ben Wallace was out due to sinusitus. Yet we got outrebounded something horrible. And although we did go inside some, not nearly enough considering how small they were going. Between Billups being injured, and the organization unwisely not letting their only other legitimate point guard play, well, things just ain't getting run too well.

Hunter made a shot. But notice he is not a point guard. He is not driving in and dishing, not creating plays. Thats why his only option is to shoot the ball. Flip does have some talent, but is very inconsistent about when he chooses to use it. Between the two, one horrible backcourt.

We do have a fine young rebounder down in the D League named Amir Johnson just in case the Pistons are interested in going anywhere this year in the playoffs.
lee357, flint, mi