I respect and sometimes love how Low predicts debacles, collapses, and trends in undeachievement. May I remind everyone that it is much easier to look at these negative trends and predict the outcome. In other words it easier to be a pessimist as oppose to an optimist(much easier). I think a lot of us can find many reasons as to why the Pistons will lose this game and the series. It would be nice however if someone could observe postitive trends and in turn make more postive predictions in optimism. Anyone can be a doomsday prophet when things are going wrong, or if a team displays bad habits, how they will falter in the postseason. I know it is much easier to be negative in the anticipation of losing so you dont get let down, but this not the way to observe and percieve life, let alone basketball.

I just wish more of us could notice some of the things we actually did right in game 5 however few they are and explain how that could help us win game 6. That would be a nice change from "the sky is falling approach" all the time. Low, I think that you are vital to the sites identity but what I think we need right now is optimism and not chronic negativity. We should be trying our best to rally behind our team and display encouraging thoughts on how they could perform better more so then bash them repeatedly on the same deficiencies all the time. My 2 cents and the Pistons will get this game 6. You can take that to the bank.

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Rick Carlisle's statement after being defeated by 2004 Pistons "Detroit brings a Different level of Force."

I wish people could find some also. Feel free to please list some of those.

I don't accept checks or canadian coins.

Still think the Pistons win tonight, and we're all back to loving Flip as we should........This is a COMPLEX team to coach and Flip is the MAN......
Last year we thought they died on the vine against Cleveland, but they came back to win the last two and clinch the series. All we gotta do is win one of the last two..........Gonna do it tonight. Remember, we're not hearing any stories of dissent in the locker room, nor are we reading anything about the coach getting ready to sign with anybody. We're ok because the KARMA is still good............

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"Like in many situations, though, maybe some people don't understand the job you've done until you're gone," Flip Saunders

For those of you across the way, the current rate of exchg is around $1 USD = $1.12 CDN. Those Canadian coins are gaining in value!

Only if you're buying Beaver Tails with chocolate.........

I would do that if this team would address those deficiencies instead of telling me I don't' know what I'm looking at and that they "know what they have to do...they just have to do it...blah blah blah."

...or stop smirking at the camera every time they make things more difficult for themselves and and start off with that "Well...you know us....if it ain't rough..." crap.

..or better yet, not mail in two consecutive performances in closeout games because they figure they can just turn it on when they finally feel like winning.

As a matter of fact, last night I was watching games 2 and 4 of the '89 ECF between DET and CHI and the defensive effort and intensity would embarrass this current team into retirement. I've even had to sit through callers to Stoney and Wojo telling us they would take this team over the Bad Boys. WHAT???!!!! Are you F'in kidding me???

I would love to see Zeke and the boys put a major league arse whoopin on these half-assers with solid man to man D and none of this running 2 and 3 guys to wherever the ball is crap.

Instead of aspiring to live up to the legacy of those championship years, they win one title and act like they've put the old legacy to sleep and have taken over the reigns....not a snowball's chance in hell. Until these guys stop mailing in performances and letting teams up off the mat, they will not even be close to matching the history that Joe D and the boys left behind.

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Not crazy, I just don't completely buy in to the blame Flip only theory. The Pistons have played up and down since the RC days. Their act is getting tiresome. They were good enough to dial in for the first 7 games. It's more on the players than the coach IMO. They need to execute and Game 5 was a pathetic show of hustle and energy. I doubt Flip was standing around waiting for these guys to allow the Bulls to shoot at a 60-70% clip. I just don't understand motivating players who make $$$ money. If you are interested in doing a good job you do it irrespective of whether you like it or not. It's about personal pride and accountablity. Lot of the Pistons mistakes are fundamental issues i.e. not staying in front of their man due to lack of hustle, stopping ball movement etc.

If that were the case:

1) These guys wouldn't be having the problems they are. Joe D has provided this coach with all the tools to be successful (judging by two straight Finals trips with essentially this core of players), yet these guys NOW struggle with teams when they should be snapping their necks.

and

2) There would be no hall of fame coaches because any jackhole in a suit could get championships out of talented rosters. Good players only get you so far. You require a high caliber coach to put those players in the right position to succeed, highlight and take advantage of mismatches, and to properly motivate those same players at the correct times in order to maximize their talents and opportunities. You take that out of the equation, you have a great team on paper that consistently underachieves.

It's one of the points I've had to argue with Blazer fan for years because they kept trying to brag that they hadn't missed the playoffs in 20 years. As far as I'm concerned, SO WHAT. They NEVER won ANYTHING. They had a roster full of great players and never accomplished anything. Now, some fans might be happy with winning 50 games every year and storming into the 2nd round. But if that's all you have to look forward to, you're venturing into 90's Lions territory...competitive, but never actually a threat to do anything of note. Then, what's the point?

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Just because you have the talent, doesn't mean the players have the consistent attitude. Larry built on the RC's good foundation and had the benefit of Wallace being brought in. They played up and down with LB too. This up and down play has existed well before Flip arrival. CB said that it human tendency to loosen up with a 3-0 lead, not a direct quote but paraphrased.

You would never see Zeke or Joe D display this non-chalance in their heydays. They came out playing to win, doesn't mean they did. You can't coach effort. Ben for example always came out and worked hard, you couldn't blame his energy or effort. You can't say that about every one this team. More than ever before, it's a players league. I am not disagreeing with you about Flip's hand in all this. I think it's high time to start focusing on the players as they shown this behavior for a long time. They are one factor that has not changed.

All of your points are excellent........My feelings however, are........

1.) The Lions haven't won anything in 50 years, so they don't get a free pass from me for anything.

2.) The Pistons have won three championships in the last 19 years, so they get a free pass when things don't go exactly as planned.

3.) I really do think they've been competitive since RC and JD arrival, and that's all I need.

4.) They will not lose this series and we will all be back to rooting for our beloved Pistons.

5.) Your facts are well founded, and your knowledge is really strong.
I will remain optimistic till they actually lose a series.

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"Like in many situations, though, maybe some people don't understand the job you've done until you're gone," Flip Saunders