But Ernie, you're always such a bundle of cheerful joy around here!

I couldn`t disagree more.

We do spread the floor, however, it is puzzling to me why we do. Usually, teams spread the floor to create driving lanes to the hoop, we spread the floor to launch jumpers. CB is not the quickest PG in the league, but he can use his strength and intelligence to get to the hoop, at will IMO.

The Pistons usually have three players at the three point line at all times, if not there, at least 15-17 feet from the basket.

I do agree our offense is different with Rip. I am really feeling bringing Rip or Tay off the bench, however, I know that will never happen.

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"I`m shocked" The Low, on the Pistons game 2 win in the ECF at Boston.

quoting myself because i wrote this after the washington game...and i think the way stuckey played yesterday confirmed what i said. if he gets that jumper down *and* improves the way he finishes around the basket, look out.

The starting five is set, and I would be shocked if it changed at all this close to the playoffs. But IMO what would be just as good is if substitutions were made so that their time on the floor was staggered. With the exception of the first 6 mins. of the 1st quarter and the last 6 mins. of the 4th quarter, why not plan to constantly have around 2 bench guys on the floor?

What confuses me is when we don't sub till waaay late in the 1st quarter, and then repeat it again in the 3rd. Who says all of the starters have to be in to start the 3rd quarter?

I agree with some of your criticisms about the pick and roll defense, but I don't think your conclusion makes much sense. Phoenix did come in with a 7-game winning streak, and say what you will about the Shaq trade (I'm on record saying it was a bad move), but the Suns are still a legitimately elite team. No one should realistically expect to dominate them; a butt-whipping like the Pistons laid on them in Phoenix is a pleasant surprise that can't possibly happen on a consistent basis.

The 1st big who was showing on the screen-roll was not getting back in time to cover the 2nd bigs guy (after he rotated). Usually the defense works, but when the 1st big is slow or the PG is as good as Nash it doesn't work and looks horrible. I like this strategy better than just a medium / no show on the screen. Max does it great.

Perhaps control is a better word. There is no need for them to have to sell out to stop Nash from driving. They should be able to guard them straight up.

The NBA - Where grave depression happens!

Depression for you maybe.

The NBA - You've got the greatest athletes in the world playing the best sport ever invented. I love it!

Seconded.

I have been saying this for two years, but Flip is a hard head when it comes to making an adjustment like that. He would never change the starting line-up (except for an injury) thinkin that he might hurt an ego. Does not make any difference in my opiniopn who starts the 3rd qtr. If a bench player made a major impact in the first half, why not start him in the 3rd? I have seen other teams do it and it can disrupt your opponents halftime adjustment to open the second half. What irratates me more is when a starter plays the whole third qtr and then is winded when Flip puts him back in there late in the 4th. Dice seems to be worn down in crunch time in a few of those close games..