MJ attacked what the Pistons were, and that was Isaiah's team. I understand why cavorting with MJ wasn't cool in that locker room.

Joe was a great player, but a secondary piece on the Bad Boys. They did what they done because of the attitude and intensity that Laimbeer and Thomas brought to the team IMHO.

this could be roscoe, but i've always wondered if joe's laid back vibe wasn't an integral part of why such combustible and intense personalities as lamb and thomas (not to mention some of the incendiary supporting cast members) could keep the energy focused on hating the correct people. if so, then there'd be an argument for his being a primary piece, albeit a more backstage piece.....just a thought

I agree Prof. I remember watching the Pistons and I always took Joe for granted. But now I think he played a much larger role than most of us realize.

Its impressive how Lamb did not blow up the team when they failed for 2 years straight after 03. He tweaked a bit adding veteran guard Katie Smith.

Not sure about Lamb as an NBA coach as he may be too high strung but he could make it as a GM. His handing of the team has been very impressive.

You're right, Max. I was mad that the team wasn't changed a bit more drastically, but I was wrong. Laimbs thinks defense and rebounding wins. More often than not, it does.

I have not followed them too much but the team seems basically the same as in 03.

They are getting a lot less production from Cash and Riley but some of the other players like Nolan and Ford have improved. Not sure if Pierson was on the team before but she seems to be playing good off the bench.

There were some changes. If Dumars was the GM he would have traded 3/4 of the team by now.

To me it seems like a team based around the big 3 of Nolan, Ford and Smith. Kind of a talent drop-off after them.

Chat open for game 5, so members of this forum can celebrate together?
What time is the game anyway?

Chat is down, but if a handful of people want it, I will have it online in time for the tip tomorrow.

3:30 PM Eastern

Shock did something the Pistons couldn't do against the Spurs a year or so ago: Hold onto a fourth-quarter lead. Laimbeer's a winner, flat out. Sign him up Joe D.

Looks like Joe Louis Arena brought some good karma.

Memo to Sacramento: Don't mess with the D. The D is not to be trifled with.

Oh, what with ducking giant skillets and all, I'd totally forgotten they were to play tonight.


CONGRATULATIONS to the SHOCK! That's just great. I'm very happy for Bill and the gals. It seemed lost a few days ago. Well done! (Lately, I hate the words "well done"...wonder why)?

Bill L. = winner.