[NBA.com]
Hamilton, Prince rally Pistons past Bucks (http://www.nba.com/games/20060331/MILDET/recap.html)
Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince scored 25 points apiece and Rasheed Wallace added 21 and 10 rebounds as the Pistons rallied from an 18-point third quarter deficit to post a 112-105 triumph over the Bucks, who wasted a 37-point performance by Michael Redd. [Video highlights included]

Balanced attack leads Patriots past TBirds (http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20060331/ABQFAY/recap.html)
Detroit Pistons rookie Amir Johnson scored 21 points, while grabbing 10 rebounds and three steals, to lead the Fayetteville Patriots to a 106-89 win over the Albuquerque Thunderbirds in NBA Development League action at the Crown Coliseum Friday night. Five Patriots hit in double figures as Fayetteville improved to 15-30. Albuquerque dropped to 23-21 .... Johnson's Detroit teammate Alex Acker added 20. [Amir Johnson picture here (http://www.nba.com/dleague/)]

[Detroit News - Associated Press report]
McDyess rallies Pistons past Bucks (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BKN_BUCKS_PISTONS?SITE=MIDTN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT)
After trailing 65-47 in the third quarter, the Pistons tied the game at 85 early in the fourth on Antonio McDyess' jumper, then took their first lead of the game moments later. McDyess added four more points as Detroit went up 100-92 with 4:35 left.

"They went to him four or five times in a row, and when he makes that jump shot, it opens up everything else for them," Milwaukee coach Terry Stotts said. "He was effective and they took advantage." McDyess finished with 10 of his 18 points in the fourth.

[Detroit Free Press]
HE'S IN! Dumars to get Hall of Fame nod (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060331/SPORTS19/60401001/1051/SPORTS)
A team source confirmed Friday night that Dumars’ name is included in the 2006 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class, which will be formally announced Monday in Indianapolis during Final Four festivities.

[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
Motor City Mettle: Detroit shows poise in comeback (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=412567)
Said guard Mo Williams: "We made them earn it tonight. I'll guarantee you they're tired. But they turned it up and made it a game on their home court. They picked it up and made some plays. They're a championship-caliber team.

"They're poised. They know what they want to do. They been in situations before and we're still learning. We only play a few big games a year. It's ironic how at the end of the game, who always hits the big shot? They know what they want to do and they know how to get it."

[Detroit Bad Boys]
More Big Ben contract talk (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/)
More of the same regarding Ben's imminent resigning, from Chris Sheridan's ESPN chat today. [Note: you can also see a write-up on Sheridan's chat and a larger story about sports agents in general at the excellent truehoop.com.] (http://www.truehoop.com)

One more: a great recap of Championship #2 (http://www.detroitbadboys.com)
I know we've been bombarding you with nostalgia this week, but allow me to provide you with one more link. The Basketball Hall of Fame has an amazing recap of the Pistons 1989-1990 season.

[Bucks Diary]
Pretty good isn't good enough for Bucks (http://bucksdiary.blogspot.com/)
At power forward Rasheed Wallace manhandled rookie Andrew Bogut. At times it appeared Wallace was playing defense against Bogut with a tennis racket in his right hand. Bogut couldn't shoot over him, and wasn't really creative when it came to conjuring some alternative approaches. Thus, he was overwhelmed. Wallace stamped "Return to Sender" on several of Bogut's rather weak shooting efforts. Joe Smith couldn't correct the situation either, as he was completely outplayed by Pistons reserve Antonio McDyess. At the center position, Jamaal Magliore had another awful game, and Dan Gadzuric was no factor at all.

Bogut, Wallace and Detroit's "Bad Boys" (http://bucksdiary.blogspot.com/)
To set the record straight with the authors of the DetroitBadBoys blog, in a recent post I did not compare Bogut in anyway to the present day Rasheed Wallace. They are not comparable, obviously.

[Detroit News]
Pistons put Bucks back in their place (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060401/SPORTS0102/604010429/1004/SPORTS)
The Milwaukee Bucks aren't exactly the second coming of Larry Bird's Celtics or Michael Jordan's Bulls. But they are still a decent NBA team - one that will almost certainly find themselves in the Eastern Conference playoffs in a few weeks.

That means the Detroit Pistons had to stay awake for almost two entire quarters to beat them.

Dumars immortalized as Hall of Famer (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060401/SPORTS0102/604010430/1004/SPORTS)
"It is long overdue because of what Joe has meant to the game, and I'm not talking about on the court," Chauncey Billups said. "He wasn't just important to Detroit, he was important to the whole league. People with his class don't come around very often."

NBA Notebook (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060401/SPORTS0102/604010400/1004/SPORTS)
Maybe it's because the reward is a first-round matchup with the Detroit Pistons, but nobody seems to want the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Philadelphia 76ers are in eighth place, but have done little lately to strengthen their spot. Then again they haven't needed to, because the teams chasing them haven't capitalized.

[Detroit Free Press]
Pistons wake up in 4th (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060401/SPORTS03/604010367/1051/SPORTS)
Bucks guard Michael Redd scored 41 points the last time he visited the Palace this season, and he wasted no time reestablishing that pace. He finished with 37 points, scoring 24 in the first half.

"There's nobody else in the game who shoots the ball like that," said Tayshaun Prince, who led the Pistons with 25 points and three blocks. "Off-balance and the ball's not hitting any rim. Sometimes when he shoots it, you don't even want to look at the rim because it'll go in."

Pistons Corner: Bell ringing in NBA (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060401/SPORTS03/604010345/1051/SPORTS)
Bell has started five games this season, filling in for injured starter T.J. Ford, who could return to the starting lineup tonight. But whatever his minutes -- he's averaged 21 this season -- Bell is happy to take them.

[Booth Newspapers/MLive.com]
With eye on playoffs, Pistons seek improvement (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1143803437224040.xml&coll=1)
"With us, we're just trying to keep on improving so that we're at the top of our game come playoff time," said Antonio McDyess. "That's what we're concerned about, just trying to keep on getting better."

Blakely radio notes: Bench, rebounding keys to playoff run (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_fcpress/archives/2006_03.html#126898)
ASB: I honestly think that the Mavericks would be a much tougher matchup in the Finals. If the Pistons meet the Spurs, I think the Pistons win that series regardless of whether they have home court or not. In my opinion, Detroit is better on both sides of the ball.

[Need4Sheed]


Dyess Shines In Pistons Win Against Bucks (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/04/dyess-shines-in-pistons-win-against.html) *VIDEO*

It was an uphill battle at Palace last night. The Bucks started the game on a 15-0 run forcing the Pistons to play from behind most of the game. Michael Redd was on fire hitting almost everything he threw up, but despite his 37 point the Pistons pulled it out in the fourth quarter to beat the Bucks 112-105.


[Detroit Bad Boys]


Report: Joe Dumars is a Hall of Famer (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=430)

We'll deal with last night's schizophrenic win over the Milwaukee Bucks later, but at the moment we can't think of anything more important to Piston fans than Joe Dumars being named to the Basketball Hall of Fame. The good news was reported yesterday in the Detroit News and reiterated by George Blaha and Bill [...]

Bogut-Sheed II (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=431)

A rebuttal of sorts from the Milwaukee Bucks Diary:
To set the record straight with the authors of the DetroitBadBoys blog, in a recent post I did not compare Bogut in anyway to the present day Rasheed Wallace. They are not comparable, obviously. I don't think the post even implied that they were, to be [...]

Pistons poach Bucks in the fourth (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=432)

Just like the last time the Pistons played the Bucks, Michael Redd put on a show Friday night, putting the Bucks in position to win until the Pistons used their veteran savvy to pull out a last-minute victory. Redd, who previously scored a career-high 42 points in his last game against Detroit, scored 37 on [...]

[Detroit News]
Dumars joins game's greats (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060402/SPORTS0102/604020317/1127)
Joe Dumars is going to Springfield, Mass., to be immortalized. Dumars, the Pistons' president, has been elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Pistons Notebook: Billups: It's not about the MVP (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060402/SPORTS0102/604020326/1127)
The truth is, if Billups was able to vote for the MVP, he might pick Nash. "If it's not going to be me, it has to be him," Billups said. "He makes everybody on his team better. That's what the MVP award should be about. They have a defensive player of the year award, right? Well, they should have an offensive player of the year award, too, and a separate award for MVP."

[Detroit Free Press]
Dumars headed to the Hall (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060401/SPORTS03/604010369/1051)
A team source confirmed Friday night that Dumars' name is included in the 2006 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class, which will be formally announced Monday in Indianapolis during Final Four festivities.

Pistons Corner: Bell ringing in NBA (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060401/SPORTS03/604010345/1051)
Flint native Bell rolled into the Palace on Friday night as a starting point guard for the Milwaukee Bucks. And he knew how to make an entrance. Bell scored 18 points, hauled in 10 rebounds and threw 13 assists in a Bucks victory Tuesday.

[Booth Newspapers/MLive.com]
Pistons won't let high-scoring Suns dictate play (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1143934811120630.xml&coll=1)
One would never confuse driving around a few blocks in the neighborhood with racing in the Indianapolis 500. So you can understand why the Detroit Pistons aren't the least bit delusional about the fact that, despite playing recently against high-scoring teams like Dallas and Milwaukee, those experiences will pale in comparison to what they have to contend with today against the Phoenix Suns.

Dumars selected to Hall of Fame (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1143929407306680.xml&coll=1)
"Joe is a one of the classiest guys you'll ever meet," said ex-NBA and Michigan State star Steve Smith, a Detroit native. "He's always striving for greatness, and for him, it really doesn't matter who gets the credit. Just as long as the job gets done."

Pistons Weblog: A. Sherrod Blakely (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/weblog/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_pistons/archives/2006_04.html#127054)
Joe Dumars being elected to the Hall of Fame is a bit of a surprise. It shows that the people who are voting on this stuff are actually looking for more than how many points and assists a player tallies in his career.

Full-Court Press: Bucks marvel at Pistons' poise (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_fcpress/archives/2006_04.html#127056)
"That's the frustrating thing," Redd said. "We've played them tough every game and just come up short. I think it's their championship experience and getting tougher down the stretch that hurts us."

[Arizona Republic]
Suns lack Pistons' unity, rings (http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/0402nbainsider0402.html)
San Antonio may be the bar that the Suns aspire to reach, but Detroit's is set just as high.

"You're never going to find a starting five that's so close and knows each other on and off the court as much as these guys," said McDyess, who is averaging 12.1 points and 7.5 rebounds off the bench in the past 11 games. "We've got such a family atmosphere around here and everyone is so close that it makes you want to go out and play hard. It's so easy when you're on the court and know each other like we do."

[NBA.com]
Thunderbirds take down Patriots (http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20060401/ABQFAY/recap.html)
The Albuquerque Thunderbirds rode a 15-3 third-quarter spurt – along with an impressive performance by point guard Tierre Brown – to break open a close contest and beat the Fayetteville Patriots, 103-88, in D-League action at the Crown Coliseum Saturday night .... [Alex] Acker led all scorers with a professional career-high 31. [Amir Johnson 13 points on 4-5 FG shooting, 4 rebounds, 6 turnovers]

[Need4Sheed]


Pistons Read To Achieve (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/04/pistons-read-to-achieve.html)

The Pistons teamed up with Fox 2 Detroit, Rock Financial and others for The Read to Achieve book donation drive for students in need of proper literacy resources. The Palace collected books at Pistons home games in the month of March. For more information on how you can help click here (http://www.nba.com/pistons/community/readingmonth_060302.html). Here is the Fox 2 TV commercial for the program featuring Lindsey Hunter and Richard Hamilton.


[Detroit Bad Boys]


Quotes about Joe Dumars (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=434)

Joe Dumars is often a man of few words, at least when it comes to talking about his own ability or accomplishments. It's a testament to his character, however, that so many other people are willing to speak about him. Here are some of the words used to describe him from the first wave of [...]

[Detroit Bad Boys]


Pistons stare directly at the Suns early, still see the bucket late (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=435)

I've decided to do a service to sports writers covering the Pistons by providing a generic introduction that apparently can in used almost every game recap the rest of the way:
The Pistons allowed the hot-shooting [insert opponent here] to take a commanding lead on [insert day of game], at one point trailing by as [...]

[CBS Sportsline]
Pistons storm past Suns to clinch East's No. 1 seed (http://cbs.sportsline.com/nba/gamecenter/recap/NBA_20060402_PHO@DET)
"This is the third of our five steps, but this one might be the most important of the first four, because of the 2-2-1-1-1 format in the conference finals," Detroit coach Flip Saunders said.

.... Detroit expects to be without Rasheed Wallace on Tuesday at home against the Hornets. Wallace is subject to a one-game suspension for picking up his 16th technical foul. "I don't care about No. 16," Wallace said. "I'm just going to be cheering from home."

[nba.com]
Postgame Quotes (http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/PHODET_060402.html)
Flip Saunders ... on making adjustments in the second half:
"What was happening is that we were so concerned early about their perimeter shooting, we were guarding our man too close and we were giving them lanes. Protect the paint first, and get there and contest the shots second."

Chauncey Billups ... On the difference between the first and second halves:
"We changed up our scheme a little bit defensively and made them take tougher shots - contesting their shots once we got a little bit accustomed to how they played, because nobody in the league plays like that. Some teams are a lot of up and down, but nobody really plays it that well. Once we made our adjustments and changed our scheme a little bit at halftime, we started hitting some shots as well, and our defense picked our offense up, too."

[MLive.com]
Full-Court Press: Starters' consecutive streak nearly ends; Darko trade an "all-time player jacking" (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/)
According to the ABC NBA pregame show, Rasheed Wallace was late to the arena today due to the spring time-change. They also reported that because of the error, Wallace was going to be withheld from the starting lineup, ending the starters' consecutive game streak. But even though the PA announcer announced Antonio McDyess in the starting lineup, Wallace did start the game.

[The Oakland Press]
Nets could wind up helping Pistons (http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/040206/spo_2006040210.shtml)
It's nearly impossible to find anyone who does not foresee a Detroit-Miami rematch in the Eastern Conference finals. The late surge by New Jersey won't change that sentiment, but it could make the Heat work harder than expected to get there.

[azcentral.com]
Pistons pound Suns in second-half comeback (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0402sunsgamer-ON.html)
Public-address announcer John Mason included Wallace in the starting lineup, then after Saunders said he was not starting, Mason was told to say McDyess was starting. But with Wallace on the court for the tipoff, Mason was told to say Wallace was starting .... When Rasheed Wallace was charged with a technical, it got so testy that Mason was admonished by official Steve Javie for contorting his face. [Javie's a nazi. Give all the TV views a T, Steve--you know they deserve it.]

[Motoring]
A little bit of history repeating (http://pistons.mostvaluablenetwork.com/)
In essence, that was a replica of the Milwaukee game. Play good O all game, but completely flip the switch at the half defensively. These kind of things make me think they’re just toying with people during these last few games.

[Need4Sheed]


Chauncey Outshines The Suns In Pistons Win Over Phoenix (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/04/chauncey-outshines-suns-in-pistons-win.html)

Chauncey's 35 points helped The Pistons beat the red hot Suns 109 - 102 while clinching home court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Suns led at the half 63-49, which was the most points given up by the Pistons at halftime all year. The Suns didn't miss many shots in the first half but the Pistons clamped down on defense in the second. The Pistons trailed by as much as 17 in the first half and 16 in the third quarter before coming back and finally taking the lead 87-86 with nine minutes left in the fourth quarter and never looking back.

[Detroit Bad Boys]


Chauncey Billups is Clyde Frazier cool (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=438)

Chauncey Billups goes by the nickname "Smooth." How smooth is he? The Association is comparing him to Walt Frazier, one of the smoothest players (on and off the court) ever to play the point:
Growing up, I remember my dad always telling me how cool Clyde Frazier was. He told me the guy was a good [...]

Chuck Daly still in Zeke's corner (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=439)

When Chuck Daly speaks, Pistons fans listen. . . even if they think he's a little crazy. From the NY Post:
Daly, who coached Knicks president Isiah Thomas in Detroit, believes his former superstar point guard knows what it takes to build a perfect team, even giving him credit for helping Detroit construct its two [...]

[Detroit News]
Hall honors team player (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060404/SPORTS0102/604040304/1127)
Basketball legend Michael Jordan swears by Dumars, calling him and Dennis Johnson the toughest defenders he ever faced. Barkley and Wilkins said Dumars was the best all-around player on the Pistons -- even ahead of Isiah Thomas.

"The guys who played against Joe Dumars know he was spectacular," Wilkins said. "He was a workmanlike guy. But he was also a guy who could make you raise your eyebrows and say 'wow'. What he has done during his career and what he's done after his career has been pretty amazing."

"Joe Dumars was the best player on that team -- period," Barkley said.

Editorial: Basketball fame fits demure Joe Dumars (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060404/OPINION01/604040315/1127/SPORTS0102)
["Demure"? Somebody get an editor for the editorialist.] Detroit Pistons legend Joe Dumars has never really sought fame, but his on-court and off-court exploits ensured it would find him anyway. He is deservedly going into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Twist of fate (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060404/SPORTS0102/604040379/1127)
Here's a peek at Detroit's most likely first-round opponents.

Wallace suspended one game (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060404/SPORTS0102/604040339/1127)
Saunders said he would "more than likely" start Davis and not sixth man Antonio McDyess.

"There's a different temperament to being a starter than a guy that comes off the bench," he said. "When you are talking about something short-term like this, you don't want to get anybody out of their rhythm."

Alley oop to Carlos Delfino (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060404/SPORTS0102/604040367/1127)
"I go to the supermarket and get my own food. People ask me why I do that. I like to know what is in my food, and I do not want things that are bad. So I cook my own food. I like the pasta. But cleaning up, that I do not do very well. That's no fun."

[Booth Newspapers/MLive.com]
Inside the Pistons (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/11440590288480.xml&coll=1)
In their last three games at home, the Pistons had double-digit deficits to playoff-bound teams who needed a win a lot more than Detroit. In the third quarter of each of those games, the Pistons made it close and went to their go-to players in the fourth quarter to bring home the wins. To his credit, Pistons coach Flip Saunders seems to have settled on an ideal playing rotation for the fourth quarter. Specifically, he's using Antonio McDyess like a baseball manager would use a middle relief pitcher, and Ben Wallace finishes off games similarly to a closer. It's a formula that has been working extremely well lately. And chances are, it will continue to be effective when the playoffs begin later this month.

[DetroitPistons.com]
Dale Davis and Pistons to host charity pool tournament (http://www.nba.com/pistons/community/ddavis_060329.html)
Dale Davis of the Detroit Pistons will host a charity single elimination 8-Ball tournament on Saturday, April 15, 2006 at Slapsticks Billiards & Spirits in Clinton Twp. The event titled, “The Dale Davis Foundation & Detroit Pistons All-Star Charity 8-Ball Tournament,” will run from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The proceeds from this event will be used towards scholarships for Detroit area students. Slapsticks Billiards and Spirits is located at 35691 Gratiot Ave, Clinton Township, MI.

[New Orleans Times-Picayune]
Hornets look to shine on the road (http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-2/1144131288136570.xml)
"San Antonio's still the team to beat, they're the defending champions," Scott said of the team that beat Detroit in seven games in the 2005 NBA Finals. "But I think if anyone can beat them, it's Detroit. They're almost tailor-made for each other, both built on the defensive end, and they have interchangeable parts on offense. If they meet in the Finals, it's going to go to seven. And I'll watch every one."

[BlackSportsOnline.com]
The Top 50 Sexiest Athletes' Wives and Girlfriends We Forgot (http://www.blacksportsonline.com/rlwives.html)
We admit it, we left out some very attractive Wifeys on our last list [also included on the web page], but we have corrected the problem, by listing the Top 50 Sexiest Athletes Wives and girlfriends we missed the first time around, so sit back, relax and enjoy. [Rip, Chauncey, Sheed, Prince and Lindsey all make the list with their better halves. Maybe Ben, too, I stopped after a while.]

[Detroit Free Press]
Pistons Corner: Starting five altered with Rasheed out (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060404/SPORTS03/604040380/1051/SPORTS)
With Wallace out tonight, Davis is ready to play a larger role.

"I haven't really had a lot of opportunities to get out there and mix it up," Davis said. "It'll be good. The season is winding down, and I definitely want to get my timing back and play a little bit and hopefully be able to contribute during the playoffs."

An easy call to make: Dumars Hall of Famer (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060404/SPORTS03/604040589/1051/SPORTS)
Dumars couldn't hear a thing. He asked his barber, Willie Rowls, to be quiet. Then he got the news of a lifetime. And then he calmly resumed getting his hair cut.

[Blue Collar Blueprint - Eli Zaret]
Of Stars, Egos and Emotional Ties (http://bluecollarblueprint.typepad.com/blue_collar_blueprint/2006/04/of_stars_egos_a.html)
Hill may be one of the more selfless stars of this generation. His interests in art and charity give him character and depth well beyond the court. I think he’d be able to be a sixth man if it meant winning a championship and helping him soothe the pain and anguish six years of injuries has caused him. I find myself rooting strongly for this story to happen.

[Detroit Bad Boys]


Streak snapped at 73; Rasheed Wallace's suspension upheld (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=442)

Any hope the Pistons may have had that the NBA would rescind the ticky-tack technical foul issued to Rasheed Wallace on Sunday has been dashed: Stu Jackson, NBA Senior Vice President Basketball Operations, announced today that Wallace has been suspended one game for receiving his 16th technical foul. Wallace will miss Tuesday's game against the [...]


100 Reasons (and more) to love Rasheed Wallace (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=443)

We got a little nostalgic last week reminiscing about Bill Laimbeer and the rest of the old school Bad Boys. But of the current Pistons, no player more closely embodies Laimbeer's attitude and spirit than Rasheed Wallace. Plus, long-time fans can't help but see the similarity in their games: they're both big men with three-point [...]

[Need4Sheed]


Kung Fu King Lindsey Hunter Shows His Skills (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/04/kung-fu-king-lindsey-hunter-shows-his.html)

If you were paying close attention you caught Lindsey Hunter showing off his Karate skills right before the tip off of the Bucks game. Now I almost missed this because I was at the game but a Need4Sheed reader wanted to see it again and brought it to my attention. This is a good one, even Dyess thinks Lindsey is nuts. The Pistons are truly a close knit bunch.

Micro: Hilarious Video.

[The Oklahoman]
You gotta register to read


Hornets visit Detroit as race gets intense (http://newsok.com/article/1805893/)
By Darnell Mayberry

DETROIT - The race for eighth intensifies tonight as the top two contenders for the Western Conference’s final playoff spot begin their remaining schedules against two of the league’s best teams.

The Hornets, just two games out of the eighth seed, start their final 10 games with a road game against the league’s best team, the Detroit Pistons. The Sacramento Kings, currently in the eighth spot, have eight games left, beginning with tonight’s road game against the Dallas Mavericks, the league’s third best team.

“We’re still looking at other teams and what they’re doing,” Hornets coach Byron Scott said. “We got to keep pace. I think our guys - it took them 70-something games - but they understand that we can’t have a letdown.

[Fayetteville Observer]
(Better late than never - a more substantial article on the Pistons' D-Babies)

Patriots end 4-game slide (http://www.fayettevilleobserver.com/article?id=229966)
The two Detroit Pistons rookies returned to their parent club during a break in Fayetteville’s NBA Development League schedule for some physical therapy and training. They came back to the Patriots with a vengeance Friday, combining for 41 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and four steals in a 106-89 victory over the Albuquerque Thunderbirds at the Crown Coliseum.

[Pistons.com]



FSN SPOTLIGHT - Chauncey Billups (http://www.nba.com/pistons/features/fsndetroit_spotlight_cb.html)
Premiering Sunday, April 9 at 10:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.
Check local listings

Be sure to tune in to FSN Detroit this Sunday, April 9 at 10:00 p.m. (EDT) to catch the next SPOTLIGHT on Pistons guard Chauncey Billups.

Excerpts from the show:

Billups on his "other" sport as a youth:
"Actually football was number one for me. I love football, man I love football. The only reason I got into basketball was I needed something to do when it wasn't football season. I needed something to do, so I started to play basketball and I just fell in love with it. I played both for like three or four years and then I just quit playing football all together and focused all my attention on playing basketball."

Billups on why he wore uniform #4 in high school:
"It was because of Joe Dumars. I just loved Joe Dumars' game. Magic (Johnson) was my favorite player that I like to watch, but my favorite backcourt was always Isiah and Joe. I wore number 4 because like I said, it had a lot to do with Joe and how he played the game, just so graceful, just so respectful and you never (saw) him out of character out there. And I just think we're similar in that way sometimes."

** Pistonsforum.com registered members, click *here* (http://www.pistonsforum.com/calendar.php?do=addreminder&e=156) to get an automatic email reminder that this show will be on. You must be logged into your account to use the link provided.



[The Salt Lake Tribune]


No clear-cut choice for top individual honor
The NBA MVP Race
(http://www.sltrib.com/sports/ci_3670327)by Steve Luhm

A heated race in the NBA is coming to a boil.

No, not the less-than-crowded scramble to reach the Finals in June.

Only three or four teams have a legitimate chance to do that, and anything other than a rematch of last year's championship series between San Antonio and Detroit will be a surprise.

A much closer race involves as many as 10 viable candidates for the Most Valuable Player award.
~

[Detroit News]
Pistons reach 60 (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060405/SPORTS0102/604050426/1127)
APRIL 5 - Spooky things were everywhere at The Palace Tuesday night. The bathrooms flooded in lower parts of the arena, sending small rivers of water flowing through corridors and banishing the Hornets from their locker room. Dale Davis started because of Rasheed Wallace's suspension, thereby stopping the 98-game starting streak for the customary five. The Pistons, normally very careful with the basketball, became turnover-happy. And Antonio McDyess set a scoring high as Piston.

In the midst of all this oddity, the Pistons beat the Hornets 101-93 for their 60th victory of the season. The Pistons are closing on the highest victory total in club history, set by the 1988-89 team that finished 63-19.

Pistons are too busy winning to think about history (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060405/SPORTS08/604050345/1127/SPORTS0102)
If the Pistons win their final eight, they will finish 68-14. That mark would tie them with the 1972-73 Boston Celtics for the fourth-best record in history. One loss would give them the fifth-best mark. Michael Jordan's 1995-96 Chicago Bulls posted the all-time best at 72-10.

McDyess thrives off bench (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060405/SPORTS0102/604050413/1127)
McDyess finished with 26 points, the most in his Pistons career, and 14 rebounds. He played 37 minutes, just short of his season high of 38.

[Detroit Free Press]
Pistons hold off Hornets (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060405/SPORTS03/604050461/1051/SPORTS)
The 101-93 win over the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets at the Palace on Tuesday night was the Pistons' 60th this season. Not since the 1989-90 championship season has Detroit won at least 60 games -- and there are still eight games to play.

At halftime, 'The Calm' brings ease to concerns (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060405/SPORTS03/604050396/1051/SPORTS)
"When we go into the locker room at halftime, we won't be down, we won't be frustrated," forward Tayshaun Prince said. "We won't be down at all. We won't be nothing. We're like, 'All right, let's go out there and see if we can pull this out.' "

The coaches, plus team president Joe Dumars and vice president John Hammond, meet together in one room, while the players sit in their lockers and talk about those first 24 minutes.

Dive into the NBA's No. 1 rivalry: Pistons-Heat (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060405/SPORTS03/604050393/1051/SPORTS)
Thursday is the final time the Pistons and Miami Heat square off in the regular season, but just about everyone thinks the teams will meet again in the playoffs -- potentially in a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference finals. The Pistons have locked up the East's top seed and the Heat is holding the No. 2 slot.

Pistons Corner (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060405/SPORTS03/604050386/1051/SPORTS)
Dumars said the best comment he has heard so far came from his 15-year-old son, Jordan, who said, "Well, I guess you were good."

Whom do the Pistons want to face in Round One? (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060405/SPORTS03/604050399/1051/SPORTS)
The top-seeded Pistons open the first round of the playoffs against the eighth seed in less than three weeks. Potential first-round opponents, with seedings through Monday.

[Booth Newspapers]
Minus Rasheed, McDyess sparkles in Piston win (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/114423181872260.xml&coll=1)
McDyess, who already had a season-high 19 points by the end of the third quarter, finished with a game-high 26 points to spark the Detroit Pistons' 101-93 victory against the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets on Tuesday night. It was the 60th victory of the season for the Pistons.

Saunders pleased with Davis' play (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/114423182972260.xml&coll=1)
With Rasheed Wallace sidelined with an automatic suspension due to having accumulated 16 technical fouls this season, Davis was inserted into the starting lineup for Detroit's 101-93 victory against the Hornets. Davis, who had averaged just five minutes per game in his 21 previous appearances this season, played 23 minutes, scoring four points and getting five rebounds.

"Dale did a nice job. He helped us defensively and scored some in there," said Pistons coach Flip Saunders. "I thought for the first time with extended minutes, he did a lot of positive things for us. We'll continue to play him."

[New Orleans Time-Picayune]Hornets tank chances; winning streak ends (http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-2/114421709499410.xml)
AUBURN HILLS, MICH. -- If there was ever a harbinger that the Hornets would soon go in the toilet, it was at halftime. Down six at the Detroit Pistons, they walked into their locker room -- which was flooded with toilet water.

In their 101-93 loss to the team with the NBA's best record, the Hornets flushed away their chances in the third quarter, and entered the fourth trailing by 13.

[Need4Sheed.com]
No Need4Sheed in Pistons' 60th win (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/04/no-need4sheed-in-pistons-60th-win.html)
I am now officially on my Dyess for sixth man of the year campaign. Now I know this is probably not going to happen but I just want a little more attention called to Antonio's great play, then maybe the refs can give the guy a break on the foul calls. Antonio never seems to get any calls go his way. You would think he was a rookie by the way all the calls go against him. Respect for McDyess I say! [Includes new McDyess desktop wallpaper.]

[Detroit Bad Boys]
Question: Why would a team lose on purpose? (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/)
Ian mentioned in jest the possibility of the Pistons dropping a game on purpose to help the Hornets into the playoffs and push Ron-Ron and the Kings out. Of course it's ridiculous to think the Pistons would do that, but Mark Cuban has thought of a scenario in which an NBA team might want to lose a game.

Previous topics:
The buzz before tonight's matchup with the Hornets; Joe Dumars sees himself in Chauncey Billups; How do you split nothing?; Darko does Disney: a Magic fan's perspective; 100 reasons (and more) to love Rasheed Wallace [That one's an oldie but a goodie -- highly recommended. - Ed.]

[Sporting News]
Billups pops Nash's MVP balloon (http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=79092)
BLOG - MICHAEL DEUSER
I say you don't deserve to win the MVP if you can't play your best game and lead your team to victory against your primary competition for the award. Too bad the rest of the Pistons are so good, or Billups would win the voting in a landslide after this performance. No one has ever accused Billups of being a lockdown defender, but playing against Nash makes him look like Ron Artest and Ruben Patterson put together.

The East's first round could see four sweeps (http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=79252)
BLOG - SEAN DEVENEY
Suppose the Pacers continue their 2-7 slide and wind up out of the playoffs .... You'd have to give the Pistons, 4-0 against Chicago this year, a pretty good shot at a sweep.

[Palm Beach Post]


Heat don't expect Williams to play for remainder of season (http://www.palmbeachpost.com/heat/content/sports/epaper/2006/04/05/0405heat.html)
The Associated Press

MIAMI — The Miami Heat do not expect to play point guard Jason Williams in the final eight games of the regular season, so he can rest his sore right knee.

Williams has been bothered by tendinitis in the knee for much of the season. In his place, Gary Payton is expected to start at point guard for the Heat, who are trying to secure the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Heat coach Pat Riley said Wednesday that surgery is not an immediate option, but cautioned that it may be needed in the offseason. Riley said he was confident the rest will allow Williams to return for the first round of the playoffs.


[South Florida Sun-Sentinel]



Riley gives wake-up call (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketball/heat/sfl-heatnote05apr05,0,3075942.story?coll=sfla-sports-heat)
Coach keys on power game, holding lead
by Ira Winderman

MIAMI · Substance, not style, is the goal for the balance of the season.

For two hours Tuesday morning, Pat Riley's focus at the Heat's shootaround was returning his team to its power roots.

"To get our overall collective game in sync and clean up some things offensively, get back to really understanding what kind of team we are, which is a power team that attacks," Riley said before his team faced the Bucks at AmericanAirlines Arena. "We haven't done that for a while, really.
.

[Detroit News]
Pistons stay cool with Heat (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060406/SPORTS0102/604060319/1127)
Pistons coach Flip Saunders said he doesn't think his players are focusing on Wade's offensive outburst in Miami. "Last time he was here (in Detroit), he didn't (score)," Saunders said, laughing. "So that will be in his mind, too. It should be a good game. (It's a) nationally televised game, coming down the stretch, they're going to want to win so they can split the series.

"We'll go down there with the idea of being competitive and continue to play some different lineups, more guys."

A Palace coup for Pistons: Their ratings top the the Red Wings' (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060406/SPORTS08/604060348/1127/SPORTS0102)
Ratings trends indicate the Pistons have surpassed the Wings. Up until the lockout season in 2004-05, the Wings traditionally outdrew the Pistons on FSN Detroit. The disparity was often large, as many as four ratings points in favor of the Wings.
Now, the Pistons are averaging 6.0 for the regular season, while the Wings are at 4.7.

[Detroit Free Press]
Pistons Corner: Plenty of reasons to beat the Heat (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060406/SPORTS03/604060600/1051)
There might not be anything tangible on the line, but when the two top teams in the East play, it means something. Every time. Just ask Chauncey Billups.

"It's nothing," Billups said. "Nothing really, just trying to win."

And then, in the next breath ... "We gave a game away when we went down there last time," he said. "So we just want to go down there and try to get it back."

[Booth Newspapers]
Saunders' first priority for Pistons is staying healthy (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1144318206202440.xml&coll=1)
Saunders has made it clear that his No. 1 goal -- more than setting a franchise record of victories in the regular season or even home-court advantage through the playoffs -- is staying healthy and keeping fresh over the final eight games.

This doesn't diminish the Pistons' desire to win the game, since they're still as hungry as ever. However, it does reveal just how much the Pistons are willing to lay on the line to get that done. "I don't know if it'll take any buzz away because we're trying to win, don't get that all twisted," said guard Chauncey Billups. "It's going to be a playoff game, regardless of who's out there playing."

[Miami Herald]
Williams shut down for remainder of regular season (http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/basketball/14274415.htm)
.... The Heat is 2-11 against other division leaders, with the wins against New Jersey and Detroit. Wade rescued the Heat in that Pistons game Feb. 12, scoring Miami's final 17 points, including the winning basket with 2.3 seconds left, to help overcome a 13-point deficit.

Walker said tonight's game is "psychological for people that don't believe we can beat them in a seven-game series.''

Israel Gutierriez Blog: Falling apart (http://blogs.herald.com/miami_heat/)
First it was Mourning's calf injury. Then James Posey and Jason Williams miss games with usage injuries. Then we learn today that Jason Williams is going to shut it down until the playoffs, in hopes that it helps him stay healthy for the playoffs (they're basically crossing their fingers), and Udonis Haslem even has a partially separated left shoulder, which he plans on playing through, but who knows how it could affect him.

I know there are still a couple weeks before the playoffs, but none of these things can help the team prepare for the games that really matter.

[Palm Beach Post]
Ira Winderman Blog: JWill Won't (http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_basketball_heat/)
While Riley said he would consider adding an additional ballhandler, options are limited. With the Heat already at the roster limit of 15, such a move would require waiving a player, such as Earl Barron or Jason Kapono.

The Heat could possibly bring back guard Gerald Fitch, who was with the team until the Feb. 23 trading deadline. But because Fitch was released by the Rockets on March 13, he would not be playoff eligible. The list of playoff-eligible point guards on the free agent market is limited to the likes of Mateen Cleaves, Anthony Goldwire, Travis Best and Kenny Anderson, with some of those already committed to overseas teams.

[NBA.com]
Pistons past Heat (http://www.nba.com/games/20060406/DETMIA/recap.html)
With their sixth consecutive win, the Pistons (61-14) moved three games ahead of the idle San Antonio Spurs for the best record in the NBA and home-court advantage throughout the postseason. Meanwhile, the Heat (49-26) now are just 2 1/2 games ahead of the surging New Jersey Nets, who defeated the Charlotte Bobcats, 113-102, earlier Thursday.

Are You There God? It's Me, Flea [Blog Excerpt] (http://www.nba.com/blog/blog43.html)
... the pistons are so good because detroit needs them
god's gift to detroit is the pistons and aretha franklin and george
clinton and united sound and motown

[Miami Herald]
Pistons beat undermanned Heat (http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/basketball/14283080.htm)
The Heat missed all 10 of their 3-point tries, were outrebounded 42-40 and had only their two stars manage more than six points.

Detroit won the season series 3-1 over the team it beat in last year's Eastern Conference finals, and has won nine of 14 matchups between the clubs since the start of last season.

Israel Gutierriez Blog: Fresh perspective (http://blogs.herald.com/miami_heat/)
I thought Derek Anderson had great things to say about the Heat's troublesome patterns against the Pistons. Here's what he told me about whether or not Thursday's game meant something, if you didn't read it in the paper:

“You don’t just click it on and say, ‘Yeah, we can beat you when we want to.’ You’ve got to find a way of beating people and you have to change things .... I don’t know, from a coaching standpoint, what he would like to do. I can’t justify what I think is right either. But something has to be different when these guys continually beat us.”

[South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Heat is overwhelmed by Pistons (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-heatspec07xapr07,0,6865262.story?coll=sfla-sports-front)
No, this Heat team is not good enough to defeat the Pistons. Then again, this Heat team isn't likely to advance to the Eastern Conference finals for a rematch.

Shorthanded, short from the 3-point arc and too short to contend with Detroit's length, the Heat fell 95-82 Thursday night at AmericanAirlines Arena to finish 1-3 in the season series against the Pistons.

Pistons 95, Heat 82 (http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_basketball_heat/)
- Did the Heat go for the wrong former Kentucky Wildcat at the trading deadline, taking Derek Anderson from Houston instead of Tony Delk off the waiver wire?

- If Michael Doleac can't defend in the paint, and makes taking charges the key to his interior defense, then why not more of Wayne Simien, who at least stands as a threat on the opposite end?

- Antoine Walker made his 12th start, but hardly displayed the wherewithal to succeed at this level, shooting 3 of 11 with just four rebounds.

Skolnick: Heat's offseason acquisitions haven't caught fire this season (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-skolnick07apr07,0,6933052.column?coll=sfla-sports-front)
The idea was to become more versatile offensively, less reliant on the two superstars .... The idea was to diversify enough to keep rolling if Wade or Shaquille O'Neal got injured .... The idea was to acquire a more consistent, dangerous, fearless third option, to present more challenges to other contenders, specifically Detroit. Yet, Thursday the team lost for a third time in four tries to the Pistons, dropping to 2-12 against division leaders, down from 5-7 last season.

So, so much for all those ideas.

[Detroit News]
Intense Pistons smother Heat (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060407/SPORTS0102/604070310/1127)
"It's like playing poker, you don't want to show your hand too early," [Saunders] said before the Pistons executed a convincing 95-82 victory Thursday night over the rival Miami Heat in front of a sold-out house at AmericanAirlines Arena.

"On the other hand, once the game starts and we see 'Miami' across the front of their jerseys and they see 'Detroit' across ours, the competitive juices start flowing."

[Detroit Free Press]
Detroit 95, Miami 82: Grace under fire (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060407/SPORTS03/604070469/1051)
One thing the Heat must solve is the Tayshaun Prince riddle. Prince scored 20 for the Pistons on Thursday.

"He's their biggest problem in playing against us," Billups said. "He's a nightmare. He's a matchup nightmare."

Pistons Corner: Is MVP best player, or from best team? (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060407/SPORTS03/604070403/1051)
"I think it should be the best player in the league," Billups said. "And I think Kobe Bryant is the best player in the league. That's the way I always looked at the MVP award."

Lately, Milicic's play has been respectable (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060407/SPORTS03/604070424/1051)
Tonight will be just another chapter in one of the most bizarre NBA draft tales ever. The way this deal has gone, we can expect Darko to score 30, and the Pistons to win by 40, which would prove Dumars right and wrong, all at once.

[Detroit News]
Intense Pistons smother Heat (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060407/SPORTS0102/604070310/1127)
"It's like playing poker, you don't want to show your hand too early," [Saunders] said before the Pistons executed a convincing 95-82 victory Thursday night over the rival Miami Heat in front of a sold-out house at AmericanAirlines Arena.

"On the other hand, once the game starts and we see 'Miami' across the front of their jerseys and they see 'Detroit' across ours, the competitive juices start flowing."

Pistons Notebook: Heat have somehow avoided a fine mess (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060407/SPORTS0102/604070309/1004/SPORTS)
Rasheed Wallace, coming off a one-game suspension for reaching the limit on technicals, could only shake his head that those comments went unpunished. "That goes to show you who's running the league," he said. "Let me say something like that and they would probably try to blackball me out the league again."

... "I told you all (that he could play) but you didn't want to listen," Rasheed Wallace said of Milicic. "You all thought I was full of it. But I told a lot of people that all Darko needed was some time and he couldn't get it here because he was playing behind me, Dyess (Antonio McDyess ) and Ben (Wallace). Darko is all right."

Chauncey Billups, sitting a couple of chairs over, said with a laugh, "I wish we would have played Darko instead of you."

To which Wallace replied, "Yeah, and I wish we had Chris Paul as our point guard."

[Detroit Free Press]
Detroit 95, Miami 82: Grace under fire (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060407/SPORTS03/604070469/1051)
One thing the Heat must solve is the Tayshaun Prince riddle. Prince scored 20 for the Pistons on Thursday.

"He's their biggest problem in playing against us," Billups said. "He's a nightmare. He's a matchup nightmare."

Pistons Corner: Is MVP best player, or from best team? (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060407/SPORTS03/604070403/1051)
"I think it should be the best player in the league," Billups said. "And I think Kobe Bryant is the best player in the league. That's the way I always looked at the MVP award."

Lately, Milicic's play has been respectable (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060407/SPORTS03/604070424/1051)
Tonight will be just another chapter in one of the most bizarre NBA draft tales ever. The way this deal has gone, we can expect Darko to score 30, and the Pistons to win by 40, which would prove Dumars right and wrong, all at once.

[FloridaToday.com]
Motoring right out of Detroit (http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060407/SPORTS/604070332/1002)
"For these three years they killed almost everything in me," Milicic said, referring to the Pistons. "I never got a chance to play. I'd work every morning knowing that I wouldn't get a chance to play at night. That was a killer."

"... It was tough, but I learned through it and now this is the best for me," he said. "... It was a nightmare for me, knowing every night that I wasn't going to play. I'm happy I'm out of there."

[Need4Sheed]


A Few Sheedisms For Thought (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/04/few-sheedisms-for-thought.html)

For those of you who don't get to catch many games in person I would like to point out a few things that the camera sometimes misses.

Rasheed has a new habit of wearing two headbands during warm-ups one placed normally and one a bit askew, that he takes off before tip off.

Rasheed Wallace on Quite Frankly With SAS UPDATE (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/04/rasheed-wallace-on-quite-frankly-with.html)

Rasheed Wallace on Quite Frankly With SAS UPDATE
I just received an update email for the Rasheed Wallace's appearance on Quite Frankly.

Friday, April 7th at 11pm ET

Set your TiVo's we are only hours away from our Need4Sheed.

The Heat Not Hot Enough For The Detroit Pistons (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/04/heat-not-hot-enough-for-detroit.html)

How do you beat a team that has five of its players in double figures? For the Heat the answer is, you don't. The Pistons beat the Heat in Miami 95-82, and are now three wins away from breaking the franchise single-season win record. Tayshaun and Sheed both scored 20 in the Pistons win at Miami. Rip added 19 and Chauncey struggled a bit going 4-10 with 14 points.

[Orlando Sentinel]



Arroyo, Milicic face ex-team
The 2 former Pistons are playing key roles in the Magic's 2nd-half turnaround.
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-magic07a06apr07,0,4700415.story?coll=orl-magic)by Brian Schmitz

Armed with the NBA's best record, the Detroit Pistons are heading into another championship chase. Armed with college scouting reports, the Orlando Magic are heading toward another draft lottery.

In the football vernacular, maybe their meeting tonight at TD Waterhouse Centre passes as the Magic's "bowl game."

Mostly, game No. 75 carries emotional significance because of Carlos Arroyo and Darko Milicic. They will face the Pistons for the first time since they were traded by Detroit a day after Valentine's Day.

Neither player left brokenhearted.

The Magic have a good vibe going and trace it to the acquisitions of Arroyo and Milicic on Feb. 15.


[Palm Beach Post]



Pistons' message: No Wade
(http://www.palmbeachpost.com/heat/content/sports/epaper/2006/04/07/z1c_heat_0407.html)by Chris Perkins

MIAMI — There's one certainty about a Miami Heat-Detroit Pistons game — as long as the Heat has guard Dwyane Wade, it has a chance to win.

So in another emotionally charged matchup between the teams most consider the best in the Eastern Conference, the Pistons again took Wade away from the Heat in the fourth quarter — and with him Miami's chance for victory.

Detroit defeated Miami 95-82 Thursday at AmericanAirlines Arena to take the season series 3-1. It was also the second time this year Detroit has held Miami to 82 points, its second-lowest total of the season.

"When we play this team we just have to do everything right," said center Shaquille O'Neal, whose team has now lost five of its past nine games.

[Slam Magazine - The Links]
The Links - Friday, April 7 (http://slamonline.com/links/04032006/)
With about 5 minutes left, I started thinking about how everyone says Detroit is so hard to beat cause they have two incredibly clutch free throw shooters, and all around big shot makers in their backcourt. Not only did they both deliver as usual, but Rasheed drilled an open three, Tayshaun was left alone and hit an open jumper, and just for good measure Big Ben blocked a shot with the win in hand. Rip’s shot came off 8 screens, draining what Kevin Harlan called “THE DAGGER!!!” but my favorite play was Chauncey’s three ...

[Detroit News]
Orlando ends Pistons' win streak (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060408/SPORTS0102/604080434/1004/SPORTS)
"We wasted the first half. We came out in the second half and tried to fight and claw to get back into the game. Once we got back into the game, they made big plays," Ben Wallace said. "When you play like that sometimes it gets you in the end. This was one of those nights."

Hamilton misses game in Orlando after death in family (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060408/SPORTS0102/604080346/1004/SPORTS)
Hamilton flew home to Tulsa, Okla., for the services directly from Miami, where Detroit beat the Heat 95-82 Thursday night.

[Detroit Free Press]
Magic 89, Pistons 87: Conjuring up twists, reunion (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060408/SPORTS03/604080363/1051/SPORTS)
Pistons coach Flip Saunders said that both Wallaces told him they couldn't go in the final minutes.

After the game, Ben Wallace said he's not injured. Rasheed admitted he felt some back spasms but said he'd be good and ready to see the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.

Pistons Corner: Milicic reborn in Orlando (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060408/SPORTS03/604080346/1051/SPORTS)
He has a smile almost every day, and just his game speaks for himself," said Carlos Arroyo, his Magic teammate and fellow former Piston. "You can tell he's having a great time."

[Orlando Sentinel]
Staying alive: Nelson's late baskets give Orlando slim playoff hopes (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/local/orl-magic0806apr08,0,2440938.story?coll=orl-sports-headlines)
Nelson's 20-foot jump shot tied the game at 87 with 42.4 seconds left. It was his first basket since he made a lay up with eight minutes, 26 seconds left in the opening quarter.

Then, Nelson, 5 foot 10, made a difficult 12-foot fade-away over the long arm of 6-foot-9 Tayshaun Prince with 6.5 seconds remaining for the deciding basket.

[NBA.com]
Patriots top Dazzle before record crowd (http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20060407/ROAFAY/recap.html)
fter holding a double-digit lead for most of the game, the Fayetteville Patriots almost let it slip away before settling down and closing out the Roanoke Dazzle, 115-106, in NBA Development League action at the Crown Coliseum Friday night. The Patriots marked the final home game of the season by celebrating Fan Appreciation night and Erik Daniels didn’t disappoint the record number of fans, posting 27 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and handing out six assists.

Acker finished with 23, Johnson had 19 and Rickert hit for 18. Both had a pair of blocks and Rickert had a pair of steals as well.

[Fayetteville Observer]
Decision time nears for the Patriots (http://www.fayettevilleobserver.com/article?id=230401)
“We’re moving the revenue needle a little bit, and we’ve drastically reduced our cost factors from year one of the operation,’’ DeMoss said. “But you’re still looking at a business plan that’s running at a loss. So they (D-League) have to look at it from the standpoint of what is their tolerance for loss and how much more can they move the revenue needle.

“I think a local owner could do that (increase revenue) probably more dramatically than I can.’’

[Booth Newspapers]
Darko and Magic top Pistons, 89-87 (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/113637301189040.xml&coll=1)
Former Pistons Carlos Arroyo and Darko Milicic became the latest ex-Detroit players to exact some type of revenge against their former team, as both played well against the Pistons - and even more significant, they helped the Orlando Magic hold on for an 89-87 win.

"I didn't think it was going to be kind of weird, but it (was)," said Arroyo, who had 10 points and two assists. "I love those guys and I miss them. They were great teammates."

Pistons Notes (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1136387402220460.xml&coll=1)
Arroyo's floor game was instrumental in the Magic holding on for an 89-87 win over Detroit. In addition to a solid floor game in the first half, Arroyo also came up with a couple of huge plays - a jumper and a steal which led to a lay-up - in the fourth quarter.

Thoughts on DPOY (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/weblog/)
I think too many people focus WAY, WAY too much on steals and blocked shots when they think about the best players on defense. I also take into account how well a team limits opponents scoring, along with how well they limit opponents shooting from the field.

If you have a dominant player who stands out defensively, and his team plays great defense, chances are his play has something to do with his teammates also being solid defenders. That's why, for me at least, this is going to once again come down to Ben Wallace and Bruce Bowen.

[Detroit Bad Boys]
More Miami aftermath; inflatable Ben is everywhere! (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/)

[Need4Sheed.com]
New Rasheed Wallace wallpaper;
Wallace Foundation Gala & Auction honoring Joe Dumars April 21 (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/)

[Believing in Magic]
Deja vu: Magic pull out another close one in beating Detroit (http://magic.mostvaluablenetwork.com/game-recap/deja-vu-magic-pull-out-another-close-one-in-beating-detroit/)
This is the second game in a row in which the Magic won the game in the final minute as they beat Milwaukee on Wednesday. Not only that, but this is the third game in a row in which the Magic have beaten a playoff-caliber team. Last Friday, they beat the Dallas Mavericks.

[The Sporting News]
The real question: Can Miami's D stop Detroit? (http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=80644)
It seems that folks consistently ask the wrong questions. How will the Pistons stop the Heat's offense? What will they do with Shaquille O'Neal? How can they contain Wade? Will they double-team? Will they use a zone? Doesn't matter. The question that should be asked: How can Miami's defense slow down the Pistons?

.... Wade has been very poor defensively. The Pistons took advantage of it Thursday.

[The Oakland Press]



Cheery Darko faces old friends
(http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/040806/spo_2006040812.shtml)by DANA GAURUDER

ORLANDO, Fla. - Darko Milicic has spent the past six weeks ripping Pistons management and coaches for not playing him. But he holds no grudges against his former teammates. In fact, he wants them to hoist another championship banner.

"When I get a chance, I check on what's going on in Detroit," said Milicic, who was traded to Orlando in February. "They're a great team. Š I liked to be around the guys. They're a bunch of good guys in Detroit. That's why they have the best record in the league. I'm wishing for another championship, because they deserve it."


Sluggish Pistons fall to Orlando
(http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/040806/spo_2006040807.shtml)by DANA GAURUDER

ORLANDO, Fla. - Viewers of the latest Pistons game might have thought they were playing an exhibition Friday night.

Richard Hamilton was not in the lineup. Darko Milicic played during the fi rst quarter. Rasheed Wallace and Ben Wallace didn't play in the closing minutes of a tight game while Dale Davis and Jason Maxiell filled in under suspicious circumstances.

The oddest twist of all came in the end. The downtrodden Orlando Magic beat the mighty Pistons, 89-87, at the TD Waterhouse Centre. Detroit trailed by 15 at halftime, rallied to take the lead in the fourth quarter, then lost on a 12-foot fadeaway by Magic guard Jameer Nelson with 6.5 seconds remaining.


[Daytona Beach News Journal]



Nelson's helps keep Magic hot at home
(http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Sports/NBA/sptMAG01040806.htm)by KEN HORNACK

ORLANDO -- It might have come too late in the season for it to really matter.

It might have come at the expense of Hedo Turkoglu.

And it might have come against what could qualify for a split-squad version of the Detroit Pistons.

But the Orlando Magic weren't about to be too picky Friday night after Jameer Nelson's 12-foot fallaway jumper over Tayshaun Prince with 6.5 seconds remaining gave them an 89-87 victory, their ninth consecutive win at the TD Waterhouse Centre.


[Lakeland Ledger]



Magic Nip Pistons; Turkoglu Injured
(http://theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060408/NEWS/604080420/1011/SPORTS04)by Dick Scanlon

ORLANDO -- Hedo Turkoglu was carried off the floor Friday night after the Magic's 89-87 victory over the Detroit Pistons.

But it wasn't because of his heroics. Turkoglu made 10-of13 shots and scored a gamehigh 26 points for the Magic, who won their ninth straight home game before a sellout crowd of 17,283.

When the game ended, Turkoglu was lying face-down on the floor, having injured his right knee. It dampened the celebration of the Magic's biggest victory in a long time.


Pistons' Delk Soars
(http://theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060408/NEWS/604080421/1011/SPORTS04)by MARC LAZZARE

ORLANDO -- The Detroit Pistons were feeling the effects Friday night of not having star shooting guard Rip Hamilton, who missed the game against Orlando because of an illness in the family.

Still, the Pistons may have found a diamond in the rough through the shooting stroke of Tony Delk. Despite missing two potential game-tying free throws, Delk finished the night with 18 points.

"It's definitely good to see Tony getting comfortable out there," said Chauncey Billups. "We were missing guys tonight, so it was important for other guys to step up. I thought Tony played great for us tonight."
.

[Detroit News]
Ben Wallace flips out at Saunders (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060409/SPORTS0102/604090344/1127)
On Friday night, Ben Wallace snapped. With 7:57 left in the fourth quarter of a 89-87 loss in Orlando, and the Pistons trailing by eight points, coach Flip Saunders took Wallace out of the game. Wallace was clearly peeved. Never mind that he had played all 15 minutes of the second half to that point, he stormed to the end of the bench uttering a torrent of unprintables directed at Saunders.

[MLive.com]
Full-Court Press: Pat Riley continues to complain; what happened to Kelvin Cato? (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/)
"I think that it affects Shaquille [O'Neal] and Dwyane, but they have to be above it," Riley said. "We are the hunters, and sometimes the hunted get certain privileges and liberties."

[NBA.com]
Flame top Patriots for team's first playoff berth (http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20060408/FAYFLA/recap.html)
After a rollercoaster ride through the 2005-06 NBA Development League regular season, the Florida Flame earned the first playoff berth in team history with a 107-95 victory over the Fayetteville Patriots on Saturday night .... Fayetteville was led by Amir Johnson, as the 6-10, forward/center on assignment from the Detroit Pistons tallied a double-double with game highs of 25 points and 14 rebounds. [Alex Acker had 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Check out the final stats (http://www.pistonsforum.com/d-league-patriots/1736-johnson-acker-fayetteville-13.html#post24601) assembled by FreshPrince22.]

[Booth Newspapers]
Reserves get a chance in place of missing starters (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/114457743597660.xml&coll=1)
The NBA is constantly changing, but the Detroit Pistons' starting five has been the one constant -- until last week.

After an NBA-record 73 consecutive games with the same starting unit, the Pistons had to use a different group of starters in each of the last three games.

[Detroit Bad Boys]
Ben Wallace on the Inflatable Defender (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/)
The Miami Herald's Israel Gutierrez caught up with Ben Wallace recently. What do you think he asked him about? The budding Pistons-Heat "rivalry?" What it's like for a 6-8 defender to guard Shaq? Wallace's chances to repeat as Defensive Player of the Year? Nope. Gutierrez asked about something all of us have been talking about lately — the Inflatable Defender.

[Motoring]
Strategic substitution locations (http://pistons.mostvaluablenetwork.com/)
That was … a loss to the Magic. But with the Spurs dropping a game to the Mavs and the fact that Davis and Maxiell both got crunch time minutes, I’m not too concerned. The Pistons are technically three games up on the Spurs because of the head to head wins with six games remaining.

[Need4Sheed]
New Chauncey and Rip wallpaper (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/)

[Detroit News]
Wallace, Pistons energized in blowout (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060410/SPORTS0102/604100367/1127)
"Every time I step on the floor, there is no question why I am out there," he said. "I play to win. I don't want to settle for being a good team. I want to reach greatness. None of this was ever given to me. I had to work for everything I've got and I am going to continue to work.

"I just want to help my team win and if I feel like I am not getting the opportunity to do that, I feel like I am cheating the team."

Rob Parker: Ben Wallace vents and Pistons listen,and both move on (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060410/SPORTS08/604100363/1127/SPORTS0102)
If anything, what it showed is that this team is human. Things have run so smoothly around here that you almost think the players are robots.
In reality, everybody can't always be with the program all the time.

Disharmony isn't a bad thing, especially if a player can put his teammates on notice and use it as motivation.

Pistons Notebook: Pacers' season is fading fast (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060410/SPORTS0102/604100366/1127)
Stephen Jackson, who led the Pacers with 15 points, would only say, don't blame him.

"I haven't got any answers," he said. "I am out there busting my butt. My guy (Richard Hamilton) was 5-for-12. Everybody on this team needs to be accountable for their actions -- players and coaches." [Classy - especially when his guy was coming back from a funeral.]

[Indianapolis Star]
Pacers four games under .500 after loss to Pistons (http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060409/SPORTS04/60409003/1088)
Several players said they can't remember being on a team that's as low as the Pacers are right now.

"In this world there's talkers and there's doers," O'Neal said. "We're just talking. That's all we are, a talking team. I don't understand it for the life of me."

Pacers wish they faced Pistons' lone problem (http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060410/SPORTS04/604100370&theme=)
Wouldn't it be nice if the only thing the Indiana Pacers had to worry about was staying focused while preparing for the playoffs?

That's one of the few concerns Detroit Pistons coach Flip Saunders has with his team during its remaining games. The Pistons have already wrapped up the Central Division title and home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs.

[MLive.com]
Full-Court Press: Rip talks about his mask; Ben Wallace may want out of Detroit; Ben Wallace doesn't regret protest (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/)
Richard Hamilton had a segment on the ABC pregame where he talks about his trademark mask. In the short vignette Hamilton, along with Lindsey Hunter and Dominik Hasek, impersonate movie characters and famous athletes ranging from Darth Vader, to Napoleon Dynamite, to Randy Moss. It really is a must see. Thanks to Natalie over at Need 4 Sheed for posting this. [Meanwhile, don't worry about the second article quoted. Chicago sportswriter Sam Smith makes a regular practice of inventing superstars who "may" be available for the Bulls. In Sam's world, why wouldn't everybody be clamoring for the Second City? Pure BS, but it will get lots of play. Count on it.]

[Detroit Free Press]
Pistons dismantle Pacers (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060410/SPORTS03/604100372/1051/SPORTS)
The first half followed the usual script when these two defensive juggernauts and division rivals meet. The Pacers led, 20-19, after 12 minutes.

But from then on, the Pistons outscored the Pacers, 79-53. The Pacers, who have lost seven of eight and are clinging to the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, looked ready to jump in its bus and drive right out of the playoffs for good.

Big Ben doesn't regret tantrum (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060410/SPORTS03/604100370/1051/SPORTS)
The two talked after the Magic game, and Saunders said there's a multitude of things that likely built up frustrations in Wallace. But the biggest source of Wallace's angst is his usual complaint: he deeply believes that if he is not an active part of the offense, the team's chances of winning plummet.

[Booth Newspapers]
Ben Wallace leads the way in Pistons' rout of Pacers (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1144663807314010.xml&coll=1)
Wallace, coming off a two-point, five-rebound effort against the Magic on Friday, hasn't been happy with what he's seen recently. While the Pistons have been praised for their success this season, Wallace has sensed that the team wasn't playing championship-caliber basketball.

"I play to win. I don't want to settle for being a good team," said Wallace, who had 22 rebounds Sunday. "I want to reach greatness."

Inside the Pistons (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1144663854314010.xml&coll=1)
Who's hot: Tony Delk reached double figures scoring in each of the last four games, averaging 14 points per game while shooting 59.5 percent from the field.

Who's not: Maurice Evans has missed eight of his last 12 shots from the field.

[Detroit Bad Boys]
Rivalry no more: Pistons win a laugher over plummeting Pacers (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/)
Rather than a simple "scoring punch", which the Piston bench has readily provided in recent weeks, Tony Delk, Lindsey Hunter, and Antonio McDyess practically knocked the Pacers out themselves. Each saw the floor for 20+ and finished in double figures in points. And prepare yourself, because I'm going to utter a few words that rarely are used in combination (especially by me): Lindsey Hunter shot the lights out today. There, I said it.

[Need4Sheed.com]
The Mask - Starring Rip Hamilton (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/)
This has got to be one of the best clips that any network has run on The Detroit Pistons. During the pregame show of the Pistons - Pacers telecast ABC ran a story on Rip and his mask. If you haven't seen it you're in for a treat, if you have I know your going to watch it again. This one is a Detroit Basketball classic.

[Hoopsworld]


Motown Soundtrack: Motor City is burning (http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_16902.shtml)
by Adriano Albuquerque

In a week that saw the Pistons’ streak of consecutive games with the same starters end, the press dug deep to find the flaws in Detroit’s preparations towards the playoffs. The truth from what was seen throughout the week is that the Motor City has nothing to worry about: it’s all fine, and getting revved up.

Ben Wallace’s much-publicized refusal to re-enter the game against Orlando last Friday was not by any means something to worry too much about. While the press made a huge fuss about it, wondering where the center’s heart is, Body came out on Sunday and showed just what he’s about, having one of his best nights of the season.


Running with the Bulls: The Motor City Model (http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_16884.shtml)
by Joel "Brigs" Brigham

Only one other team in history has been able to do what the Chicago Bulls have done this year: make a playoff push and hope for a high lottery pick at the same time. The other team to be blessed with such a privilege was the 2003 Detroit Pistons, who made a significant run in the postseason that year and ended up with the #2 overall selection in that summer’s draft.

The Bulls are looking significantly less lucky of late.
.

[Detroit News]
Three reasons Pistons can win, or lose, the NBA title (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060411/SPORTS0102/604110378/1004/SPORTS)
"Winning a championship is the only thing that matters to all of us. All the other stuff is just things that have happened along the way to get us there." ?

Indeed, the goal is singular, but there are multiple reasons why -- or why not -- the Pistons will have success in the postseason.

Wallace's intentions were right (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060411/SPORTS0102/604110371/1004/SPORTS)
The general consensus was said probably said best by Chauncey Billups: "We're all grown men in here. Nobody is worried about any of that."

They understand Wallace's frustrations, and they understand the point he was trying to make. They understand Wallace's pride, determination and will. The things that make him a great player also make him a bit stubborn.

Playoff roster takes shape (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060411/SPORTS0102/604110325/1004/SPORTS)
Saunders has said he would prefer to use an eight-man rotation in the playoffs. Thus, at this point, the three primary reserves would be Antonio McDyess, Delk and Hunter.

That's not to say Evans and Delfino won't play. Certainly there will be situations -- foul trouble, match-up issues, etc. -- where they will be pressed into duty. The same is true for Dale Davis, who is expected to play a significant role should the Pistons face Cleveland, Miami or San Antonio.

Stick a fork in the Pacers (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060411/SPORTS0102/604110372/1004/SPORTS)
Fake leaders and fake tough guys. Not-ready-to-win players. That's what I see with the Pacers.

They have quit on Rick Carlisle. That seems obvious given their performances the last two weeks, especially their awful showing at The Palace on Sunday.

Alley oop to ... Greg Kelser (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060411/SPORTS0102/604110370/1004/SPORTS)
It was my rookie year with the Pistons (1979), and we were playing the 76ers in Philly. I was able to turn out of the post, elevate over the top of Dr. J (Julius Erving) and Caldwell Jones, and put one down over both of them at the same time.

Joanne C. Gerstner's Top 5 (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060411/SPORTS0102/604110364/1004/SPORTS)
It's a sign of consistency and proficiency, and yes, a little flashiness. Winning an NBA scoring title means a player has been a scoring force all season. The top five ...

Slam dunks (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060411/SPORTS0102/604110375/1004/SPORTS)
... Michael Sweetney of the Bulls finally took a charge. He had not taken one in high school, college or pro until a week ago, when he stood his ground against Wally Szczerbiak. His teammates reacted as if he'd hit a shot to win a game.

"Yeah, I saw how excited they got," Sweetney said. "They don't have to do all that standing up, making a scene. But it's cool. We have fun."

[Detroit Free Press]
Output of Delk, Hunter scores praise (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060411/SPORTS03/604110376/1051/SPORTS)
Saunders said he's pleased to see Delk's offensive aggressiveness, something that perhaps was missing before the team signed him in February after the Hawks waived him. And he likes the way Delk and Hunter switch roles from one play to the next.

"If one of those guys is being pressured more by a point guard, the other guy can bring the ball up and get you into an offense," Saunders said. "And they're both pretty good defensively. We pick up our defense, we get active, we force some turnovers."

[Booth Newspapers]
Hamilton not concerned with individual honors (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1144708812293910.xml&coll=1)
He's averaging 20.3 points per game and shooting 49.2 percent from the field -- both career highs. If he finishes as Detroit's leading scorer, he will become only the sixth player in franchise history to lead the team in scoring four consecutive seasons.

"Scoring, that's what I do," Hamilton said. "But as I've gotten older, my game has expanded. I can do more things than just score now, to help my team win."

Blog: Folks divided on Ben (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/weblog/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_pistons/archives/2006_04.html#129720)
For those who don't like what Ben did, you have every reason to feel that way. But you have to remember one thing. His sights aren't on pleasing fans, the media or his coaches for that matter.

Full-Court Press: Pistons, Wallace move on; Artest admires the Pistons (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_fcpress/archives/2006_04.html#129653)
Further assuring fans that it is a non-issue, Rob Parker has a column out today insisting that Ben Wallace refusing to come back in Friday's game has already blown over. Parker actually puts a positive spin on the whole situation.

Week 23 Power Rankings!


[ESPN]


http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/powerranking?season=2006&week=23


[SI.com]


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/marty_burns/04/07/power.ranks.0407/index.html

[PR Newswire]
Can Detroit teams become first ever to win the Stanley Cup and NBA Championship in same season? (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/04-11-2006/0004338152&EDATE=)
With the Detroit Red Wings (NHL) and Detroit Pistons (NBA) both sitting atop their respective league standings, Sportsbook.com odds makers have posted 7-1 odds on the Motor City becoming the first to lay claim to the rare double. Other cities in the mix, according to the odds makers at the world's largest online sportsbook and casino, are Dallas and New Jersey.

[Detroit Bad Boys]


It was bound to happen sooner or later? (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=466)

From the Onion via tedwick, DBB reader and frequent commenter:
"NBA Names New Foul After Rasheed Wallace"

What if the players voted for MVP? (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=467)

Percy Allen of the Seattle Times has a great idea for settling the MVP debate: locking the candidates in a room and having them vote on it:
Chauncey Billups: Hold up. This should really be a no-brainer. I'm doing the same thing Nash did last year and he got the trophy.
Wade: Yeah, and we all [...]

Detroit Bad Boys talks with David Wieme (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=468)

I had very few specific goals when I launched this site last October. At first, I spent most of my time scouring the internet to find the latest info on the Pistons, attempting to serve as a clearinghouse of information on the team for whatever readers came my way. I liked to inject a bit [...]

[Need4Sheed]


Rasheed Wallace On Quite Frankly With Stephen A. Smith (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/04/rasheed-wallace-on-quite-frankly-with_11.html)

As most of you know already I was lucky enough to attend the taping of Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith featuring Rasheed Wallace. My experience was something I will always remember and watching the episode makes me feel the exact same way that I felt when I was sitting in the studio audience.

**VIDEO INCLUDED**

[Detroit News]
Prince lauds King James (http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060412/SPORTS0102/604120388/1127)
"What he presents on the floor is unusual," Prince said. "He scores from so many different areas, points come easy to him; rebounds, points, all that stuff comes so easily, so natural to him. It's like no other."

[My favorite part is actually a typo at the end. Spot it and win a No-Prize.]

[Detroit Free Press]
Pistons Corner: Cavs' high-scoring LeBron makes MVP statement (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060412/SPORTS03/604120415/1051)
Sitting third in the NBA averaging 31.7 points, he has become nearly unstoppable the past 10 games, scoring more than 30 points in each one, including a streak of nine straight with at least 35 points.

Finally that has meant victories for the Cavs, who have won nine of those 10 games and are securely in the No. 4 Eastern Conference playoff position.

Still smiling (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060412/SPORTS03/604120428/1051)
There's no easy way to begin a story about a child with sickle cell disease. But Tony and Margie Delk agree there is a best way. Focus on the child, not the disorder.

Rosenberg: Punishing Big Ben not worth the risk (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060412/SPORTS03/604120419/1051)
"There is a lot written that there were no apologies," Saunders said. "I talked to Ben. Ben talked to me. Ben talked to his teammates."

Cavs aren't ready for grind that awaits (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060412/SPORTS03/604120433/1051)
"We're not into it," Billups said. "Because we know once we do get into it, it's a long grind. We've played until June the last two years, and that's long. That's three months. When it's time, we'll be ready."

.... Some good did come from Fayetteville. Acker said it was so boring there that besides shopping and eating, all he did was work on his game. And in the final five games of the season, he hopes to show Pistons fans some of the things he picked up.

Hot topics (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060412/SPORTS03/604120439/1051)
Ben Wallace's dust-up with Flip Saunders and teammates last week wasn't the first time he has ripped the team for poor play. But quitting during a game? Doesn't seem like the actions of a captain. Ugly chapter or genius tactic? We're leaning toward the former.

[Ever notice how, when one Detroit paper has lots of Pistons stories, the other paper follows suit the next day? Yesterday the News, today the Freep.]

[Cleveland Plain Dealer]
Lineup questions arise late for Cavs (http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1144831194135580.xml&coll=2)
Flip Murray has been outstanding since being acquired in a trade with Seattle on Feb. 23 and moving into the starting lineup 21 games ago. He's averaging 13.9 points in 37.5 minutes a game, and Cleveland is 15-6 when he starts. The Cavs were 18-10 with Hughes as the starting shooting guard, and he was averaging 16.2 points before he got hurt.

Brown, who gave his team Tuesday off, admitted he was hesitant about changing the starting lineup with things going so well.

[Fox Sports]
Video: Chauncey Billups on The Best Damn Sports Show, Period (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba)

Preview: Cavaliers at Pistons (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/preview?gameId=2006041208)
The Pistons are one victory shy of the 1988-89 team that finished 63-19 and won the first of back-to-back NBA championships. Detroit has already clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference, and is trying to hold off San Antonio and Dallas for the best record in the league .... Detroit has won 12 of the last 14 home games against Cleveland.

[Detroit Bad Boys]
27 (mostly bad) reasons not to like Michael Jordan (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/)
Tell us your reasons why we shouldn't like Michael Jordan — the more awesomely bad twisted logic the better! [ALSO: stories on Ben Wallace being the league's toughest rebounder, "Tayshaun'd" becoming part of the urban vocabulary, and a David Wieme interview that's pretty ho-hum until the Larry Brown part.]

[Pounding the Rock]
So you're saying there's a chance? (http://www.poundingtherock.com/)
.... The Spurs aren't beating a healthy Pistons team (and neither is any team in the Eastern Conference). I just can't see it. Just like last year when I couldn't see anyway PHX would seriously challenge the Spurs (and they didn't). SA will not have home court advantage; that alone infers they will have to play better than last year to beat DET. Then there's the fact DET has undoubtedly improved since last June. SA beating DET simply doesn't make sense. Does not compute. Undefined. Error. REENTER. [This is actually a Spurs blog, April 9 entry. Check out this entry and the follow-up from PO'd Spurs fans, including a priceless photo of the typical online blogger.]

[Booth Newspapers]
LeBron James even better than expected (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1144836608121340.xml&coll=1)
.... The Pistons are pleased with the NBA's decision on Tuesday to allow playoff rosters to be expanded. Teams can now carry 13-man playoff rosters (it used to be 12), although only 12 players will be eligible to play in each game. That means the Pistons can have rookie Jason Maxiell and Kelvin Cato on the playoff roster instead of having to choose between them. This gives them the flexibility to use Cato, who was expected to be left off the playoff roster, in case the Pistons play the Miami Heat and Shaquille O'Neal.

[SI.com]


SI Players Poll: Who is the toughest rebounder in the NBA? (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/players/04/11/poll.0411/index.html)



[Sports Central]



Game Wreckers: NBA Style
(http://www.sports-central.org/sports/2006/04/12/gamewreckers_nbastyle.php)by Robert Pelletier

Scouts can take the joy out of a game, for a coach, before it ever begins. The scouting report on the Detroit Pistons probably translates to something like this:
.

[Detroit News]
Take that, LeBron (http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060413/SPORTS0102/604130404/112)
When Cavaliers reserve Anderson Varejao grabbed Rasheed Wallace by the face and threw him to the court halfway through the second quarter, the beast was wide awake and breathing fire. If the Cavaliers wanted a playoff game, the Pistons would give them one.

Final score: Pistons 96, Cavaliers, 73. Statement, anyone?

.... "The message this sends to us is, we must be kicking their (butts)," Wallace said.

James is a star, but Billups proves he is a winner (http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060413/SPORTS08/604130411/1127/SPORTS0102)
"I've never been in a situation like this," said Billups, who had eight points and his standard assist-to-turnover ratio (eight to one). "It's unbelievable when you feel this way, thinking you'll win pretty much every time you step on the floor."

Hamilton finds playoff groove (http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060413/SPORTS0102/604130405/1127)
The Pistons have played much more zone and deployed more full-court traps the last four or five games, and they will continue to do so for the remainder of the regular season.

.... Once the Pistons clinch the overall best record and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs (their magic number is one), Saunders said he planned to activate rookies Amir Johnson and Alex Acker in at least one or two of the remaining games.

[Detroit Free Press]
That's a laugh: 63rd victory ties team record (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060413/SPORTS03/604130518/1051)
"We're trying to accomplish things," Pistons coach Flip Saunders said. "Playing a lot of people. Doing some things, playing some full-court pressure, play our bench. But always what happens, when you get in the heat of the battle, competitive juices flow, and our guys got juiced up a bit and really executed defensively and carried over the offensive end."

Pistons Corner: Hamilton cool with light load (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060413/SPORTS03/604130465/1051)
Hamilton missed the Pistons' game against Orlando on Friday, a Detroit loss, to attend the funeral of a family member. In the Pistons' blowout win over the Pacers on Sunday, Hamilton logged only 25 minutes and scored 12 points on 5-for-12 shooting. He scored 14 points in 27 minutes Wednesday against Cleveland. The last time he scored 20-plus points and played more than 40 minutes was March 31 against Milwaukee, when he netted 25 and played 41 minutes.

[Akron Beacon-Journal]
Cavs routed, James injured (http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/breaking_news/14329795.htm?source=syn)
The Cavaliers' experience against the Detroit Pistons Wednesday was as humbling as it was painful, both physically and mentally. Their hosts, the reigning Eastern Conference bosses, sent a profound reminder of the order of things.

If the Cavs had tasted a little pride after winning 11-of-12 games, the Pistons silenced them with a 96-73 whipping.

Even Pistons hate to see LeBron limp off (http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/14332317.htm)
Even though James and the Cavs loom as a possible second-round opponent for the Pistons, Prince didn't want to see James hobbling off the court and trying to keep weight off his left ankle.

"For one of our players, or any other player, this is an important time of the season and you don't want anyone to get hurt," Prince said. "You want them to try to help their team accomplish something. Hopefully, this is not too serious for the Cavs and he can get back healthy."

[Cleveland Plain Dealer]
Pistons put hurt on Cavs (http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1144917335304960.xml&coll=2)
Had this been a heavyweight fight, the Pistons would have won by technical knockout after a brief but intense scuffle between Rasheed Wallace and Anderson Varejao midway through the second quarter. The Cavs (47-31) had no fight left after Varejao was ejected.

The night went from bad to worse when James, who led the Cavs with 22 points, left the game with 1:46 remaining in the third quarter after falling and spraining his left ankle on a hard drive to the basket. Alan Henderson left early in the fourth with a dislocated finger on his right hand.

[Need4Sheed.com]
The Pistons, Not Just a Team They Are Family (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/04/pistons-not-just-team-they-are-family.html)
If you are a Pistons fan you must realize that this team, and especially this season is very special. On the verge of breaking the Pistons franchise winning record, clinching the best record in the NBA and getting ready for playoff dominance, sometimes we take this all for granted. What you are witnessing doesn't come along very often, so watch them, enjoy them, praise them, and thank them, they have made our city proud.

[Detroit Bad Boys]
Carlos Delfino habla Espanol (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/)
NBA en Español recently had Carlos create a series of captions for several humorous photos from around the league. Sounds like a great idea, right? There's only one catch; the captions are entirely in Spanish. (We're told that we should have known that, considering that it was done for NBA en Español.)

[YAYSports.com]
Detroit is arrogant (http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2006/04/detroit_is_arrogant.html)
If Krista Latham wasn't such a hot name, we'd probably have a thing or two to say about this, other than "Hey Krista - the Cavaliers are a professional basketball team, not a group of seventh-graders thrown together to be blessed by the presence of Detroit basketball."

[The Mighty MJD]
Some happenings in the Pistons/Cavs game (http://www.themightymjd.com/2006/04/13/some-happenings-in-the-pistonscavs-game/)
As you know, I’m a Pistons fan, but… I kinda respect what Varejao did. Earlier in the season, a Rasheed elbow split open Zydrunas Ilgauskas’ dome, and then he laughed in Z’s face when he tried to retaliate. I guess Varejao holds a little bit of a grudge. I like that. Nothing wrong with a hard foul to send a message.

Of course, the message wasn’t really well-received… the Pistons beat their ass, winning by 23. “Flip outcoached me and their players outplayed us on both ends of the floor,” Cavs coach Mike Brown said. “Even their cheerleaders did a nice job.” But it was a nice try, anyway, Anderson.

[Finally, this isn't quite relevant but check out the LeBron James picture here (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/). Remind you of the old Damon Wayans "Handi-Man" superhero? Yes, I thought so too.]

[Need4Sheed]



Pistons Blowout Cavaliers 96-73 (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/04/pistons-blowout-cavaliers-96-73.html)

The Pistons beat the Cavaliers last night to tie the all time franchise season win record at 63. One more win and the Pistons not only beat that record, but they will secure home court advantage throughout the playoffs, a goal they had set for themselves at the beginning of the season.


[Detroit Bad Boys]



Democracy trumps monarchy; King James falls (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=474)

So about last night's 96-73 win over the Cavs: put it out of your head. For whatever reason — whether it be the pressure of a supposed "statement game", the wear of playing at such a high level while winning 11 of their previous 12, or pure, tangible fear after Cavs reserve "Sideshow" [...]


Which is which? (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=475)

In no particular order, one of these pictures is an NBA player, one is a popular Simpsons character, and another is a former American Idol winner. Can you guess which is which?


Try not to bleed on the suit (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=476)

Pat Riley really doesn't like it when the calls don't go his way.


Carnival of the NBA (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=477)

The Basketball Jones is hosting the latest Carnival of the NBA — head on over to see a round-up of the best the basketball blogosphere has to offer. I guess this makes J.E. Skeets our favorite Canadian carnie . . .


Carlos Delfino vents his frustration (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=478)

Is there discord on the Pistons? First it was Ben in Orlando, now it's Delfino:
"I need to come in and shoot more, but I'm finding it very difficult to get used to the selfish mentality here.
"I prefer to pass the ball and here, if you enter for four or five minutes and don't score, [...]

[Detroit News]
Wallace: Records aren't a big deal (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060414/SPORTS0102/604140351/1127)
Wallace is the only player left from the 2000-01 team that had the last losing season for the Pistons. After four 50-plus win seasons, the Pistons have surpassed 60 and are one victory from setting a franchise record -- they can reach 64 victories tonight in Toronto.

"For the most part, we're not looking to go out and set records," Wallace said. "We just try to give ourselves every opportunity to win every game. When you do that, when you play hard every night, good things usually happen."

Rob Parker: Pistons know title is most important, not regular season (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060414/SPORTS08/604140319/1127/SPORTS0102)
If you were in that locker room following the Game 7 loss to the Spurs in San Antonio, you would know why this group was so focused this regular season.

The Pistons didn't want to be in that position again. They knew if the decisive game been at The Palace and not the SBC Center, they would be working for their third straight title now.

[Detroit Free Press]
Pistons Corner: 'Sheed must bleed' cries draw laughs (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060414/SPORTS03/604140414/1051/SPORTS)
"I laugh all the time because when we were in Cleveland they had signs all up talking about " 'Sheed must bleed,' " shooting guard Richard Hamilton said. "Every time we play them we always kind of mock it, but it's fun."

.... Delfino will likely represent his country in July, but he will not miss the Pistons' playoff run to join the Argentinean team early to train, as the report speculated.

[Booth Newspapers]
Pistons have just a little left to play for before playoffs begin (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1144955407232850.xml&coll=1)
The only goals left to accomplish are a franchise record for victories and a league-best record in order to get home-court advantage throughout the postseason. The magic number is one on both accounts and each can be reached with a victory in tonight's game at Toronto, or by beating New York, Milwaukee or Washington next week.

Full-Court Press: Detroit's toughest foe: themselves (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/weblog/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_pistons/archives/2006_04.html#130938)
It doesn't matter who they'll see in the playoffs. If this team plays close to their best game, there's not a team in the NBA that can beat them in a best-of-seven series. Not Dallas. Not Phoenix. Not even San Antonio, even with a healthy Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili.

[Toronto Globe & Mail]
Raptors question marks (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060414.wxraptor14/BNStory/Sports/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20060414.wxraptor14)
The 26-53 Raptors have three games left in the 2005-06 regular season. They will take on the powerhouse Detroit Pistons at the Air Canada Centre tonight, what will likely be their 11th consecutive loss. The Pistons are 63-15, the best record in the NBA.

The Raptors, who have not won since losing Bosh to a season-ending thumb injury on March 26, will also be without second-year forward Matt Bonner, who is through for the season with an ankle sprain.

[Fox Sports]
Grading the Eastern Conference Coaches (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5492820)
If it ain't broken, make it work even better. By opening up the Pistons' offense, and by shunning his predecessor's picayune nagging and shrill correctives, Saunders has restored the joy of playing. Aside from periodical bouts of boredom, Detroit has maintained its intensity throughout the season.

So far, so great. But how will Saunders react as the Pistons get deeper into the playoffs and the pressure mounts? Will he be able to make the miniscule adjustments that spell the difference between champions and also-rans?

Grade: A+

[Detroit Bad Boys]
The Gift of Magic: Pistons clinch best record (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/)
Ironic as it may seem, the Boys in Blue clinched tonight in large part due to the contributions of one Darko Milicic (ironic because it is the greatest contribution to Piston success Darko has ever offered). A couple weeks ago, we brought in a real-life Magic fan to educate us on how well the human victory cigar was adjusting to his new sunny locale. Just fine, thank you. Darko went for 14 points, 7 boards, 3 blocks, and a steal in tonight's matchup.

[Christian Science Monitor]
Who's best in the NBA? Let the debate begin (http://www.csmonit.com/2006/0414/p11s02-alsp.html)
Increased scoring isn't limited to Bryant, James, & Company. Offense is on everyone's mind after several seasons of ugly, jarring, and punishing basketball embodied by the Detroit Pistons' championship team in 2004. Under new coach Flip Saunders, the Pistons are averaging nearly four points more per game compared with last season, though they rank well below perennial scoring machines Phoenix, Dallas, and Miami.

[Kind of a suck article and mostly a superstar lovefest, but it was fun to include the Monitor after the likes of the Fayetteville Observer.]

[Detroit News]
James lifts Raptors past Pistons (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060415/SPORTS0102/604150443/1127)
Mike James thought Rasheed Wallace tried to mock the Toronto Raptors when he attempted a left-handed 3-pointer.

So James bit -- yes, bit -- his former Detroit teammate and had a career night.

.... Asked what his best line to Wallace was, James said: "I bit him. He grabbed me in a headlock and I bit him. It felt so good. I tried to pull some skin off him."

[Detroit Free Press]
Pistons' bench falls late (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060415/SPORTS03/604150365/1051/SPORTS)
More than anything else, the Pistons' objective was to return to Detroit healthy. Check that. But they're not coming home with a franchise record for wins in a season, although that seems to be OK with them.

"We got out of it what we wanted," Saunders said. "Our main guys played really well, especially in the third quarter when they turned the heat up. We worked on some of our trap defenses that were really effective. Then we gave our young guys some fourth-quarter experience."

Pistons Corner: Starters to get break; Maxiell gets more time (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060415/SPORTS03/604150344/1051/SPORTS)
Saunders plans to give his starters more rest -- but still maintain a rhythm. The coach said he plans to have the starters play around 20 minutes a game for the rest of the regular season. Saunders also wants to mix in some of the younger players, particularly rookie Jason Maxiell, with the veterans.

"He's had a great attitude," Saunders said. "He's improved a lot just because he's had to play against Ben and 'Sheed (Wallace) and those guys every day and I think he's a guy if we give him extended time, over a two- or three-game span, he'll produce."

[Booth Newspapers]
Toronto tops Detroit, 108-103 (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1144953624156860.xml&coll=1)
Richard Hamilton threw a lob pass from near half court that sailed well over Ben Wallace's head. Just before that, Rasheed Wallace launched an ill-advised 3-pointer early in the shot clock ... with his left hand.

"I knew it was time then to get him out," quipped Pistons coach Flip Saunders.

Full-Court Press: Cleveland/Detroit rivalry under a watchful eye (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_fcpress/archives/2006_04.html#131403)
"Yes, I do have some concerns in the event these two teams meet in the playoffs, given the fact that there has been some hard fouling on the part of both teams in the last three games played," Stu Jackson said on conference call Thursday. "I had a conversation with [Cavaliers General Manager] Danny Ferry on this subject."

[Toronto Globe & Mail]
Toronto ends skid by beating one of best (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20060415.RAPTORS15/TPStory/TPSports/)
Before a crowd 19,800, Toronto's fifth sellout of the season, the Raptors staged a gutsy fourth-quarter rally to score a 108-103 victory over the stunned Pistons.

[I bet you didn't know we were actually in a playoff game last night, did you? The Globe and Mail tries in vain to pretend this game was meaningful by noting that the Pistons' "embarrassment was complete" after the final Mike James free throws. Hogwash.]

[Detroit Bad Boys]
The Best of Grant Hill; A team of his own for Harper?
NBA talks to Cleveland about physical play (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/)
It's a slow day for news, but it's Friday and I imagine many of you are just itching for something to pass the time before you punch out. So, even though it's not particularly relevant to anything happening right now, let me present some highlights from the Grant Hill

[Need4Sheed]
Best Damn Sports Show Chauncey Interview (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/)
Chauncey Billups gave a great interview on The Best Damn Sports Show last week. With his upcoming appearance on Quite Frankly with Stephen A. Smith and his MVP attention, Smooth is getting the recognition that he so greatly deserves.

Another guest of the show was Billups cousin USC Running Back LenDale White, the show brought the two together for a quick segment and LenDale painted a great picture of his famous cousin.

[Fox Sports]
Raptors beat Pistons with a little help (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5507154)
If you were wondering how the Chris Bosh-less Raptors beat Detroit last night, consider this: Rasheed Wallace was taking left-handed treys in the second half, the Pistons rested their starters in the fourth quarter, and when Detroit had a chance to tie the game with 10 seconds left, Carlos Delfino actually tripped and lost the ball.

Was this a game that mattered, of course, Delfino wouldn't be anywhere near the rock in crunch time ...

Just wanted to take the time to thank Dobber for his efforts on posting these articles... it's one of the first stops of the day.... keeping us all in the loop.

Much appreciated bro :thumb:

[Detroit Bad Boys]


More NBA comics (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=481)

NBA czar David Stern says Seattle isn't interested in basketball, which begs the question, what is Seattle interested in?

The gift of Magic: Pistons clinch home court (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=479)

Gifts can come from the strangest of places. Take Thursday night, for example. Achieving the league's best record had been the stated goal of these Pistons since last season's game 7 loss in San Antonio, yet it was the all-of-a-sudden unbeatable Orlando Magic that gave the Pistons the gift of home court advantage [...]

Pistons lose scrimmage to Raptors (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=485)

The Pistons, playing their first officially meaningless game of the season after clinching the best record in the league, dropped a game to the Raptors on Friday night. Four of the five starters watched at least half of the game from the bench — Ben Wallace, who racked up five blocks in 28 minutes, was [...]

Delfino clarifies statements (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=486)

The Free Press caught up with Carlos Delfino to ask him about the interview published earlier this week in which he seemed to suggest he wanted to miss the playoffs to play for the Aregentia in the South American Championships:
The report said Delfino wanted to leave the Pistons during their playoff run. Delfino said [...]


[Booth Newspapers]


Rookie anticipate more playing time in Pistons' final 3 games (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1145139007253580.xml&coll=1)
by A. Sherrod Blakely

AUBURN HILLS -- The Detroit Pistons' remaining three regular-season games are against teams with losing records. Considering the Pistons have already clinched home-court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs, these games don't really mean a lot.


But don't tell that to guard Alex Acker, one of several Pistons rookies who should get quality playing time this week.


"I'm approaching this like it's my (NBA) Finals," said Acker, who has appeared in just three games this season. "If he (Pistons coach Flip Saunders) puts me out there, I'll be ready. I'm looking forward to these games."



[The Oakland Press]



Pistons Lite
(http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/041506/spo_2006041506.shtml)James leads Raptors over the reserves
by DANA GAURUDER

TORONTO - Pistons Lite made its debut Friday night. Get used to it for the next few games.

This slimmed-down version of the NBA's top team brings upon a variety of unusual sights. The starters sit and watch during close games in the fourth quarter. The defense comes with a few twists. Rasheed Wallace unveils his left-handed 3-point shot and rookie Jason Maxiell plays center with the game on the line.

With home-court advantage throughout the playoffs secured before they took the court, the Pistons downshifted into neutral and allowed their younger players to gain some experience. The bench couldn't hold a 10-point, fourth-quarter lead in a 108-103 loss to the lottery-bound Toronto Raptors. This was a game the Pistons probably would have won if the starters had remained on the court. But limiting their minutes and keeping them healthy is a higher priority than adding to their franchise-record tying 63-win total. Nine Pistons saw at least 20 minutes of action and no one played more than 28 minutes.


Maxiell getting more minutes
(http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/041506/spo_2006041508.shtm)by DANA GAURUDER

TORONTO - Jason Maxiell has been waiting for this chance all season. With home court throughout the playoffs clinched, Maxiell has his chance to make a big impression.

He's got a simple mission.

"That I can play with the big boys," said Maxiell, the team's firstround draft choice last June. "That's what I'm here to do, to show Flip (Saunders) I'm capable of running down the floor with the big fellas, bang down low and get my job done."

Stuck behind Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess at power forward, Maxiell played in just his 23rd game this season Friday night. Unlike some young players in his spot, Maxiell has maintained a positive attitude and continued to go all-out in practice.


[Hoopsworld]



Eastern Conference Playoff Chase (http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_16967.shtml)
by Eric Pincus