[Detroit News]
Hamilton searches for his rhythm (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060501/SPORTS0102/605010342/1127)
He watched again as Michael Redd scored 40 points on him and others. He saw himself struggling to find his rhythm, struggling to find any kind of space on the offensive end. He saw himself losing his composure with Redd and the officials.

The No. 32 in the Pistons uniform on that film was a player he didn't really recognize as himself.

Chris McCosky's Game 4 preview (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060501/SPORTS0102/605010375/1127)
"We gave up 124 points, man," Chauncey Billups said, with disgust. "That's a lot of points for a bad defensive team to give up. For us, and the pride we have, that's just not acceptable. We know that. I think you will see (tonight) a lot of things will be different."

Pistons Notebook: "We have to go to" Rasheed (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060501/SPORTS0102/605010374/1004/SPORTS)
"Usually when a play is working, we like to go back to it until teams find a way to stop it," coach Flip Saunders said. "But we got a couple of fast-break opportunities and butchered them. We made a concerted effort at one point to get Rip going and we sort of played out of character a little bit.

"There's no question that when you have a guy like Sheed, and he has it going, you have to maximize that hot hand as long as he's got it going."

[NBA.com]
Detroit Pistons Game Five Tickets on Sale Monday (http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/gamefivetickets_060429.html)
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - The Detroit Pistons announce that tickets for Game Five, Round One of their series against the Milwaukee Bucks, including 500, $12 tickets, will go on sale Monday, May 1, at 10:00 a.m. The Pistons will use a random numbering procedure to select the first person in line from those on-site, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The date of Game Five at The Palace is Wednesday, May 3. Game time is still to be determined.

[Associated Press]
Ford Shows Brilliance Against Pistons (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BKN_PISTONS_BUCKS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-04-30-19-32-51&reload=true)
... The Pistons, who allowed the Bucks to score more points on them than anyone since 2001, returned to their consistent plan - and practice schedule - after the uncharacteristic blow out.

"Same like it always is," Chauncey Billups said. "That's why we're so good. We don't really change, we don't press, we stay poised. They had a good game, you've got to give them a lot of credit."

[Racine Journal Times]
GERY WOELFEL: Pistons' Hamilton should sit out Game 4 (http://www.racinejournaltimes.com/nucleus/index.php?blogid=24)
“I definitely think he did it on purpose,’’ Redd said. “It (Hamilton’s elbow) was way up, way up. The film showed it all.’’

Asked if Hamilton should be suspended, Redd said, “That’s up to the NBA. I just play basketball. I know Larry’s talking to them (NBA officials) today.’’

[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
Doing the dishes (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=419909)
The formula for success has been pretty much the same all season for the Milwaukee Bucks.

When they have been at their best, they have passed the ball and gotten everyone involved. That tends to lead to better shots, which of course have a better chance of going in.

Pistons' sparkplug tunes up for Game 4 (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=419910)
Hamilton admitted that the injury has weighed on his mind a bit, and it has taken away from one of the greatest strengths of his game, his ability to move without the ball and work open off screens.

"I ain't moving like I usually move," he said. "I looked at that when we watched tape today. It was like I was walking up the court sometimes. I'm not cutting the way I used to cut. I've got to get strength in my ankle; I got kneed in the thigh yesterday. I've got to figure out a way. I've got to be mentally tough to help my team win."

[YAYsports!]
Michael Redd knows how to shoot and such (http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2006/04/michael_redd_knows_how_to_shoo.html)
It's cute to go read how excited they are in Milwaukee, but let's face it, short of huge asteroids coming down and destroying Detroit, the Bucks aren't winning this series.

[Detroit Free Press]
Hamilton is pleased after workout (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060501/SPORTS03/605010381/1051/SPORTS)
MILWAUKEE -- Outside, rain fell, wind circled and gloom ruled in Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon. But inside the Al McGuire Center on Marquette's campus, Richard Hamilton beamed.

That's because Sunday, Hamilton pulled on a practice jersey and ran through an off-day workout for the first time since he sprained his left ankle in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Oh, what a difference a win makes for Bucks (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060501/SPORTS03/605010382/1051/SPORTS)
"We've got one more to go," said Ford, who dished 15 assists in Game 3, tying him for second-most single-game playoff total in team history. "It's definitely a brand-new series. We'll take care of business (today) and do what we're supposed to do and take care of home-court advantage. It's still a must-win for us to go to Detroit 2-2."

Playoffs on big screens (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060501/FEATURES01/605010340/1051/SPORTS)
Why fly or waste precious gas driving to Edmonton or Milwaukee to cheer on the Red Wings and Pistons when you can watch the home teams from metro Detroit venues? Tonight, the area's sports-loving bars and restaurants are ready to feed you and flat-screen-TV you. Here are some area favorites, including a tip on where the Wings' Red Patrol will be hanging out.

[Detroit Bad Boys]



Sexual healing (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=546)

So I'm not as cranky today. Why?

1. Kobe Bryant.1

2. The Baby Bulls; specifically, Andres Nocioni, Kirk Hinrich, and Ben Gordon.

3. And finally, my fiancee snapped the below pic for me while she was in Michigan this weekend. Note: I'm told the photo was snapped in Westland.

Let's just hope the [...]


[Fox Sports]



Bucks' Ford shows brilliance against patient Pistons
(http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5559380)Associated Press

MILWAUKEE (AP) - T.J. Ford studied Sunday how he was finally able to break down the Detroit Pistons' formidable guards.

The Bucks trail Detroit 2-1 in the Eastern Conference series with Game 4 on Monday night.

Ford's career-high 15 assists in Milwaukee's 124-104 victory on Saturday night was just off the franchise's playoff best of 16 set by Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson and twice tied by all-time Bucks assist leader Paul Pressey.

"Those are some of the greats," Ford said Sunday. "I want to finish my career here and hopefully one day my jersey can be retired with the Bucks, too."

Some thought Ford's career was over in February 2004.


[Booth Newspapers]



Pistons hope to learn from mistakes
(http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1146480008241840.xml&coll=1)by A. Sherrod Blakely

MILWAUKEE -- There's no such thing as a good playoff loss, but the Detroit Pistons believe something positive can come from their being whipped, 124-104, by Milwaukee on Saturday.

Several Pistons talked about how the loss should help them regain their focus on the little things they normally do to win games but that they didn't do in Game 3 on Saturday.

"It reminds us when we don't do what we're supposed to do out there, we can get beat," said Detroit center Ben Wallace.


[The Oakland Press]



Rip: That wasn't me in Game 3
(http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/050106/spo_2006050117.shtml)by DANA GAURUDER

MILWAUKEE, Wis. - Plenty of people around the country wear Richard Hamilton replica jerseys. When Hamilton watched the replay of the Pistons' last game, he was wondering who was trying to impersonate him on the court.

The skinny guy in the blue uniform with the Velcro, form-fitting mask covering his nose and cheeks resembled Hamilton, but he certainly didn't play like him. Rather than scampering around the court like a frightened cat, this impostor slogged around in slow motion.


Embarrassment over Bucks' output
(http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/050106/spo_2006050118.shtml)by DANA GAURUDER

MILWAUKEE, Wis. - To paraphrase Rasheed Wallace, the numbers don't lie. The last time the Pistons' defense was as soft as it was in Game 3, Grant Hill was completing his fi rst season in the NBA.

Not since the tail end of the 1994-95 season - a year in which the Pistons fi nished 28-54 - have they given up more than 124 points during a regulation game. They surrendered 129 to Miami on the final night of that wayward season.

[Need4Sheed]



Expect Big Things From Rip Hamilton (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/05/expect-big-things-from-rip-hamilton.html)

Since Rip Hamilton's game one ankle injury he just hasn't been the Rip we have come to count on, that's to be expected with his type of injury. Hamilton relies on his speed and agility to cut through screens and pester his defender and he hasn't been able to do that. Many people, including myself have wondered why Rip didn't sit a couple of days to rest his injury and let it heal during this first round match up with the Bucks.


[Detroit Bad Boys]



Transplant fans should root for the Mavs (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=547)

While listening to the local sportstalk station1 last night after the Wizards game, I learned something of interest to fellow transplanted Piston fans. If Dallas sweeps Memphis tonight, Game 5 of Pistons v. Bucks will be on TNT on Wednesday night. But, should the Grizzlies pull out the W tonight, the Pistons would [...]


Ain't nothing going to change but the weather (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=548)

Rasheed on Milwaukee's win in Game 3 and how the Pistons will try to adjust in Game 4:
"I don't think they can repeat that performance," Rasheed Wallace said. "Ain't nothing going to change but the weather."

The NBA's hairy situation (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=549)

Is it me, or are more NBA players than ever channeling their inner Mark Eaton? As I remember it, only a handful of players back in the day sported full beards, but these days it seems like entire rosters are rocking out with full-length facial follicles.
I'm not referring to Shaquille O'Neal's "Buddha Edwards" Fu [...]

Ben Wallace is NBA.com's DPOY (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=551)

The official Defensive Player of the Year award, voted upon by the media, has yet to be named. However, NBA.com polled the league's general managers, who picked Ben Wallace in a landslide, with Bruce Bowen and Andrei Kirilenko finishing second and third, respectively. Also receiving first-place votes were Kobe Bryant, Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade and [...]


[Herald Sun]



Bogut's Bucks party
(http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,18980299%255E10914,00.html)ANDREW Bogut and the Milwaukee Bucks are back in the game.
by Grantley Bernard

After dropping the first two games of the best-of-seven NBA Eastern Conference first round playoff series to Detroit, the young Bucks hit back with a 124-104 home victory in Game 3.


[The Sheboygan Press]



Adam Thompson column: Bucks too inconsistent to advance
(http://www.sheboygan-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060501/SHE07/605010551/1882/SHEsports)
Watching the Milwaukee Bucks dismantle the top-seeded Detroit Pistons Saturday night was an impressive sight to behold, to say the least.

The Bucks shot a blistering 60 percent, held strong against the Pistons' frontcourt and guys like Toni Kukoc and T.J. Ford stepped up their games enormously. That's not even mentioning Michael Redd's 40-point outburst.

It was also quite frustrating to observe. After all, where was this when it really counted?

roscoe36: Yep, I'm scraping the walls of cyberspace with fingernails Lebron has not chewed off yet. Who woulda thunk you would be reading Aussie news and a blog entry from Sheboygan? Which brings me to today's missive.

Have you posted recently or at all? And if you haven't, why not start (again)? Take a minute out of your hectic life to say hello to the posting membership right here (http://www.pistonsforum.com/green-room-forum-lounge/274-introduce-yourself-welcome-pf-com.html)! Pay it forward. Your support makes, uhm.. well, uhm.. you know...it's REALLY good to have your support because news posting is not glamorous! :D

[Associated Press]
Billups' 34 Helps Pistons Take 3-1 Lead (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BKN_PISTONS_BUCKS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-04-30-19-32-51&reload=true)
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Chauncey Billups got sick of chasing T.J. Ford around the court. So he decided to make Ford do the chasing.

Billups scored 13 fourth-quarter points - including a critical 3-pointer and six straight free throws down the stretch - as the Detroit Pistons beat the Milwaukee Bucks 109-99 to take a 3-1 lead in the first round of the NBA playoffs Monday night.

[Detroit Free Press]
Game 4: Pistons 109, Bucks 99 (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060501/SPORTS19/305010004/1048/SPORTS)
MILWAUKEE -- The Pistons will be happy to leave the bad memories of Milwaukee behind when they wake up at home today. All Wisconsin offered was Bucks guard Michael Redd draining jumpers, a suddenly missing-in-action defense, a plethora of whistles, chants of "Detroit sucks!" and ugly nights for starters Richard Hamilton and Ben Wallace.

And one other thing -- in the final moments, it yielded a 109-99 win.
The Pistons stole Game 4 of their first round playoff series at the Bradley Center on Monday night thanks to an 8-0 run in the fourth quarter and perfect free throw shooting from Chauncey Billups down the stretch.

[Fox Sports]
MIKE KAHN: Cassell has the Clippers flying high (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5565476)
In the event the Milwaukee Bucks had any designs at taking a run at the two-time Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons following Saturday's 20-point win in Milwaukee, Chauncey Billups put them in their place. Billups sank all 16 of his free throw attempts, finishing with 34 points as the Pistons pulled away in the fourth quarter en route to a 109-99 victory in Milwaukee; and now they're headed home with a 3-1 lead .... The Pistons crushed the Bucks down the stretch, outscoring them 35-23 in the fourth quarter with defensive stops and getting to the foul line — outscoring Milwaukee 31-19 from the line.

[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
Danger Zone: Bucks on the brink of elimination (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=420113)
“They’re a very experienced team and down the stretch, they know exactly how to get it done,” veteran Bucks forward Toni Kukoc said. “That’s why they are who they are.”

Said Bucks coach Terry Stotts: “They played a good game and we played a good game. With 2 minutes to go, it could have gone either way.” [This story has an excellent game recap, as Milwaukee's newspapers continue to kick butt against their Detroit rivals.]

MICHAEL HUNT: This is no choke, Pistons simply are better team (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=420196)
In an entertaining and well-played game otherwise too frequently interrupted by whistles - maybe the officials failed to check their watches to note that it was May, time to let the players play - the Bucks were beaten mostly because the league's rightful MVP refused to allow the Pistons to lose. Chauncey Billups scored 34 points and seized the final minutes, ultimately exposing one of the glaring differences between a championship aspirant and the Bucks.

Ford gets his motor running in second half (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=420191)
Ford sank seven of eight shots in the third quarter as the Bucks rallied from a six-point halftime deficit. It was the point guard's jumper with 1 minute 55 seconds left in the quarter that created a 70-70 tie, but he picked up his fourth foul 14 seconds later and had to go to the bench.

"I've been in foul trouble this whole series," Ford said. "But it's tough when you're going against Chauncey (Billups). He's hard to defend once he turns his back.

No turn of the century (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=420197)
Through three quarters, the Bucks were shooting 60% and seemed poised to crack the 100-point mark for the second time in this series .... But Detroit’s playoff experience might have been the deciding factor in the end. The Pistons outscored the Bucks, 35-23, and finished the game on a 14-6 run.

Monday Buck report (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=420178)
STATISTICS SHEET: The Bucks trailed at halftime, 51-45, despite shooting 55.9%, out-rebounding Detroit by two, and outscoring the Pistons in fast-break points, 12-0. Detroit had an 11-5 edge in free throws.

OFF THE BENCH: In the second quarter, the Pistons got seven points from Lindsey Hunter, five from Tony Delk, three from Maurice Evans and two from Antonio McDyess.

League punishes Pistons' Hamilton (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=420201)
Stu Jackson, the National Basketball Association's vice president of basketball operations, announced that Hamilton had been fined $15,000 and assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 for "unnecessary and excessive contact" with Redd in the fourth quarter of the Bucks' 124-104 victory over the Pistons in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series.

[Wisconsin State Journal]
Milwaukee down, almost out after Game 4 loss (http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/sports/index.php?ntid=82289)
Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince, who finished with 18 points, answered with a short hook shot to put Detroit ahead 87-86. Then things rapidly deteriorated for the Bucks. Rookie forward Andrew Bogut missed a pair of free throws on the Bucks' ensuing possession. And the Pistons' offense showed up with back-breaking ruthlessness on its next two.

Chauncey Billups, who had a game-high 34 points, buried a long 3-pointer just before the shot clock expired to make it 90-86. After an offensive foul call on Bucks forward Bobby Simmons, Pistons guard Rip Hamilton found himself open in the left corner and buried another 3-pointer to make it 93-86 with 3:48 to play.

[Racine Journal Times]
GERY WOELFEL: Stu Jackson strikes again (http://www.racinejournaltimes.com/nucleus/index.php?blogid=24)
So what was the reaction of the Bucks to Jackson's decision? You won't know. The NBA bans front office officials, coaches and players from making any public comment after a fine or suspension is meted out. I can tell you this: They weren't happy about it. One Bucks player snarled to another teammate, "If that was me, I wouldn't be suiting up tonight.'' Responded his teammate, "Neither would I or anyone else in this locker room.''

[Detroit News]
Just one to go (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060502/SPORTS0102/605020377/1004/SPORTS)
MILWAUKEE -- Championship teams don't blow 15-point leads in four minutes against sub-.500 teams. Championship teams don't miss 10 free throws. They don't allow teams to shoot 55 percent from the floor the game after they allowed it to shoot 60 percent. They don't allow 5-foot-10 point guards to torch them for 16 points in a quarter.

But championship teams do keep their poise and they continue to fight in hostile environments. Championship teams do find a way, somehow, to overcome all their misdeeds.

Pistons' grades (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060502/SPORTS0102/605020407/1004/SPORTS)
B Ben Wallace was hamstrung a bit with two early fouls, thanks to the refs going with a very tight game call. No banging allowed. [You saw Ben's production in this game. Is that a B? Only obsessive-compulsive disorder makes me include anything of Gerstner's.]

Pistons' three stars (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060502/SPORTS0102/605020408/1004/SPORTS)
Chauncey Billups, Pistons: He's the picture of consistency, staying calm and collected when the Bradley Center was a den of screaming fans. He had a game-high 34 points and was 16-for-16 from the free-throw line.

T.J. Ford, Bucks: He was everywhere in the second and third quarters, leading the Bucks back from a 15-point deficit. He had 16 of his 21 points in the third quarter. Ford is undersized but played with tons of speed and heart.

Antonio McDyess, Pistons: He worked very hard to give the Pistons second chances, nabbing gritty rebounds. He had 11 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks.

Pistons Report (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060502/SPORTS0102/605020409/1004/SPORTS)
Rasheed Wallace was called for fouling Andrew Bogut at 6:01 in the first. Rasheed (surprise) didn't agree with the call, talking to the referees about the infraction.

Bogut missed the first free throw, and Rasheed celebrated by yelling "Ball Don't Lie!" Bogut missed the next free throw, and Rasheed celebrated by pumping his fist and yelling "Yeah!"

Mentor Hunter is schooled (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060502/SPORTS0102/605020411/1004/SPORTS)
MILWAUKEE -- Lindsey Hunter had seen that show before, going back to when he was in high school in Jackson, Miss. There was this runty little kid who hung around with his younger brother, Tommy, who could really shoot the ball. Once he started making shots, it seemed like he couldn't stop.

Flash ahead to Game 3 on Saturday, and there was that little kid again, all grown up and still raining jump shots all over the floor. Bucks reserve guard Mo Williams knocked down 9 of his 10 shots and scored 20 points -- most of them in the face of Hunter's defensive pressure.

Fine baffles Hamilton (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060502/SPORTS0102/605020378/1004/SPORTS)
Richard Hamilton was as surprised as anyone when he heard the news that he had been fined $15,000 and awarded a flagrant 2 foul for elbowing Michael Redd in Game 3.

"I have never gotten a flagrant 2 my whole career," Hamilton said. "To have them fine me $15,000, I don't think that's fair."

NBA's disciplinarians should back off on alleged flagrant fouls (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060502/SPORTS0102/605020376/1004/SPORTS)
Denver's Reggie Evans grabs Chris Kaman of the Clippers in what we can only describe as a most sensitive area of the body and gets a $10,000 fine from the league.

Richard Hamilton tries to disentangle himself from Michael Redd in Game 3, inadvertently grazes Redd with his elbow and gets a $15,000 fine?

[Detroit Bad Boys]
Pistons poach Bucks (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/)
We've all lamented repeatedly about this team's tendency to hover around the perimeter despite physical advantages down low. Rasheed Wallace has been particularly criticized this season for said transgressions while firing up an unbelieveable 434 threes. But tonight, the team reapeatedly took the ball into the post. Chauncey Billups, Sheed, and Tayshaun Prince each exploited mismatches against the Bucks defense, and the steady stream of good shots resulted in a number of opportunities close in.

[Bucks Diary]
Live Blog: Game 4 (http://bucksdiary.blogspot.com/)
When the Pistons bench is playing this well, no one on Earth will beat them... Tony Delk is killing us? Oh my God... What's up with that guy's arms?... He's the strangest looking dude in the Association... Wallace may have gotten a T, but he definetely got in the refs heads with his whining... I love this Pistons G Maurice Evans, when is he going to be on the market?... Bogut can guard Ben Wallace, he cannot guard Rasheed Wallace or McDyess... Kukoc has made a difference, but tonight it looks like it won't be enough... The Pistons can make shots like no other team I've seen in the play-offs... Ford is off his game, he already has too many turnovers... If the Bucks don't play better defense, this thing is over in a big way... The Bucks should consider staying with their men rather than collapsing on the penetrators... The refs basically put the kibosh on the Bucks run at the end of the half... If this thing gets out of control there will be no third quarter live blog. [And there wasn't.]

~ The Oakland Press ~


Pistons outlast Milwaukee (http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/050206/spo_2006050208.shtml)
By Dana Gauruder

The Pistons know how to make plays during the toughest moments of playoff basketball. The Milwaukee Bucks are still learning.

Drawing upon those past experiences, the Pistons shrugged off a difficult challenge from the eighthseeded Bucks and took a commanding 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference fi rst-round series Monday night.
Led by Chauncey Billups' 34 points and six assists, the Pistons outscored the Bucks 35-23 in the fourth quarter of a 109-99 victory at Milwaukee's Bradley Center.

Hunter giving Pistons a big lift (http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/050206/spo_2006050212.shtml)
By Dana Gauruder

It has become an annual rite of spring. Lindsey Hunter heads into the NBA playoffs pondering retirement and wondering whether he'll get another chance to win a championship. But when the games begin, he makes a convincing case for coming back for another season.

"I've learned to cherish these moments, being in the league as long as I have," said Hunter, who began his NBA career in 1993. "You don't have too many chances to compete for a title. I don't take it for granted. I just try to really get myself focused and prepared. That's what it's all about."

TV takes us to places on big night (http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/050206/spo_2006050209.shtml)
By Keith Langlois

You know what would be nice? If somebody could figure out how to work the picture-in-picture function. I'm on my third TV with that new-age feature, and nobody yet has been able to show me how to make it work.

In fact, I don't know anyone else who's figured it out, either. Seems to me there's a business opportunity there for somebody.
Too late to help me on a night when the Red Wings are fighting for survival and the Pistons are coming off a perplexing blowout loss. Plan B: The remote control and an extra set of AA batteries.


~ Booth Newspapers ~


Billups, McDyess lead Pistons to brink of first-round victory
(http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1146564651107340.xml&coll=1)By A. Sherrod Blakely

Shortly after Detroit's Game 3 loss to Milwaukee on Saturday, Antonio McDyess got an unexpected phone call in his hotel room.
It was teammate Chauncey Billups, apologizing for not being more assertive sooner in the game.
Billups explained how he should have set the tone offensively for the Pistons earlier, something he would look to do on Monday.

True to his word, Billups was a factor early and late offensively in leading the Pistons to a 109-99 come-from-behind win over the Milwaukee Bucks to take a 3-1 lead in the first-round playoff series.

At the end, Pistons went with roll of Dice (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1146564638107340.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

With less than five minutes to play, Detroit Pistons forward Antonio McDyess expected to see Ben Wallace sitting at the scorer's table, ready to come into the game and replace him.

McDyess looked over at head coach Flip Saunders, who nodded at him to stay on the floor. He looked at Wallace on the bench, who gave him a similar nod.

"He (Wallace) told me, `You were playing so well, you needed to stay out there,"' McDyess said. "I was happy to hear that from him."
So were the Pistons, who got a major lift from McDyess down the stretch as they rallied for a 109-99 Game 4 win over the Bucks. McDyess, who played 28 minutes, had his first double-double of the series with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

[The Sporting News]



Pistons' Lowe reinterested in N.C. State
(http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=88579) Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Detroit Pistons assistant coach Sidney Lowe, one of the stars of North Carolina State's 1983 national championship team, says he's interested in returning to coach the Wolfpack.

"Yeah, one day," Lowe told The News & Observer of Raleigh. "I'd definitely have interest in it one day. It's something I would hope would happen."

HALLWAY COACH! HIDE THE DONUTS!



[NBADraft.net]



State of the Cap: Detroit Pistons
(http://nbadraft.net/2006stateofthecapdetroit001.asp) By Josh Redetzke

2006/07 Detroit Pistons Payroll: $47.5 million
2006/07 Estimated NBA Salary Cap: $52 million
Roughly: $4.5 million under cap

The Good, the Bad and the Future...


[NBC5]



Man Accused Of Starting Pistons-Pacers Brawl Sentenced (http://www.nbc5.com/sports/9143877/detail.html)

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. -- The man accused of throwing the cup that sparked a 2004 brawl at The Palace of Auburn Hills was sentenced Monday to 30 days in jail.

John Green, 41, of Oakland County's West Bloomfield Township, was also sentenced to two years of probation.

The brawl between Indiana Pacers players and Detroit Pistons fans occurred when Ron Artest was hit with a beverage.

The man single handedly responsible for the Spurs first round elimination in 2006. A fan can dream can't he?

[Bucks Diary]



McDyess is a monster
(http://bucksdiary.blogspot.com/2006/05/mcdyess-is-monster.html)
With all due respect to "The Catalyst" (who has played quite well), the Most Valuable Player thus far in the Pistons' first round series against the Bucks has been PF Antonio McDyess. He gets it done every night. The Bucks simply have no answer for him.



Prince Makes the Difference in Game Four
(http://bucksdiary.blogspot.com/2006/05/prince-makes-difference-in-game-four.html)
If you watch NBA basketball enough, you will notice that in every close fought game, as last night's Game Four of the Pistons-Bucks series was, there comes a tipping point. A point, usually late in the fourth quarter, at which one team gains the subtle advantage and the other team is left to play the rest of the game uphill. Last night the tipping point came at the free throw line when Bucks FC Andrew Bogut bricked two free throws. The Pistons hit back-to-back 3 pointers, with yet another Buck turnover sandwiched in between, and it was good night, Milwaukee.

[Associated Press]
Pistons Know How to Close Out a Series (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BKN_BUCKS_PISTONS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-05-02-20-25-53&reload=true)
When the Pistons have had a chance to end a series since the 2003 playoffs, they have won nine of their last 10 games - with the only loss coming last year at San Antonio in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

"We know we can't let teams back in series and that closeout games are the most important games," reserve guard Lindsey Hunter said.

[CBS Sportline]
Series: Pistons vs. Bucks (http://www.sportsline.com/nba/series-breakdown/DET/MIL)
The Pistons survived a major scare in Game 4, out-lasting a game Milwaukee squad to keep the series comfortably in their favor. The Bucks must win in Auburn Hills to extend the series, and are confident they can do so after playing right with Detroit in consecutive games.

[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
Defiant Bucks vow to keep on fighting (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=420436)
Bell drew a contrast to what has happened in a couple of the other series.

"We're not going to lay down," he said. "We're going to make it a game. If you look at some of these other teams . . . with Denver getting blown out and Memphis getting blown out, kind of laying down because the series is kind of over. We're not going to lay down. We're a young, hungry team and we've got a lot to prove and we're going to go out there and give it all we've got."

Billups gets Bell's ringing endorsement (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=420404)
"Kobe's great, but they're the best team out there," Bell said of the Pistons. "He's the leader of that team.

"It's usually a guy on the winning team that gets the MVP, and they've been winning all season long. He's the MVP to me. Probably what hurts Chauncey is their team is so good. You look at those five guys, or the first six or seven guys. Take Chauncey away, and they'd still be a good team, where if you take some of these players off these other teams, they won't be as good."

[Racine Journal Times]
GERY WOEFEL: NBA's newest superstar: Michael Redd (http://www.racinejournaltimes.com/nucleus/index.php?blogid=24)
"For a guy to be the focal point of their offense and still put up the numbers he did was incredible,'' Hunter said. "I consider him to be a superstar. I mean, what more can you ask the guy to do?'' What Redd desperately wants to do is take the Bucks to the promised land, the NBA championship. Realistically, that's not going to happen this year or anytime soon. But that hasn't quelled his passion to bring out the best in the Bucks like he did Saturday night.

[Detroit News]
ROB PARKER: Rasheed might go Buck wild tonight (http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060503/SPORTS08/605030346/1127/SPORTS0102)
When you look up "mismatch" in the dictionary, there's a picture of Wallace and Bucks power forward Andrew Bogut, a poor rookie, no less.

"We have to get him the ball," point guard Chauncey Billups said. "He presents a matchup problem for them. No one can guard him."

Pistons Notebook: McDyess' extra playing time doesn't bother Ben Wallace (http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060503/SPORTS0102/605030347/1127)
"McDyess was loose and he was playing well," Wallace said. "We don't need me going out there. I thought he was doing a nice job on the boards, he was playing well on the defensive end. The group that was out there was playing well, they were feeding off each other. So I didn't think I needed to be out there and shake things up a little bit or change up the rhythm of the game."

.... [Amir] Johnson, who is 6-foot-9, came behind Wilson, put his hands on his shoulders, and jumped straight over an unbowed Wilson with ease. Johnson had enough clearance to get his baggy shorts well over Wilson's head. And Wilson is 6-4.

"That was pretty impressive," Wilson said, laughing. "I'm glad he made it, otherwise I would be pretty unhappy with him crashing down on top of me." [Belated Happy Birthday to Amir, who turned 19 on Wednesday.]

Chris McCosky's Game 5 Preview (http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060503/SPORTS0102/605030387/1127)
Over the last two games Bucks rookie Andrew Bogut has taken several shots away from the play at Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess. He elbowed McDyess in the throat after a made free throw late in Game 4. McDyess retaliated by throwing an elbow of his own and drew a technical foul.

Bobby Simmons, who is playing despite an injured leg and clearly not up to game speed, has had do a lot of clutching and grabbing to keep up with Tayshaun Prince or whoever he might be guarding. Michael Redd , too, has been a pest. He and Richard Hamilton have been exchanging elbows and knees all series. In Game 4, Redd, driving in for a layup, led with his feet, Bruce Lee-style and kicked Prince hard in the groin.

[Detroit Free Press]
Pistons would dearly love to finish off the Bucks tonight (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060503/SPORTS03/605030390/1051/SPORTS)
"When you get the opportunity to close a team out, you just have to come out with a lot of energy early," Ben Wallace said. "You just have to go out there and withstand some of their energy, play through it, and hopefully they'll wear themselves down."

A victory tonight would bring the Pistons a lot of positives. Not only would they win the series and move one step closer to their goal -- getting back to the NBA Finals -- they would get extra rest while the other three East series stretch to at least six games.

Pistons Corner: Foul trouble plagues Big Ben (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060503/SPORTS03/605030387/1051/SPORTS)
As playoff series go deeper and deeper, opponents can get mighty sick of one another. That's where the extra chippiness -- the pushing, the shoving, the smack talk and even the flagrant fouls -- suddenly appears.

Four games in, though, Pistons center Ben Wallace has yet to feel any animosity toward the Milwaukee Bucks.

Bucks Corner: Crosshairs don't faze Bucks (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060503/SPORTS03/605030309/1051/SPORTS)
"It's kind of the story of the season," backup guard Charlie Bell said. "Have a great game and not being able to build on it."

[Bucks Diary]
Bobby Simmons steals money (http://bucksdiary.blogspot.com/2006/05/bobby-simmons-steals-money.html)
Just out of curiosity I looked up the salary information for the Detroit Pistons and the Milwaukee Bucks. Half surprisingly, I found out the Bucks have a slightly higher payroll than the Pistons. What a bargain those Bucks were. For roughly one million dollars more, they delivered 22 less wins than the Pistons. The Senator must have fun writing some of those payroll checks. No wonder no one will buy the team.

Pistons free throw paradox (http://bucksdiary.blogspot.com/2006/05/pistons-free-throw-paradox.html)
Three things are making the difference for the Pistons in this series: deadly jump shooting, terrific interior defense, and by far the largest free throw disparity in the 2006 NBA playoffs.

[USA Today]
David Dupree Chat Transcript (http://transcripts.usatoday.com/Chats/transcript.aspx?c=706)
Jim, Rochester: Ben Wallace has been struggling alot against Milwaukee. Is his wrist bothering him? Do you think the Pistons can still win with a couple of their All-Stars banged up?

David DuPree: He is banged up, but all teams have those kinds of injuries now. That's why it's so important to get a series over as soon as possible. Look at Dallas. They have more time to heal their bumps and bruises now. The Pistons can still win, but I'm still sticking with the Spurs. That's not a slight against the Pistons, I just think San Antonio is better, and maybe Dallas as well. And for the third time, if I'm wrong, I can live with it.

[Pistons fans are coming out in force to call DuPree a hater for picking the Spurs. Kind of funny.]

[Detroit Bad Boys]



Amir Johnson can jump (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=562)

It'll be a surprise if Amir Johnson is active for a single game in the playoffs, let alone plays a meaningful minute, but that doesn't mean that he's not making the news. Joanne Gerstner from the Detroit News reports:
For Pistons rookie Amir Johnson , it was no big deal. But it was a different story [...]

They got their game in (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=565)

Said Rasheed Wallace to the Associated Press, "Like I said before, today [Monday] was the last game in this building for this year. I told you all that before: They got their game in."

Just hanging out at the Buck pole (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=566)

Game 5 is moments from tip-off! Feel free to make your in-game comments here — hopefully a combination of some Pistons banter and ESPN's GameCast will help out those unlucky fans stuck by a computer without any access to a TV.


[Need4Sheed]



Ball Don't Lie Bogut (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/05/ball-dont-lie-bogut_03.html)

Everyone knows Sheed's "Ball Don't Lie" catch phrase, but each time he says it, it comes out with a little more flair than the last time. You know your saying is getting big when your own coach adopts it. Click here to see Flip in action.


[Booth Newspapers]



Pistons count on experience to win close-out games
(http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1146609607111420.xml&coll=1)Next game: Tonight vs. Milwaukee, 6 p.m. TNT and Channel 20
By A. Sherrod Blakely

AUBURN HILLS -- The Detroit Pistons can be a greedy bunch at times, often gobbling up wins like a school of piranhas trapped in an all-you-can-eat meat market.


Pistons 122, Bucks 93
(http://www.mlive.com/sportsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/sports-17/114670435624480.xml&storylist=newsmichigan)By LARRY LAGE
The Associated Press

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) — Richard Hamilton played like he desperately wanted a break.

The guard with the face mask had a playoff-career high 40 points Wednesday night and the Detroit Pistons tied a franchise postseason scoring record in the first quarter in a 122-93 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 5.

Rasheed Wallace scored 22 points and keyed an 18-2 run after halftime for the two-time defending Eastern Conference champions, who won the best-of-seven series and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.



[The Oakland Press]



Foul trouble is keeping 'Big Ben' fresh
(http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/050306/spo_2006050312.shtml)By DAVID BIRKETT

AUBURN HILLS - It's a week and a half into the playoffs, the Pistons are on the verge of closing out their first-round series with the Bucks, and Ben Wallace feels as fresh as a bed of roses. What gives?

"I only played two games," Wallace said.

Actually, Wallace has played four, but it doesn't seem like it, considering foul trouble limited him to 56 minutes in games 3 and 4 combined.

Wallace played just 27 minutes Monday, and not at all in the fourth quarter, when the Pistons pulled away for a 109-99 win. He played 29 minutes in Game 3. In both games, he picked up two fouls early in the first half and finished with one point overall.


Pistons look to move on
(http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/050306/spo_2006050308.shtml)By DANA GAURUDER

AUBURN HILLS - The Pistons can reap numerous benefits by finishing off the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 5 tonight.

They can give themselves at least three days off to prepare for the Eastern Conference playoff semifinals. They can give Richard Hamilton's sore ankle and thigh some extra rest. They can decrease the chances of Rasheed Wallace receiving another technical. And they can avoid another trip to Milwaukee, where the sun apparently never shines.

[NBA.com]
Hamilton Sends Pistons to Conference Semis (http://www.nba.com/games/20060503/MILDET/recap.html)
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 3 (Ticker) -- Richard Hamilton delivered an early knockout blow to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Hamilton scored a playoff career-high 40 points as the Detroit Pistons coasted to a 122-93 rout of the Bucks to close out their Eastern Conference first-round series in five games.

Postgame Quotes (http://www.nba.com/pistons/playoffcentral/MILDET_060503.html)
Rip Hamilton: “Before the game Arnie (Kander) told me ‘Rip, I’m not going to tie you up as tight’. We went with no patch on my thigh. My ankle, we kind of taped it just like a normal tape job. He said he didn’t really want to have me restrained. He wanted me to just go out there and play and don’t worry about it and just have confidence in it. I think that really gave me a whole lot of confidence for me to go out there and make plays and make moves and do stuff that I was usually doing.”

Terry Stotts: “They’re the best team in the league during the regular season. Like Flip said earlier in the season, they weren’t playing against us, they were playing against themselves. I think from a basketball standpoint, they have everything you need to win a championship. Obviously they’ve been in the Finals two years in a row. Defensively, they create a lot of problems. Offensively, they have a lot of weapons.”

[CBS Sportsline]
Series: Pistons vs. Bucks (http://www.sportsline.com/nba/series-breakdown/DET/MIL)
Detroit's first step toward its goal of regaining the NBA title went smoothly, as they looked sharp in all four victories and learned it wasn't invincible in a humbling 20-point defeat. Rip Hamilton's ankle and thigh were the lone health concerns, but he looked pretty loose dropping 40 on the Bucks to close out the series.

[SI.com]
KELLY DWYER: Stotts did little to advance Bucks' cause (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_blogs/nba/playoffs/2006/2006/05/stotts-did-little-to-advance-bucks.html)
Clearly, the Pistons have proved that they're prone to defensive lapses, but -- in terms of potential, at least -- Detroit is still second only to San Antonio when it comes to shutting down the opponent's offense.

Milwaukee also didn't teach us anything in its loss, which is much more distressing. We were hoping the Bucks would find some sort of defensive spark or offensive flow. Instead, coach Terry Stotts' crew cemented its reputation as a bunch that has a lot to figure out -- from the front office on down.

[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
Wednesday game report (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=420654)
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Rip Hamilton got on a roll early, scoring 15 of his 40 points in the first quarter. He joined Kelly Tripucka, Dave Bing, Isiah Thomas and Chauncey Billups as the only Pistons players to score 40 or more points in a playoff game.

PLAY OF THE GAME: A three-point basket by Rasheed Wallace with 6:19 left in the first quarter gave Detroit a 15-14 lead and ignited the Pistons' 24-4 lead.

Back to the drawing board (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=420640)
"I'm not in a GM position, but obviously we have to build on what we did this year," Redd said. "We improved from last year to this year, by 10 wins and getting back to the playoffs.

"We ran into a buzz saw in the Pistons. I'm sure management will re-evaluate this summer."

[Bucks Diary]
Live Blog: Third Quarter, Game 5 (http://bucksdiary.blogspot.com/)
Turn out the lights, the party's over la la la la.... The Bucks have obviously raised the white flag, they're out there just dickin' around, lolligagging... I knew Hamilton was going to break out, damn it, I should have got it on the record... This thing is pathetic... Have you ever seen such a half effort?... Well, its good to see Hamilton get his game going because I'm pulling for the Pistons the rest of the way... Congrats, Detroit... I think I'm going to go to the Brewers-Astros game... I'll give my end of season recap late tonight... I'm out... Thanks everybody.

[Need4Sheed.com]
Bye Bye Bucks, Pistons Take the Series 4-1 (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/)
The Pistons now await the winner of the Cleveland - Wizards series, the Cavs leading 3-2 on a overtime buzzer beater by Lebron. Detroit now gets some much needed rest and will play no earlier than Sunday.

I have a couple of gems from the game. First off is Sheed making faces behind Reggie Miller while he does on court pre game commentary. Gotta Love SHEED! The second clip on the video is Tayshaun's little dance he did after he hits the half court shot.

[Fox Sports]
MIKE KAHN: Pistons take care of business at home (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5573210)
Realistically, there was not much more that could have been expected from the Bucks, who barely slithered into the playoffs at 40-42. The Pistons needed them just to keep playing and get some focus as they move on. Short of horrible injuries, little else could have happened to the Pistons.

It's hard to fathom any of the teams in the East giving the Pistons a real run for their money, not with their experience and versatility. Perhaps the only issue they may have is complacency, and that will fall on the shoulders of Flip Saunders in his first year as Pistons coach.

[Detroit News]
R.I.P., Bucks (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060504/SPORTS0102/605040378/1004/SPORTS)
AUBURN HILLS -- The Bucks tried to punk the wrong guy.

Late in Game 4 on Monday night, Michael Redd, as his team was calling a timeout, ran at an unsuspecting Richard Hamilton and shoved him in the chest.

Pistons game report (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060504/SPORTS0102/605040387/1004/SPORTS)
The dagger: As if the Bucks weren't demoralized enough, Tayshaun Prince stuck the dagger in deeper at the end of the first quarter and twisted it. Toni Kukoc 's jumper with 1.7 seconds left made it 36-23, but the Pistons weren't through scoring.

Chauncey Billups flipped the ball ahead to Prince, who caught it two steps in front of the timeline. Prince launched a 49-footer that went in -- a three-pointer for a 39-23 lead.

BOB WOJNOWSKI: Good news: Hamilton's hot (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060504/SPORTS08/605040379/1004/SPORTS)
The series began with Hamilton wincing and hopping, and some wondering why Flip Saunders wouldn't sit him.

It ended with Hamilton smiling and popping, and Saunders vindicated.

ROB PARKER: They brushed off Bucks, but Pistons can still raise game (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060504/SPORTS08/605040376/1004/SPORTS)
As well as the Pistons played in the series, they can play better. That's the scary part. You don't want your team to peak too early in the postseason. You want it to improve during the two months.

Pistons Notebook: (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060504/SPORTS0102/605040386/1004/SPORTS)
Coach Flip Saunders took a little jab at the networks, as well.

"I think the way we play is ideal for playoff basketball, but maybe it's not the ideal team to put on network television," he said. "It's funny, we've changed the rules the last couple of years to get a game that's more team-oriented, a game where you pass the ball and share the ball, where people aren't standing around watching one guy. We are a team that does that and we always seem to be on the (networks') JV schedule."

Said Rasheed Wallace : "I don't care about that. We ain't got no poster boys, no high fliers like that. I wasn't expecting to be on TV tonight."

Mike O'Hara grades the Pistons (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060504/SPORTS0102/605040442/1004/SPORTS)
Guards: A
The raw numbers are one-sided: 40 points for Rip Hamilton, 17 for Chauncey Billups, and they outscored Bucks starters Michael Redd and T.J. Ford 57-33. Rip and Chauncey combined to go 5-for-5 on three-pointers, 18-28 from the field and 16-17 from the foul line.

Prince hits Bucks where it hurts most (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060504/SPORTS0102/605040305/1004/SPORTS)
AUBURN HILLS -- There's a simple barometer to gauge how well the Pistons are doing in a playoff game. Watch Tayshaun Prince.

Pistons rock! (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060504/SPORTS0102/605040399/1004/SPORTS)
While all sports have tried to broaden interest by fans through game-related entertainment, the NBA has turned its games, especially the playoffs, into one of the greatest shows in an athletic arena.

The Pistons put on a veritable Busby Berkeley-style production replete with dancing girls and dancing smoke, knee-buckling explosions and stuttering announcers.

[Detroit Free Press]
Venison sausage (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060504/SPORTS03/605040437/1051/SPORTS)
Like Joe Louis knocking out Max Schmeling, or Aretha Franklin bringing down the house with a throaty wail, the way the Pistons win closeout games has become a part of Detroit lore.

The Pistons never let the Milwaukee Bucks find their rhythm Wednesday night in Game 5 of their first-round NBA playoff series. They never let their scorching shooters find their timing. They never let their runners see open floor. And they never let the Bucks' final hope find reality.

Pistons Corner: Looser bandages let Hamilton rip (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060504/SPORTS03/605040423/1051/SPORTS)
"Arnie told me, 'Rip, I'm not going to tie you up as tight,' " Hamilton said. "We went with no patch on my thigh. My ankle, we kind of taped it just like a normal tape job. He said he didn't want to have me restrained. He wanted me to go out there and play and not worry about it and just have confidence in it."

MITCH ALBOM: This time the best team actually won (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060504/SPORTS03/605040435/1051/SPORTS)
This is why basketball isn't hockey. Because the No. 1 seed really is better than the No. 8 seed. Because while major upsets are possible, they are not expected. Because the game doesn't hinge on one suddenly hot goalie, but on a team that puts it together as a team -- and puts the lesser team away.

DREW SHARP: Rip's outburst makes the Pistons even scarier (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060504/SPORTS03/605040424/1051/SPORTS)
The Pistons don't need one guy beating you, and they would prefer that such responsibilities never fall upon a single individual. But they unleashed another dimension in their Game 5 clincher Wednesday -- the lone unstoppable force.

"It might turn a few heads if people see somebody on our team scoring 40," said Lindsey Hunter. "That's not what we're usually about. But he did it all within the flow of our offense, which feeds off our defense. It makes it fun, doesn't it?"

Delk is riveted by compelling playoffs (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060504/SPORTS03/605040384/1051/SPORTS)
"I've been watching all the games," Delk said. "I don't think there's one particular series that stands out. You don't know who you might play. We have to take care of tonight's game, then worry about watching tomorrow or whenever for the next team we have to play."

[NBA.com]
NBA Finals: Pistons lose in 7 games (http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19541955.html)
[Okay, so it was the Fort Wayne Pistons and the 1955 Finals. But NBA.com has added some pretty cool stuff under their "Encyclopedia" home page tab, and you should check it out. Player fights! Fan fights! Colorful coaches! Referee screw jobs! And the Pistons done in by a bowling tournament!]

[Detroit Bad Boys]



Jerky for everyone! Pistons hunt down Bucks (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=568)

Detroit's complete domination in Game 5 was one of the most predictable events in recent memory. No offense to the Bucks, who were quite competitive in Games 3 and 4, but the Pistons don't believe in second chances when a series is on the line: Wednesday's win marked the 11th time in 12 opportunities that [...]


[The Oakland Press]



Let 'er Rip!
(http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/050406/spo_2006050408.shtml)Hamilton puts hurt on Bucks in easy clincher
by DANA GAURUDER

AUBURN HILLS - His left ankle rested in a tub of ice water. His right thigh was tightly wrapped in a bandage. Richard Hamilton's body throbbed Monday night and his spirit was only slightly less wounded. "I'm beat up," he said then in the visitors' locker room at Milwaukee's Bradley Center. "I'm just trying to fight through it." Some 48 hours later, the words battered, bruised and defeated could once be associated with Hamilton. The difference was that Hamilton transferred the pain to Milwaukee. Pummeling the eighthseeded Bucks with a playoff-career high 40 points by the end of the third quarter, a re-energized Hamilton carried the Pistons to the Eastern Conference playoff semifinals. With their top offensive threat back in top form, the Pistons pounded the defenseless Bucks, 122-93, and knocked them out the playoffs.


Pistons don't care who they play
(http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/050406/spo_2006050411.shtml)by DANA GAURUDER

AUBURN HILLS - The Pistons don't care which team they play in the Eastern Conference semifi nals. They just want their opponent to be worn out by the time the second round begins.

They will play either Cleveland or Washington in the semis. That series will last at least six games, with Game 6 scheduled for Friday and a possible Game 7 on Sunday.

"They both have great scorers in LeBron (James) and Gilbert Arenas," Richard Hamilton said. "To us, we just want to sit back and let them beat each other up. It doesn't really matter who we play, just let them beat each other up."



[Booth Newspapers]



Pistons Playoff Primer
(http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1146737438149570.xml&coll=1)PISTONS PLAYOFF PRIMER

Highlights of the Detroit Pistons' 122-93 NBA playoff victory against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night:

Key play: With less than a second to play in the second quarter, Tayshaun Prince nailed a 3-pointer from beyond halfcourt. It was one of the first of many big shots made by the Pistons.


Rasheed Wallace again shows why teams struggle to defend him
(http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1146737418149570.xml&coll=1)by A. Sherrod Blakely

AUBURN HILLS -- The Detroit Pistons had plenty of mismatches to exploit during their first-round playoff series with the Milwaukee Bucks.

However, there was one player, Rasheed Wallace, who seemed to present the greatest challenges for the Bucks throughout the series.

And Wallace, true to form, had another strong performance in Detroit's 122-93 series-clinching win.


Hamilton just keeps on shooting
(http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1146737443149570.xml&coll=1)by Bill Khan

AUBURN HILLS -- The shots weren't falling, but neither was Richard Hamilton's confidence.

His mindset remains the same, regardless of his shooting statistics. After all, he's been filling up NBA nets for too long to let a few shaky games get to him.

Hamilton's belief in his ability was rewarded handsomely Wednesday night, as he scored all of his career-high 40 points in the first three quarters of the Detroit Pistons' 122-93 rout of the Milwaukee Bucks at The Palace.


Pistons show the Bucks they're tough to beat, advance in playoffs
(http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1146737409149570.xml&coll=1)by A. Sherrod Blakely

AUBURN HILLS -- When the Detroit Pistons play well offensively, they can make life miserable for their opponents. When they crank up the defense, they become downright unbearable.

The Milwaukee Bucks felt the brunt of both on Wednesday, as Detroit put together its most complete performance of the postseason in a 122-93 pummeling of the Bucks that closed out their first-round playoff series. The 122 points were the most by a Pistons team in the playoffs since they scored 145 against Boston on May 24, 1987.

"We knew what we had to do," said Rasheed Wallace, who had 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists. "We just went out there and did it."


[Pistons.com]



Detroit Pistons Second Round Playoff Tickets On Sale Friday
(http://www.nba.com/pistons/playoffcentral/roundtwotix_060505.html)
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. --- The Detroit Pistons announce that tickets for Games One and Two of Round Two of the 2006 NBA Playoffs, including 500, $14 tickets for each game, will go on sale Friday, May 5, at Noon. The Pistons will use a random numbering procedure to select the first person in line from those on-site, beginning at 11:30 a.m.



[Midland Daily News]



Pistons get 'swept' away in Game 4
(http://www.ourmidland.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16576235&BRD=2289&PAG=461&dept_id=472541&rfi=6)by Dan Chalk


Don't worry, Pistons' fans. Your team has not left the television screen.

WNEM-TV5 was able to show Games 2 and 3 of the Detroit Pistons' first-round series with the Milwaukee Bucks, but sweeps month prevented the station from airing a third game on its regular channel. The game was aired, however, on WNEM-HD.

"WNEM is the hero in all this. WNEM took three of our games," said Pistons' senior vice-president of broadcasting Pete Skorich.


[The Flint Journal]



An early (and relaxing) summer begins for Bell
(http://www.mlive.com/sports/fljournal/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1146754211163980.xml&coll=5)by Bill Khan


AUBURN HILLS - Charlie Bell had been one of the Milwaukee Bucks' most reliable scorers in the first four games of the playoffs against the Detroit Pistons.

Why, then, was he sitting at the end of the Bucks' bench in warmups until midway through the third quarter? Bell was wondering the same thing.

"I really don't know what happened," the former Southwestern Academy and Michigan State standout said. "I think the coach was trying to go with the starters a little more, go with Michael (Redd) a little more and try to get this game. We're playing to win. I just had to be ready for whenever he called my name."

[YAY Sports]



The Pistons are terrified
(http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2006/05/the_pistons_are_terrified.html)
You could feel the tension in Detroit last night from all the way here in Los Angeles. Could the Pistons possibly succeed in their quest to send Milwaukee home?


[I Hate The Raptors]



Pistons Wins , RH Joins Bing And Co
(http://ihtraptors.blogspot.com/2006/05/nba-playoff-day-12.html)
Detroit122 Milwaukee 93

The Pistons put Milwaukee out of its misery by ending their series early . The Bucks were totally outclassed . You wonder if the good Senator , who owns the team , is wondering what happened to his investments. At the start of the season , everyone picked the Bucks as one of the fav to rule the East. They barely made the playoff and now this.


[Blue Collar Blueprint]



The climax nears
(http://bluecollarblueprint.typepad.com/blue_collar_blueprint/2006/05/the_climax_near.html)
The 122-93 Game Five elimination of Milwaukee was our last TV 20 game of the year. It’s feels a little strange because our role in the excitement ends just as the playoff energy gets a big boost with round two right around the corner.

Milwaukee wasn’t likely to win the series under any scenario, but it was still the fourth quarter of Game Four that changed the dynamic. Milwaukee had blown out the Pistons in Game Three and had made up a 15-point deficit to tie Game Four at 80-all. The Pistons led, 87-86, with 4:19 left, when Chauncey Billups hit a three-pointer. Next time down the court the Pistons moved the ball brilliantly and Billups found Rip Hamilton alone in the left corner. Rip was just 2-12 on the night, missing from everywhere. But he drilled the three-pointer to make it 93-86 and they never looked back. Billups went 8-8 from the line in the final minutes and the series was over except for the inevitable Game Five victory.

[Detroit Bad Boys]



ESPN: Sidney Lowe to N.C. State (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=573)

We heard the rumors earlier this week, and now it's starting to look official:
Pistons assistant coach Sidney Lowe has agreed in principle to take the head coaching job at North Carolina State, replacing Herb Sendek.
Multiple sources told ESPN.com that Lowe informed Pistons GM Joe Dumars and coach Flip Saunders of his decision Thursday morning.
North Carolina [...]


[PISTONS BULLETIN]



Sidney Lowe to Raleigh... (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/weblog/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_pistons/archives/2006_05.html#138036)

While Pistons assistant Sidney Lowe's decision to become the head coach at his alma mater (N C State) might have...

[Detroit News]

Pistons are not ready to celebrate (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060505/SPORTS0102/605050321/1127)
"We haven't done nothing, man," Lindsey Hunter said. "There's nothing to celebrate. We know what our goal is."

The goal wasn't to beat the Bucks in the first round. That was just the first step. "We just took care of our business, and now we move on," Ben Wallace said. "We are playing for a bigger prize than that."

[Booth Newspapers]

Pistons wait to see who's next (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/114677700867810.xml&coll=1)
AUBURN HILLS -- The Detroit Pistons have taken on a Secretariat-like approach to games, paying as little attention as possible to what's going on around them while focusing on the finish line, which for them is winning a second NBA title in three seasons.

However, by sending the Milwaukee Bucks home for the summer with a series-clinching 122-93 beating on Wednesday, the Pistons now must sit, wait and, for a change, watch teams play for the right to face them.

A. SHERROD BLAKELY: Lowe to Raleigh ... (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/weblog/)
While Pistons assistant Sidney Lowe's decision to become the head coach at his alma mater (N C State) might have made some shake their heads in disbelief, his decision made a lot of sense.

[Need4Sheed.com]

Very Superstitious (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/)
Many fans including myself have certain rituals or superstitions that they do when watching their favorite team play. I have even posted all the Sheedisms that I had noticed while watching Pistons games. Well the Pistons themselves have many rituals they do before games and WB20 put together a must see Pistons pre game video about the many superstitions that the Pistons players have.

[ESPN.com]


Daily Dime (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dailydime-060504)
John Hollinger: As a result of Rip's return to health and the Pistons' general sharpness, the Eastern Conference playoffs are nothing more than the Detroit Invitational. It's tough to come up with a single team in the East you would put money on to have a competitive series against the Pistons right now, much less beat them.

Just look at their so-called competition. New Jersey is barely squeezing past an Indiana team that has half its roster in casts; the Heat have their hands full with a feisty but modestly talented Chicago club; and the Cavs are a one-man band that can't possibly cope with Detroit's multitudinous maestros.

Marc Stein: I'm told the Pistons' starters simply believe that their greatest strength is their collective willpower. What they treasure most -- more than their defense or their unselfishness or having two Wallaces and Chauncey Billups in the clutch -- is the belief that they can overcome any outside force. Injury included.

[This page also contains one of the priceless Sheed pix. Just call him Ol' Dirty and be done with it.]

[Yahoo! Sports]

Pistons add hunger to an improved team (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-pistonsadvance&prov=ap&type=lgns)
Richard Hamilton said the Pistons also are hungrier after coming within a quarter of repeating as NBA champions last June in Game 7 at San Antonio.

"We're definitely on a mission, and that's a lot different than last year," Hamilton said after scoring a playoff career-high 40 points Wednesday to help Detroit eliminate Milwaukee with a 122-93 victory in Game 5. "We have something to prove. We want to go out and get something, and the guys are focused to go out there and get it."

[Detroit Free Press]



Pistons rest, play waiting game
(http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060505/SPORTS03/605050414/1051/SPORTS)by KRISTA LATHAM

The Pistons didn't practice Thursday, and even with that day of rest, they'll still have at least two full days to prepare for their next opponent.

And although there's the old debate about whether too much rest is a good thing or a sure path to rustiness, the Pistons see only the positives.


Reports: Assistant to coach alma mater
(http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060505/SPORTS03/605050415/1051/SPORTS)by KRISTA LATHAM

Pistons assistant Sidney Lowe will be named men's basketball coach at North Carolina State, where he won an NCAA title in 1983, by this weekend, according to various reports.

Lowe wasn't available for comment on the Pistons' off-day Thursday.


NBA ticker
(http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060505/SPORTS03/605050468/1051/SPORTS)
Know your foe

As much as we'd love to see LeBron-mania in the next round against the Pistons, let's think about what we'd miss out on.


[The Mighty MJD]


If NBA Playoff Teams Were 80s Sitcoms…
(http://www.themightymjd.com/2006/05/05/if-nba-playoff-teams-were-80s-sitcoms/)
Detroit Pistons:
Cheers ...

[the Oakland Press]

Pistons savor solid offense vs. Bucks (http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/050506/spo_2006050507.shtml)
By DANA GAURUDER
Of The Oakland Press

AUBURN HILLS - When Richard Hamilton fired in a 3-pointer from the top of the key Wednesday night, he was the proud owner of a 40-point game, and the Pistons had 97 points on the scoreboard.

[Detroit News]
Pistons are focused on themselves (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060506/SPORTS0102/605060399/1127)
Since wrapping up their first-round series against Milwaukee on Wednesday, the Pistons have taken it somewhat easy. They had Thursday off and then had a light practice -- Prince called it "short and sweet" -- Friday and will practice again today.

[Detroit Free Press]
NEXT? Pistons watch playoffs with great interest (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060506/SPORTS03/605060375/1048/SPORTS)
A group of players planned an outing Friday night at Lucky's in Novi, where they could play video games and watch the Cavaliers vs. the Wizards in Game 6. The Pistons will play the Cavs, who won the series, four games to two. The second-round series starts Sunday.

Pistons Corner: Lowe can't contain NC State excitement (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060506/SPORTS03/605060372/1048/SPORTS)
Sidney Lowe can't really talk about his new job as head coach at North Carolina State, not until the news becomes official at a 5:30 p.m. news conference today.

But using a lot of qualifiers like, "if it happens," the Pistons' lead assistant shared his excitement Friday, saying the job falls into the can't-turn-it-down, "once-in-a-lifetime" category.

[Booth Newspapers]
Pistons expect to lose asst. coach to NCSU (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1146856208316520.xml&coll=1)
When the Wolfpack's interest became sincere, Lowe discussed the matter with Pistons officials and head coach Flip Saunders.

"They (Pistons officials) basically told me, in a situation like that, your alma mater ... it's a once -in-a-lifetime deal. You have to accept it if it's right," Lowe recalled. "We talked about it, and felt that if they do offer me the job, it would be a good move on my part."

JUSTIN ROGERS: Full-Court Press (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/)
ESPN's humor columnist Bill Simmons says in his latest column that the only way the Pistons don't reach the NBA Finals is if catastrophe strikes; a recent article on VIBE magazine's website claims the Pistons are carrying the flag for hip hop culture in the NBA.

[Detroit Bad Boys]
SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY! (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/)
Make no mistake, the Pistons will have to play better than they did against Milwaukee in order to take the series. King James and the Bronettes have really stepped up their game since the playoffs began, dispatching of the high-scoring, "defense optional" Wizz kidzz in 6. But given the joy the Pistons seemed to take in shutting down the Cavs in 3 of their 4 regular season contests, I doubt motivation will be much of a factor for this one. Just in case we need a little push though, Varejao anyone?

[the Oakland Press]

Bench proving it isn't a liability during playoffs (http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/050606/spo_2006050610.shtml)
By DANA GAURUDER
Of The Oakland Press

AUBURN HILLS - When opponents probe for weaknesses on the Pistons, their bench becomes a convenient target. The Pistons starting lineup is so formidable, it's logical to deduce that the time to make a run on them is when Flip Saunders dips into his reserve corps. In the first round of the playoffs, Detroit's bench did everything possible to debunk that theory.

[Detroit Bad Boys]


Vibe: the Pistons are "Hip Hop's team" (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=582)

Have the Pistons become Hip Hop's team? If so, it's news to me, but that's the title of a new article in Vibe Magazine: "The Detroit Pistons: Hip Hop's Team Speaks Up"
"If you look at our team, we?re more like the real. The grind," said Shooting Guard Hamilton. "When you look at us, our braids, [...]


[Need4Sheed]



Second Round Pistons vs. Cavaliers (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/05/second-round-pistons-vs-cavaliers.html)

Sheed Must Bleed video, great stuff



[20 Second Timeout]



Detroit Versus Cleveland Preview
(http://20secondtimeout.blogspot.com/2006/05/detroit-versus-cleveland-preview.html)
Cleveland can win if…

Detroit will win because…

Other things to consider:


[The Full Court Press]



Loads of good stuff today from Justin Rogers

Flip Saunders a traitor?
(http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_fcpress/archives/2006_05.html#138498)
More proof the Bulls are using the Pistons blueprint
(http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_fcpress/archives/2006_05.html#138499)
Salguero: Shaq makes Heat better than Pistons
(http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_fcpress/archives/2006_05.html#138501)
Beacon Journal: Cavs should be satisfied
(http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_fcpress/archives/2006_05.html#138503)
National analysts predict Pistons/Cavs series
(http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_fcpress/archives/2006_05.html#138505)
Maurice Evans takes a shot at the Cavs
(http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_fcpress/archives/2006_05.html#138520)

[ESPN]



Page 2: Stock Up the First Round
(http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/060505) by Bill "Celtic Freak" Simmons


[CNN-SI.com]



Playoff Capsules (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/basketball/nba/wires/05/06/2030.ap.bkn.second.round.capsules.0996/)

Let's lead off with the one that puts it best:

[YAY! Sports]
Pistons versus Cavaliers and the NBA Playoffs (http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2006/05/pistons_vs_cavaliers_and_the_n.html)
The popular opinions seem to be "LeBron is good for one" and "Hey, this is just like Michael Jordan and his Pistons".

We're sure Detroit is thrilled that they're no longer on a title run, but are merely here to teach LeBron. Y'know, for the good of the world. If they were struggling for motivation, there it is.

[Need4Sheed.com]
The Cleveland Cavaliers Want to Be the Detroit Pistons (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/05/cleveland-cavaliers-want-to-be-detroit.html)
The Cavs website is set up almost exactly like the Pistons.
The Cavs PA announcer is a Mason Wannabe, pay attention during the games.
They had a Break the World Record for Wig-Wearing day, just like the Pistons.
They have a Drum Squad just like the Pistons Drumline.
The Cavs had a Kid announce the starting lineups, just like the Pistons.
The Cavs have this Guy and his hair but the Pistons have this one.
The Cavs have this Kid and the Pistons have this one (video).

[Akron Beacon Journal]
Suite series ahead for Cavs' Gilbert (http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/14519656.htm)
Gilbert's business savvy and work ethic have put him in a unique position for the Eastern Conference semifinal between the Cavs and Pistons. He owns one franchise, and his subsidiary company, Rock Financial, is the presenting sponsor for the other.

How many owners boast luxury suites in both arenas where a series will be contested?

[Associated Press]
Pistons Stand in LeBron James' Way (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BKN_CAVALIERS_PISTONS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2006-05-06-18-10-23)
"Detroit will be a team that, in order to get to the promised land, we'll have to beat because they're going to be around a long time, especially for the first part of my career," James said Saturday.

[Channel 3000.com]
NBA Playoff Preview - Detroit vs. Cleveland (http://www.channel3000.com/nba/9170895/detail.html)
PREDICTION: The Cavaliers took a big step when they advanced past the first round, but their run in the postseason ends here. The Pistons are on a mission, and they are just the team to show James that he is going to have to pay a huge price if he wants to go deep into the postseason. Detroit is just too strong for James and the Cavs.

[ESPN.com]
Conference semifinals: Cavs vs. Pistons (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2006/series?series=cledet)
Ben Wallace plays with an energy matched by few players in the league and uses his strength to keep bigger players away from the hoop and his quickness to stay in front of smaller players. Wallace is the best offensive rebounder in the NBA and looks to outlet to start the fastbreak. Offensively, he is horrible. He is limited to putbacks and finishing in transition. Let him shoot if you can. The Bucks showed some success with aggressive play in the paint but Zydrunas Ilgauskas does not set up as deep in the paint as the Bucks' big men, which should make Wallace's job easier.

[CBS Sportsline]
Series: Pistons vs. Cavaliers (http://www.sportsline.com/nba/series-breakdown/DET/CLE)
After graduating his first playoff exam, LeBron James' and the Cavs' next task is one killer mid-term. The defending conference champs, a team they made mad during the regular season due to physical play and an awful lot of jawing. Detroit is licking its chops over exerting revenge for what it perceives as insolence from an inferior, inexperienced rival. This one is juicy. Things that are personal always are.

[NBA.com]
Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (http://www.nba.com/playoffs2006/series_detcle.html)
Having enjoyed a short recess after dispatching the Bucks in five games, the Detroit Pistons continue their journey for a third straight Finals appearance. Standing in their way is LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, who used six games to send the Wizards on summer vacation. The Pistons claimed three of the four regular season meetings between the clubs. Game 1 is Sunday on ABC.

[Detroit News]
James is center of Pistons' defensive focus (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060507/SPORTS0102/605070350/1004/SPORTS)
It is not lost on the Pistons that James is the new face of the NBA. It is James -- more so now than Kobe Bryant or Shaquille O'Neal or Tim Duncan and for sure more than the Detroit Pistons -- who is driving the league's marketing bus.

And don't think for a minute that doesn't get that chip on the Pistons' shoulders throbbing intensely.

"We know it's LeBron's showcase," Chauncey Billups said. "We are coming off a series where we played three games on NBA-TV and now we're on ABC. That's not because of us. We're going to be ready for that. We've been looking forward to it."

Pistons focus on 'LeBron Rules' (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060507/SPORTS0102/605070366/1004/SPORTS)
AUBURN HILLS -- The Pistons are trying to prepare themselves mentally for something they have no control over -- how the referees officiate LeBron James. To say he has been afforded superstar status with the officials would be an understatement -- just ask the Washington Wizards.

"You try to prepare for that, but you can do all the preparing you want, but once you get to that point and the reality hits -- it's different," Chauncey Billups said. "We have an emotional team and we will voice that when we feel it's necessary. That's not going to change. We just have to play our game and let everything else take care of itself."

Jones still smiling over game-winning shot (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060507/SPORTS0102/605070308/1004/SPORTS)
"He's a very likable dude," Pistons point guard Chauncey Billups said. "He competes, but he has fun and doesn't take nothing too serious. I pull for him and want him to do good, unless he's playing us. When he hit that shot, I was happy for him especially because he didn't get a chance to play much in that series.

"I pull for him, and I think a lot of people do. He's flashy and flamboyant, and I like that."

Lowe takes over as N.C. State coach (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060507/SPORTS0102/605070332/1004/SPORTS)
RALEIGH, N.C. -- North Carolina State hired Detroit Pistons assistant Sidney Lowe as its head basketball coach Saturday, bringing the former Wolfpack player back to the school he led to a national championship under Jim Valvano.

[Detroit Free Press]
Pistons vs. LeBron (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060507/SPORTS03/605070729/1051/SPORTS)
"We know that LeBron, it's his showcase, pretty much," Pistons point guard Chauncey Billups said. "We come off playing three games on NBA-TV, now we're on ABC. It isn't because of us. So we're going to be ready for that. We've been looking forward to it."

The Pistons will try and ignore the James circus. Or better yet, they'll use it as motivation. That ball started rolling in Round 1, when, as Billups pointed out, James regularly pushed the Pistons onto NBA-TV so the bigger networks could air Cavaliers games.

Pistons-Cavaliers Scouting Report (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060507/SPORTS03/605070734/1051/SPORTS)
The Pistons have home-court advantage, a big edge in playoff experience, more veteran leaders and a more balanced attack. They also know how to play defense. Ask a lot of people, and they'll say the Cavaliers have the officials on their side. What ref wants to makes the call against James that sends him out of the playoffs? Edge: Pistons

Pistons Corner: Cavaliers' Jones comes through in crunch time (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060507/SPORTS03/605070726/1051/SPORTS)
"I had some other guys, coaches here watching the game with me, and I said as soon as they put him on the court, 'He's gonna hit the game-winner right here,' " Saunders said. "He has that type of personality.

"Usually in that situation, it's easier to play then because when you get the ball, you don't have a choice. You know you've gotta shoot the ball. You don't have any decisions to make."

DREW SHARP: LeBron has all the cards (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060507/SPORTS03/605070648/1051/SPORTS)
There's no logical reason for James to sign a five-year contract extension when he can after July 1. Wait it out. When you're making reportedly more than $175 million in endorsements, does it really matter if the Cavs can offer you $13 million more than any other team?

Pistons playoff stats (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060507/SPORTS03/605070731/1051/SPORTS)

[Booth Newspapers]
Rasheed Wallace proves tough to stop (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1146996618187060.xml&coll=1)
As much as Cleveland's LeBron James is the star going into this series, all eyes are likely to shift Wallace's way before the series is over.

He averaged a team-high 19 points against a Cleveland team that Detroit beat in three out of four meetings this season. He also led the way by picking up the first of seven technical fouls called against Detroit in their four games against Cleveland.

Wallace's greatest impact, however, might have been his ability to rattle some of Cleveland's top players.

LeBron puts Pistons in national spotlight (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1146953407303140.xml&coll=1)
"Hey, that's what you get when you play against King James," Prince said. "ABC, TNT during the week and then back on ABC during the weekend."

Pistons-Cavaliers matchup (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/114695521133670.xml&coll=1)
Forwards: Cleveland never figured out how to defend Rasheed Wallace, who led the Pistons in scoring (19 points per game) against Cleveland this season. Tayshaun Prince doesn't score much against Cleveland, in part because he expends so much energy guarding LeBron James, who leads all postseason scorers with a 35.7 points per game average. For Cleveland to have some frontcourt success, they'll also need a solid performance from Drew Gooden.

JUSTIN ROGERS: Full-Court Press (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/)
May 6, Oakland Press: Evans believes Cleveland is easier to defend because it is so reliant on LeBron James. Washington, which swept the season series with Detroit, has three major scoring threats in Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison.

"In my opinion, I'd rather play a team like the Cavaliers, who have one dominant scorer," he said. "Our team is so good defensively, we can make it even more difficult for one scorer as opposed to three or four scorers."

[Need4Sheed]



Pistons - Cavaliers Round Two Preview (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/05/pistons-cavaliers-round-two-preview.html)

Fellow Sheedologist Dominique Wilford gives you his Head to Head matchups against the Cavaliers, for the Second Round of the Playoffs.


[Detroit Bad Boys]



But David Hall is still a Pistons fan, right? (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=583)

The Akron Beacon Journal on Cavs owner Dan Gilbert's split loyalties: Suite series ahead for Cavaliers' Gilbert

YAYsecond-round! (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=584)

The Cavalier from YAYsports! (who, ahem, is a fan of the Cavs) has his first thoughts up on the Detroit-Cleveland series that's about to kick off in roughly 14 hours, including a personal note written to Joe Dumars.


[Hoopsworld]



Motown Soundtrack: Get it together
(http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_17269.shtml) by Adriano Albuquerque

First round is in the books, and the Detroit Pistons start their Eastern Conference Semifinal series this Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Looking around the headlines, previews and analysis around the internet, everyone is expecting the defending East champions to throw two or three men at LeBron James to stop him and make that the focal point of their defense. While they certainly will be paying close attention to the phenom kid, they won’t waste all their energy there. And it’s not hard to figure that out. Just look at their history.

[PISTONS BULLETIN]



Ben Wallace ... (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/weblog/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_pistons/archives/2006_05.html#138645)

is the defensive player of the year. Not a surprise here, folks. It should become official later this week. It'll...


[Detroit Bad Boys]



[Detroit Bad Boys] What goes around comes around? (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=588)

You know how YAYsports! provided that blueprint for a Cleveland upset to us below? Well, we did the same thing for them, outlining Detroit's five keys to winning the series against the Cavs: "Welcome to the LeBron Show!" (Also featuring the two-time defending Eastern Conference Champion Detroit Pistons)


Pistons take control of the headlines, mercilessly pound the Cavs (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=590)

1st Quarter
11:44 — Game starts with a steal by Ben. That's a nice sign, since we've been calling for greater intensity for him throughtout the playoffs.
11:33 — Sheed with the baby hook on the other end for the first Piston bucket, game on.
10:30 — Gooden with the O-board and putback over Ben; the Pistons [...]


[Booth Newspapers]



Pistons 113, Cavaliers 86
(http://www.mlive.com/sportsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/sports-17/114704096211270.xml&storylist=michigansports) by LARRY LAGE
The Associated Press

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) — When LeBron James had the ball, he saw Detroit Pistons defenders to his left, to his right, and straight ahead.

The Pistons also had James seeing triple at the other end of the court.

Detroit made 10 3-pointers in the first half — one shy of an NBA playoff record — to open up a 21-point lead at halftime before cruising to a 113-86 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday in Game 1 of their second-round series.

[Cavalier Attitude]


Pistons Rout Cavaliers Quickly
(http://cavaliers.mostvaluablenetwork.com/team-news/pistons-rout-cavaliers-quickly/)
It didn’t take long for the Detroit Pistons to show why they are a number one seed as they dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers 113-86 to take a 1-0 series lead. The Cleveland Cavaliers started out quickly, but it didn’t last very long as the Pistons were outstanding in shooting the ball. The Pistons hit a team record 15 out of 22 from three point land.


[Deadspin]



For Cleveland, A Slight Departure From The 1st Round
(http://www.deadspin.com/sports/nba/for-cleveland-a-slight-departure-from-the-1st-round-172106.php)
After sweating it out in six thrilling games against the Wizards, the Cleveland LeBrons, after the first few minutes, were never in this one today. They dropped a squeaker in Game One against the Pistons, 113-86. Here’s a short list of things that the Cavaliers game against the Pistons did not have in common with the games they played against Washington:

• It was not close
• It was not particularly exciting
• It was not completely devoid of defense

[Detroit Free Press]
Game 1: Detroit 113, Cleveland 86 (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060507/SPORTS19/305070002/1051/SPORTS)
No late-game heroics, no friendly whistles from the referee, and no clever ad campaign could pull LeBron James out of his team's mess on Sunday.

MITCH ALBOM: Piston prevents King James from staging a Palace coup (http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/basketball/14524975.htm)[via Ohio.com]
"He never saw me coming," Prince, 26, would later say, matter of factly, of the block that sent a jolt through the Palace. "It was kind of a bad pass. ... It gave me time to get back to him ... It was a perfect situation for me. ..."

This, remember, is Prince talking, not LeBron's coach.

But that is typical of this humble, laconic forward with the long arms that seem to sway like a wooden puppet's from his thin, high shoulders. He led Detroit in scoring Sunday, and yet you easily could have overlooked it. In fact, when that time-out was called after his dagger three-pointer, you saw everything you needed to see about No. 22.

MICHAEL ROSENBERG: Big Ben's many contributions are key (http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/basketball/14524996.htm)[via Ohio.com]
Look at what Wallace did in one stretch: He helped out on a James slash to the basket, stopping a potential layup; grabbed a defensive rebound; blocked a Drew Gooden shot; grabbed another defensive rebound; set a pick that opened up Prince for an easy score; drew a charge that the officials didn't call; grabbed an offensive rebound and passed out to Rip Hamilton for a wide-open shot; and then stepped into the lane to stop Donyell Marshall, who was forced to pass out to LeBron ... at which time Ben ran out to the three-point line and got a hand in James' face, which may have caused James to miss the shot.

Time elapsed: less than five minutes.

[Akron Beacon Journal]
Pistons embarass Cavs in series opener (http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/basketball/14525167.htm)
When tip-off came, it had been roughly 36 hours since the Cavs touched down at Hopkins International Airport after their playoff victory over the Washington Wizards.

They breathed a heavy sigh and started to prepare for the ol' Dee-troit Basketball, as they refer to it in these parts, grinding physical half-court defense making for ugly, low-scoring affairs.

Instead they got the nuevo style, the sharp-shooting, high-scoring and gassing version. The Pistons averaged 107 points in their first-round series with the Milwaukee Bucks, hinting at the offensive flair that they developed during the season. Sunday, they played one of their best offensive games in their extensive playoff history, and it meant curtains for the wine and gold.

TERRY PLUTO: Brown must restore Cavs' confidence (http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/basketball/14525124.htm)
James says he's the leader, and he wants to lead. Staring at Tayshaun Prince taking jumpers from the corner is not leading. Nor is refusing to help crash the boards. It's very possible James was just plain tired after playing 53 minutes in Friday's overtime victory in Washington. He could have been exhausted - even at age 21. But his teammates look to James, and Brown needs to get that message across that James can be the key to the defense. After the game, James said, "You play defense for 22 or 23 seconds and a guy hits a 3 at the end of the shot clock." Brown needs to break out the tape and show James that wasn't what happened. The defense broke down early and often.

[Yahoo! Sports]
Easy as ABC? (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=dw-nbaontv050706&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – With each Detroit Pistons three-point bomb, each blocked Cleveland Cavaliers shot, the number of witnesses dwindled, televisions across America clicking off in favor of lawn mowing, light bulb changing or sock drawer sorting – heck, anything. It was exactly what ABC and the NBA deserved.

[MLive.com]
Detroit Shock City: Cavs rocked in opener (http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/sports-17/1147050849312710.xml&storylist=newsmichigan)
In less than 48 hours, the Cleveland Cavaliers went from rolling around the floor in joy to walking off the court in disbelief.

The Detroit Pistons welcomed the Cavs to the second round of the NBA playoffs — with a collective punch in the mouth.

JUSTIN ROGERS: Full-Court Press (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_fcpress/archives/2006_05.html#138710)
Here is how Rasheed responded when he was asked his opinion on Ben Wallace winning Defensive Player of the Year again. Note, for those who can't figure it out immediately, he was joking, listen to the audio.

Rasheed Wallace: “Aww they gave that sh*t to him again. Aw God, that’s felonious, FE-LON-IOUS. He was not even in my top three. Honestly, they only gave it to him because we the Pistons…”

On ESPN News' postgame coverage of the Pistons' blowout of the Cavaliers in Game 1, Ric Bucher of ESPN.com is flabbergasted at having to answer how Cleveland can actually win this series.

Host: In light of what you saw today, in light of what the Cavs saw today, what hope can they hang their hat on that they're still in this series realistically -- and that they can put a scare into the Pistons and make this series eventually close?

Bucher: You've got to be kidding me. I... I... Am I supposed to make something up?

AP NEWSBREAK: Wallace wins NBA's top defensive award (http://www.mlive.com/sportsflash/michigan/index.ssf?/base/sports-17/1147049950285620.xml&storylist=michigansports)
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) — Detroit center Ben Wallace won the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award for the fourth time in five years, a person within the Pistons organization told The Associated Press on Sunday.

The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the award has not been announced, said Wallace will be presented with the award Tuesday night before Game 2 of the second-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

[Fox Sports]
CHARLEY ROSEN: LBJ will be challenged by Pistons' big men (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5580516)
The Pistons are not the Wizards. There will be precious few blown defensive assignments, no botched free throws in the clutch, and nary a choke to give the Cavs aid and comfort in the clutch.

Here's how the teams line up.

[SI.com]
MARTY BURNS: Pistons-Cavs breakdown (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/marty_burns/05/06/pistons.cavaliers/index.html)
Slow down LeBron. That's the key for any team that faces the Cavs. With their team defense and vast experience, the Pistons should be able to do the trick. Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince give Detroit three long-armed defenders who know how to cover the floor and work with each other to take away LeBron's drives to the basket. Otherwise, the Pistons have little to fear defensively.

[Detroit News]
Lights out (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060508/SPORTS0102/605080372/1004/SPORTS)
The Cavaliers, coming off a tough six-game series against Washington, won't be as emotionally spent. They won't be as leg-weary. And if the Pistons shoot this good again, well, it's going to be a major story.

But in terms of establishing yourself in a series and setting the bar in terms of what level of play the opponent much reach in order to compete, it doesn't get any more emphatic than the Pistons' 113-86 romp Sunday in Game 1 of an Eastern Conference semifinal.

James poses threat for half (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060508/SPORTS0102/605080369/1004/SPORTS)
AUBURN HILLS -- The Pistons know a little secret about how to deal with star scorers such as LeBron James.

Playing strong team defense seems to work pretty darned well, both in containing James and his Cavaliers teammates.

Game report (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060508/SPORTS0102/605080375/1004/SPORTS)
The Pistons' slogan, "Goin' to work," flashed on the scoreboard before the game. It has become their symbol -- and in stark contrast to the Lions, who filed a grievance against the coaching staff for making them work too hard in their offseason workouts.

Notebook: Pistons on fire (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060508/SPORTS0102/605080371/1004/SPORTS)
The Pistons hit 10 of 11 three-point attempts in the first half. They made a franchise playoff-record 15 for the game, hitting 68.2 percent of them.

"At one point in time, we were 14-for-16. That's like unbelievable," Richard Hamilton said. "We looked at our free-throw percentage and were 14-for-16 from the free-throw line, too. I mean, we just took what they gave us. We swung the ball, got wide-open shots."

Bob Wojnowski: Cleveland LeBrons given education by devastation (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060508/SPORTS08/605080374/1004/SPORTS)
AUBURN HILLS -- Near as we could tell, there was one LeBron James on the floor Sunday. Unless something radically changes, that leaves Cleveland approximately three or four LeBrons short.

ROB PARKER: If Cavs don't play defense, this series will be over quickly (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060508/SPORTS08/605080370/1004/SPORTS)
"We're going to have to do a better job digging down and contesting those shots," Cavs coach Mike Brown said after the debacle.

That has to start with James, the man everybody wants to be the next Michael Jordan without earning it. By the way, Jordan played both ends of the floor. If he really wants to win, James will have to learn to play defense. Defense isn't about God-given talent. It's about desire. Just ask Ben Wallace, who won his fourth defensive player of the year award.

Sadly, James actually thought his team played good defense.

Ben gets fourth award (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060508/SPORTS0102/605080373/1004/SPORTS)
For the fourth time in five years, Wallace, the Pistons' defensive specialist, has earned the honor. He will be presented with the award before Tuesday night's game against Cleveland at The Palace.

LeBron watch (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060508/SPORTS0102/605080378/1004/SPORTS)
Grades (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060508/SPORTS0102/605080376/1004/SPORTS)
Three stars (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060508/SPORTS0102/605080377/1004/SPORTS)

[Detroit Bad Boys]



Pistons steal the headlines, mercilessly pound the Cavs (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=590)

After 36 hours straight of Lebron-praise, it is time for Game 1 of the Pistons v. Cavs series. Rumor has it this one is going to be played on actual television, rather than the local cable access channel. That's what happens when you have an intriguing opponent. (Come on, admit it — [...]

The Cavs had a bad day (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=591)

If you're feeling particularly cruel, head over to Cleveland.com and gloat while watching a "sad" musical photo montage of today's game from a Cavs' perspective. (Watch it now, though, because judging from the generic URL, I won't be surprised if there will be a brand new video after Game 2.) (Link via YAYsports!)


Pictures from a well-traveled Cavs fan (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=592)

Alan Dail of Cavsworld came up for Sunday's game between the Pistons and Cavs. From 17 rows above the court, he was in prime position to take over 100 really great pictures, which he was gracious enough to send me a heads up about. He has some great shots in and around the Palace, [...]

[Need4Sheed]



Game One BA BA BA Blowout! Piston 113 - 86 (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/05/game-one-ba-ba-ba-blowout-piston-113.html)

The Pistons were totally on their game Sunday at the Palace. Everything was working for the boys in Red White and Blue. Tayshaun was phenomenal on the offensive end, scoring a Pistons high 24 points and he was just as good defensively making it difficult for Lebron to get his shot off cleanly. Rip added 20, Chauncey had 14, Sheed had 10 and Ben was The Defensive Player of The Year, and it showed, blocking 4 shots with 11 rebounds.


Pistons Talk - Need4Sheed On AOL's Sports Bloggers Live (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/05/pistons-talk-need4sheed-on-aols-sports.html)

I was lucky enough to be invited as a guest on Tonight's AOL's Sports Bloggers Live to talk about The Pistons - Cavs series. It's live tonight at 7, and I'm talking up our Pistons.


[I Hate The Raptors]



NBA Playoffs - Day 16
(http://ihtraptors.blogspot.com/2006/05/nba-playoffs-day-16.html)
You got to give it to Detroit for air of arrogance in their newspapers when it comes to their basketball team. Look at the headlines today :

* Piston' Shooting Chew up Cavaliers
* James Discovers Who's Really King Of The Palace
* LeBron Given Education By Devastation


[CavsWorld.com]



Pistons Embarrass Cavaliers
(http://www.cavsworld.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=57)
After winning game 6 against the Wizards friday night, LeBron James told reporters that Cleveland was not ready for the pistons because they were focused exclusively on beating the wizards, but that they had a day to get ready. Clearly 1 day to prepare wasn't enough time as the Pistons won by 27 points, 113-86, in a game that wasn't as close as it's final score.

Tayshaun Prince said "It was up to us to jump out early after the first round they had. I think they had some tired legs."


[TheMightyMJD]



Tiptoeing Into Round Two…
(http://www.themightymjd.com/2006/05/07/tiptoeing-into-round-two/)
The Cavs just ran into a barrage yesterday. It was like someone sent a blind kid walking into another kid who was doing the windmill of fists. Detroit got any shot they wanted, and then they made damn near every one of them.

I actually didn’t feel like the Pistons were that good defensively. They gave up some easy baskets, and Cleveland was able to shoot an okay percentage. But their easy buckets were way fewer and far between than the Pistons easy buckets.

[The Optimist]


The Optimist
(http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/features/optimist_pistons_060507.html)
I almost respect Pistons fans, bandwagon jumpers though they are. They are some of the most passionate in sport. The organization is solid. Joe Dumars is a class act and Flip Saunders is from Cuyahoga Heights.

But it’s the downright insanity that separates the Pistonistas from other NBA fans. Pistons win the Championship, they riot and burn down the city. Tigers lose the Championship, they riot and burn down the city. They go ape every time the Lions win on Thanksgiving and every time the Red Wings score a goal, the throw squids on the ice.

~ The Oakland Press ~


It's a laugher (http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/050806/spo_2006050807.shtml)
Cavaliers have no answers for red-hot pistons
By Dana Gauruder

Rasheed Wallace jumped off his chair, grinning from ear to ear and waving a towel. Everyone else wearing a Pistons warmup jersey followed his lead and swarmed the court.

Then came the celebratory gestures - a chest bump from Maurice Evans, a high-five from Chauncey Billups. A parade of other well-wishers followed as Lindsey Hunter made his way toward the huddle during a 20-second timeout.

"For a minute, I really couldn't tell if it was Lindsey or Chauncey out there," Ben Wallace said after the Pistons clubbed Cleveland, 113-86, in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal playoff series. "He did a great job and brought a lot of energy to the game. He kept the wheels turning."

Wallace again Defensive Player of Year (http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/050806/spo_2006050809.shtml)
By Dana Gauruder and Paula Pasche

Ben Wallace came up so short on two free-throw attempts Sunday, even he had to laugh about it. But he didn't fall shy of one of his biggest goals - winning another Defensive Player of the Year award.

The Pistons have called a news conference for this afternoon to announce that Wallace has won the league's premier defensive award for the fourth time in five seasons. He will be presented with the trophy prior to Game 2 on Tuesday night.

"He's our Cover 2 guy," Pistons coach Flip Saunders said, referring to pro football's most popular zone defense. "He keys our defense. He gets active and gets us going."

Pistons stomp on Cavs (http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/050806/spo_2006050804.shtml)
Detroit must maintain its focus despite winning by a large margin in game 1
By Keith Langlois

Maybe the geniuses who consigned the Pistons to TV's hinterland for their firstround playoff series knew what they were doing after all.

Moved to network TV Sunday for the first time, the Pistons provided TV's most numbingly predictable programming since Ken Jennings first wandered onto the set of "Jeopardy."

Except this one was over before they ever got to Double Jeopardy.

Prince, Pistons relentless (http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/050806/spo_2006050808.shtml)
By Pat Caputo

It's peculiar, when you think about it. Tayshaun Prince is so understated in so many ways.

He is soft-spoken. Always calm.

There is an inexorably sound quality to his game. Prince doesn't take bad shots, and he boxes out and moves his feet defensively.

Wasted movement? There is none. Every step Prince takes has purpose.

Yet there is this thunderbolt aspect to Tayshaun Prince, and it seems to provide the Pistons with their most revealing signature moments.

Not the ones responsible for the Pistons' 113-86 rout Sunday over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. That result was mostly about the Pistons' astounding shooting from 3-point range, which was an aberration. It's not why the Pistons are, well, the Pistons.

[Detroit Bad Boys]



He wasn't even in my top three (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=593)

Rasheed Wallace's reaction after learning that Ben Wallace would be named the Defensive Player of the Year for the fourth time:
"They gave that to him again?" Rasheed Wallace said, loud enough so that Ben Wallace could hear as he exited the locker room. "Ah, dog, that's felonious. It's felonious. Fe-lone-e-us. He was not even in [...]

Can't tell the difference? (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=594)

We admit, sometimes it gets confusing telling the difference between the real Ben Wallace and the Inflatable Ben Wallace. Luckily, Farlane put together a handy guide to help you out: Official Ben Wallace ID Chart

Why the rest of the series will be competitive (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=595)

Was the Pistons' blow-out win over the Cavs on Sunday really an indication of how easy this series is going to be? Maybe, maybe not. The Pistons did win three out of four games against the Cavs in the regular season, holding Cleveland under 80 points in each win. But Sunday's game was a bit [...]


[Need4Sheed]



Zydrunas Ilgauskas Retirement Options (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/05/zydrunas-ilgauskas-retirement-options.html)

Have you ever notice that Cleveland Cavalier's center Zydrunas Ilgauskas doesn't really look like he belongs in the NBA. I mean if saw him on the street and didn't know who he was, would you actually think he was making millions in the NBA?

In honor of a certain namesake (and because there's a remarkably gay photo of Dice and Lindsey doing the Mississippi Belly Bump), I add this story by one Roscoe Nance:

[USA Today]
Pistons trample Cavaliers 113-86 to take 1-0 lead in second-round series (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/games/2006-05-07-pistons-cavs-game-1_x.htm)
The Cavs faced little defensive resistance in defeating the Washington Wizards in six games to reach the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time in 13 years. But it was a different story against the Pistons, the defending conference champions who posted a league-best 64-18 record this season.

"We got our behinds kicked," Cleveland coach Mike Brown said.

[Detroit News]
Chris McCosky's Game 2 preview (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060509/SPORTS0102/605090377/1127)
The burden of adjustment is obviously on the Cavaliers for Game 2, but don't think for a minute the Pistons were wracking their brains to come up with counters.

"I haven't thought about that at all," Chauncey Billups said. "They will make adjustments, but really, it's about us and what we do well. Whatever they are going to do, we've seen it before. Teams have tried a lot of different things to combat us over the last few years. We've seen it all and it won't take us long to adjust to whatever they're going to do."

Dumars: Re-signing Ben is top priority (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060509/SPORTS0102/605090358/1127)
AUBURN HILLS -- You never really know with Pistons president Joe Dumars, but he might have been sending a message to all the teams that might be harboring a desire to pry Ben Wallace away from the Pistons this summer.

Don't waste your time.

Pistons weren't sole factor in defeat (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060509/SPORTS0102/605090373/1127)
Brown said he will stay with a small lineup to try and match the Pistons' speed in transition and get the offense going. He said his team isn't in a state of panic and has the guts to even the series.

"Teams that don't have any hope are the team's that aren't going anywhere," Brown said. "We have guys that can respond."

The King's Court (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060509/SPORTS0102/605090360/1127)
"Sometimes in the past, where something might make me lose focus or I would go home after a game where I thought I could have played better and I would let it hang over my head for a long time when it shouldn't," James said. "But now, being a parent, I go home and see my son and I forget about any mistake I ever made or the reason I'm upset.

"I get home and my son is smiling or he comes running to me. It has just made me grow as an individual and grow as a man."

Second place doesn't suit James (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060509/SPORTS0102/605090361/1127)
Cavs center Zydrunas Ilgauskas had his own theory on why James didn't get the nod in his third season as a pro.

"Maybe they (media voters) are afraid to give it to him," Ilgauskas said. "Because if you give it to him now, what are you going to do for the next 10 years? You know he's not going to get any worse."

Best bet (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060509/SPORTS0102/605090359/1127)
Because of the early 7 p.m. start, fans are asked to give themselves extra time because of anticipated traffic jams.

Giveaway item: The first 10,000 fans will receive a free hard hat, courtesy of Rock Financial.

LeBron, free-throw line should be no-talk zone (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060509/SPORTS0102/605090362/1127)
Sorry, but this bordered on punk behavior. Even the newly crowned King should not be given a free pass on this.

Once the player is at the line, no opponent should be able to approach him. Snicker at him, jaw at him, say anything you want, but don't go near him, and certainly, don't whisper in his ear. There's no rule -- no