http://www.pistonsforum.com/img/resources/team/MIA_799.gif http://www.pistonsforum.com/img/resources/team/at.gifhttp://www.pistonsforum.com/img/resources/team/DET_3079.gif

Series 0-0

Tuesday May 23rd, 2006
8:00 PM

Palace of Auburn Hills, Mi

TV: ESPN
Radio: WDFN 1130 AM

Your Detroit Pistons

Ben WallaceRasheed WallaceTayshaun PrinceRip HamiltonChauncey Billupshttp://www.pistonsforum.com/img/resources/pistons/ben_wallace.jpghttp://www.pistonsforum.com/img/resources/pistons/rasheed_wallace.jpghttp://www.pistonsforum.com/img/resources/pistons/tayshaun_prince.jpghttp://www.pistonsforum.com/img/resources/pistons/richard_hamilton.jpghttp://www.pistonsforum.com/img/resources/pistons/chauncey_billups.jpg

The Miami Heat (boo, hiss)

Shaquille O'NealUdonis HaslemAntoine WalkerDwyane WadeJason Williamshttp://www.pistonsforum.com/img/resources/heat/shaquille_oneal.jpghttp://www.pistonsforum.com/img/resources/heat/udonis_haslem.jpghttp://www.pistonsforum.com/img/resources/heat/antoine_walker.jpghttp://www.pistonsforum.com/img/resources/heat/dwyane_wade.jpghttp://www.pistonsforum.com/img/resources/heat/jason_williams.jpg


Bring on Shaq, Wade & Co.
The Pistons may have to implement the "Wade Rules"


Comments?
~~

Never mind.lol

Pistons should start off right where they left off with the Cav`s. Posting Tay, he will abuse Walker, as Sheed will abuse Haslem.

Let`s get this started with a huge win..........

Haslem is similar to Gooden with a better midrange shot... Gooden is a little better around the basket though.
The difference is Zo coming in to defend Sheed or Dice. Sheed typically has troble scoring on Zo... but he can take the shot blocker out of the paint.

Well is this where the "Shaq insurance" get to play or is that a last resort of bringing in D.D. or Cato.... it may depend on how well Ben can do...
I'm concerned about the Zo & Shaq combo bullying there way inside.

Gotta abuse JWill and do a better job defending their gaurds on the P&R.

Hi All,

this is my first post here.
I was surprised to know that this site is volunterily run by Roscoe and the team. I am impressed.
One message came to me, in case Pistons make it to the finals then we have to post. the message should have been... Since the Pistons will be in the finals, then we have to post. I never doubted them.

Since we are in the Finals, I will do my best and be part of the Pistons family.

Coming to the finals talk... not much to be said
Miami's and shaq's destiny are similar to the king's one. ooops...
even worse cause it will not take us 7 games... i say in 5...

GOOO PISTONS

Just saw Drew Sharp on "Cold Pizza," and he made a good point about Tayshaun Prince. The Pistons don't have a reliable 3 to spell Tay, and Tay could wear down if Flip doesn't figure out a way to get him some rest. Makes me wonder if JMax should have been developed more during the season and the Pistons should have given up on the DelfiMo experiment early on. This might be the most interesting subplot heading into this series. I would love to see Delfino get some burn. He is a 2/3. I don't think Mo scares anyone with his defense or offense. Delfino is someone that is virtually unscoutable since he didn't play much. Same with JMax. Should JMax be activated for this series and we turn it into a physical matchup at the 3? Naw, that would be a stroke of genuis. Out of character for Flip.

Just saw Drew Sharp on "Cold Pizza," and he made a good point about Tayshaun Prince. The Pistons don't have a reliable 3 to spell Tay, and Tay could wear down if Flip doesn't figure out a way to get him some rest. Makes me wonder if JMax should have been developed more during the season and the Pistons should have given up on the DelfiMo experiment early on. This might be the most interesting subplot heading into this series. I would love to see Delfino get some burn. He is a 2/3. I don't think Mo scares anyone with his defense or offense. Delfino is someone that is virtually unscoutable since he didn't play much. Same with JMax. Should JMax be activated for this series and we turn it into a physical matchup at the 3? Naw, that would be a stroke of genuis. Out of character for Flip.

I wouldn't mind Delfino being activated. Limit his role to only defense and driving to the rack. No shooting. Would be curious to see what he could do on Wade. Let's see if he can handle the heat. JMax is too much of a rookie to take a chance with the stakes so high.

Very impressed with Tay so far. He has really taken it up a notch. Good long term sign by Joe.

The key to victory with Miami is simple. You have to take Wade out.

I don't mean actually intentionally try to hurt him. Just give him a good hard foul every time he drives. Prince can overplay his 10-15 foot jumper and then the bigs (Use Davis and Cato and others early in the game and early in the series) can hammer him (legally) when he comes inside. Wade only has one game, and that's all out going to the rim. If you aggressively defend the goal he'll either settle for jumpers, or bang himself up trying to get to the rim. Actually I think that if he doesn't develop a great outside shot soon (ala Jordan), his career will be pretty short. Guys who recklessly drive to the hole get injured a lot and their atheleticism slowly decreases as years go by.

The key to victory with Miami is simple. You have to take Wade out.

I don't mean actually intentionally try to hurt him. Just give him a good hard foul every time he drives. Prince can overplay his 10-15 foot jumper and then the bigs (Use Davis and Cato and others early in the game and early in the series) can hammer him (legally) when he comes inside. Wade only has one game, and that's all out going to the rim. If you aggressively defend the goal he'll either settle for jumpers, or bang himself up trying to get to the rim. Actually I think that if he doesn't develop a great outside shot soon (ala Jordan), his career will be pretty short. Guys who recklessly drive to the hole get injured a lot and their atheleticism slowly decreases as years go by.
Agree. He isn't strong enough to finish if you can knock him off his stride - unlike LBJ. And he doesn't shoot as well from outside either, so don't give him any room outside and shove him around some when he breaks down the first defender. Course, there is that Shaq guy hanging out looking for those lobs.

Wade has been shooting plenty well from the outside recently, including some previously unseen 3-point range.

Forget about seeing Delfino from here on out, unless he plays due to injury. Flip can`t afford to play him now.

Forget about seeing Delfino from here on out, unless he plays due to injury. Flip can`t afford to play him now.

I dunno. Flip said yesterday that since Delfino guards Wade so well, he plans to use him. Is that the kiss of death for Delfino? Could be. :ohwell:

Wade to Shaq... Wade to Shaq
Gotta watch that drive and lob

Kinda figure Riley's added some new wrinkles with the time off... most likely sending off the ball cutters.

I support bringing Cato in once in the 1st half to soften Shaq... D.D. is worse than Ben at keeping Shaq 's dominance to a minimum.

Wade has been shooting plenty well from the outside recently, including some previously unseen 3-point range.

If Wade does that instead of driving against us I'm fine with that!:thumb:

One message came to me, in case Pistons make it to the finals then we have to post. the message should have been... Since the Pistons will be in the finals, then we have to post. I never doubted them.

Adonis, we love your enthusiasm and confidence. :)

I dunno. Flip said yesterday that since Delfino guards Wade so well, he plans to use him. Is that the kiss of death for Delfino? Could be. :ohwell:

Did he really say that? Well let`s see if it happens. I`ll have to see it to believe it.

I would love to see how Delfino plays, and will Flip yank him after a mistake? Wouldn`t it be great if Delfino would slow Wade and contribute offensively.

Can`t a guy dream???????

OK anti up... giving 5 to 1 odds that Delfino gets no burn in non GT.

Ben, Dice and Tay should make more cuts into the lane on offense. By doing this more, they may draw some fouls on Shaq. Get Shaq in foul trouble early and we will coast to victory.

DETROIT BASKETBALL! LET'S GO!!!

Riley has brought his first excuse of the series. He is saying one week is too much and the team may not be ready after a long rest. What does these Miami want? IF they rest too much they complain, if they play too much they complain. How dare Riley mention this when playing against a team who is coming out of a long seven game series. I tell you what...we should count the number of excuses Miami will use in this series.

Gooo Pistions

Yeah...I'm wondering if we were to lose (which we won't) then can we use the excuse that Sheed's ankle is hurt sort of how the Heat have said for a WHOLE year that they lost because of DWade's injury? Yeah right.

Hopefully Delfino gets some tick. JMax--he needs to be waived--I loved his game in college, but he is too slow to be a three and doesn't have the explosiveness to be a 4. I actually think his game is just horrible and have no idea what people are seeing in him. Mo Evans is a go getter on the glass, but he clogs the O with his lack of ballhandling.

JMax--he needs to be waived--I loved his game in college, but he is too slow to be a three and doesn't have the explosiveness to be a 4.
Download this,

http://www.pistonsforum.com/attachments/april-2006-games/125-detroit-toronto-fri-apr-14th-2006-raptors-041406.wmv?d=1145076851

And then tell me he doesn't have the explosiveness to play the 4.

I'm at work and I'll look later--I presume it's stuff from college. But that's just it: I said I LOVED his game in college--so I watched him frequently. I thought he was a good draft pick. It's just that watching him this year, against, bigger and faster guys at the next level, I don't see that explosiveness. (maybe it's me or his lack of p/t).

I'm at work and I'll look later--I presume it's stuff from college. But that's just it: I said I LOVED his game in college--so I watched him frequently. I thought he was a good draft pick. It's just that watching him this year, against, bigger and faster guys at the next level, I don't see that explosiveness. (maybe it's me or his lack of p/t).
It's stuff from the Pros. You need to check it out.

Ahhh...well I will do that tonight. I just don't think he's impressed me much (in spurts) in the pros. But I do know that he impressed many at the pre-draft camps which made his stock rise.

I could be a lil too tough on him, I guess he is a rook--but I just don't see many flashes of brilliance.

Ben, Dice and Tay should make more cuts into the lane on offense. By doing this more, they may draw some fouls on Shaq. Get Shaq in foul trouble early and we will coast to victory.

DETROIT BASKETBALL! LET'S GO!!!

Miami's D is horrible on the perimeter and that's why Shaq is always in foul trouble now. I agree take it to the basket. 104-97 PISTONS!

I LOVE MY WIFE !!!!!!!!!!!

SHE SCORED 2nd ROW TIX TO TONIGHTS GAME

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

The strategy of trying to get Shaq into foul trouble is a good one. I would relentlessly attack him and initiate the contact. Refs are 50/50 on those calls no matter how obvious it is.

Also, since Shaq's pattern has been to start off strong and then tire out as the game goes on, I would consider starting Davis on him and being very physical. Don't let Ben or Sheed rack up early fouls and take them out of their game.

I LOVE MY WIFE !!!!!!!!!!!

SHE SCORED 2nd ROW TIX TO TONIGHTS GAME

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

If she was really great, she would say, "honey, why don't you take your friend TaShawn and I'll watch on TV."

leavin in an hour...GO PISTONS!! see you guys at the palace!!

Wade's shot is on point these days, he's not as one dimensional as he used to be. He has 2 spots that he loves 15-18 ft baseline and the freethrow line extended at 15-17 feet, those shots get him into a good shooting rhythm then he extends his range as the game goes along. You also have to play Wade for the drive and dish, that drop off to Shaq is lethal and the kick to Haslem's baseline J is pretty effective too. Fellas ya gotta watch these guys and STOP UNDERESTIMATING them, I think we saw last series how dangerous that can be.

Tick...Tick...Tick...Tick...Tick....tick...just waiting on the little woman.

Going back to the reg season I noticed that Wade was just as suseptible to dribble penetration as anyone else, and tended to pickup fouls as a result. Gotta make him defend more than the perimeter.

Shaq seems to pickup fouls off of quick hitting plays by cutters down the lane and backdoor cuts. Not to mention drive to the hole from the opposite side of the floor.

Come on Honey.
Only 90 minutes to tip.
Please get outta the mirror.
AGGHHHHHH !!



GO PISTONS !!!

Almost that time of day folks. It's going to be huge tonight, I can't wait! :nod:

Also, please folks I'm recording the Tigers-Royals game tonight so I can watch it tomorrow morning. So if I may kindly ask that folks not post any Tigers updates tonight I would greatly appreciate it. Then again, if you do, I just may boot you so take the chance, if you dare! :eyebrows:

CHAT IS OPEN!

SHADDUP ABOUT TIGERS (per Zoso) ;)

GOOOOO PISTONS!

LARGEST CRYBABY
At 7-0, Rasheed Wallace was recently entered in the Guinness Book of World Records as earth's largest crybaby. Wallace believes the next foul he commits will be the first he has ever committed. He gets this information from the aliens who talk to him regularly, telling him to make guarantees that are 100 percent right 67 percent of the time. Wallace is one of the many reasons Wade says there is no team in the league he likes less than the Pistons.
The Pistons also have a remarkable number of players with names you might find working in a hair salon.
Chauncey.
Tayshaun.
Antonio.
Lindsey.
Maurice.
And that's not even counting Team Hair Salon's coach -- a grown man named Flip.
They're tougher than they sound, of course.
But they've rarely looked as weak as Cleveland -- a lesser team than Miami -- just made them look.


Oh, REALLLY!

we simply can't beat the heat with ben wallace logging all those minutes. shaq and zo just don't check him and clog up the paint. ben needs to either get active on the offensive boards or flip needs to grow some balls and play somebody else. ben isn't doing a better defensive job on shaq than anybody else would at least we could make shaq play defense.

what is flip's problem. rip can't hit, chauncey can't hit, sheed can't hit, tay can't hit but flip still doesn't sub at least one of them out. :doh: use the bench flip it's the only way to the title.

I am really feelin that Flip cant outcoach Riley cuz he's going to be to afraid to try anything different. He didnt play DD or TD any significant minutes. The team showed no emotion and the fans were flippant.

I am really feelin that Flip cant outcoach Riley cuz he's going to be to afraid to try anything different. He didnt play DD or TD any significant minutes. The team showed no emotion and the fans were flippant.

flips hands are sorta tied. the one move he could make that would give us an edge he really can't do because it would upset ben wallace. that mcdyess and rasheed lineup is our best lineup against miami because miami can't sag in the paint. ben is really making me mad. this guy deserves a sign and trade. we miss dmc.

Well well well.

Can I get a clarification on whether Billups-bashing is in fact allowed here? If not, I'll stick to bashing Mr. Twitchy.

And it appears I was right about Prince after all, although bballjay is wrong - Ben Wallace, while ineffective for parts of the game, was far from the biggest problem. And Darko Milicic's benchwarming hardly brought any energy or basketball IQ to the game - unless he was some kind of reservoir to suck the lethargy and stupidity out of the other players.

Well well well.

Can I get a clarification on whether Billups-bashing is in fact allowed here? If not, I'll stick to bashing Mr. Twitchy.
You know how to keep it from becoming poster-to-poster personal. Let it fly.

Go head bash CB. I am gettin tired of his act in this playoffs. He looks totally lost out there. Can't believe he was mentioned as an MVP candidate with Nash. Nash is much better. Pistons gave away game they could have won with even a mediocre offensive performance.

33% shooting :frusty: . Everybody has colluded to collectively go stone cold. The bright side is that Miami didn't look that scary. I look for a win on Thursday. Joe please get a few scorers and jump shooters. In some ways the Pistons brough this on themselves by not getting another reliable scorer off the bench and letting the Cavs series go 7 games.

NO PANIC, JUST PISSED!!

flips hands are sorta tied. the one move he could make that would give us an edge he really can't do because it would upset ben wallace. that mcdyess and rasheed lineup is our best lineup against miami because miami can't sag in the paint. ben is really making me mad. this guy deserves a sign and trade. we miss dmc.Ben did NOTHING wrong this game. He 14 rebounded and stayed in there with Diesel. The thing is if we gonna play this poorly , u might as well use the bench. When Shaq went out with 3, Ben stayed in the rest of the half! What did Flip do to help a tired team in the 3rd? Nothing ....But here are my Leecraps to this game:

1. Hunter needs to stop playing on speed or meth. As much as he won the game in the 1st half, he lost it in the 2nd.
2, Sheed was lifeless. Totally lifeless. All i can say to him is "SHHH!"
3. CB and Rip were high. Did anyone even guard them tonight? Our guards were 16-48. Their guards ? 20-26!!!!!! FREEK!


we HAVE 2 take Games 2 and 3...The players have saved Flip's azs up to now. He owes his team two.

Well well well.

Can I get a clarification on whether Billups-bashing is in fact allowed here? If not, I'll stick to bashing Mr. Twitchy.

bash away. he had a really bad game today. i do like that he was much more aggressive though. his shot will come around. flip needs to use the bench we were obviously tired tonight.

And it appears I was right about Prince after all, although bballjay is wrong - Ben Wallace, while ineffective for parts of the game, was far from the biggest problem. And Darko Milicic's benchwarming hardly brought any energy or basketball IQ to the game - unless he was some kind of reservoir to suck the lethargy and stupidity out of the other players.

ben wasn't our biggest problem but he was a problem. we couldn't hit outside shots. so with ben in the game we can't drive to the hole or post up either. i just don't understand how we were one shot and out the whole game with shaq playing so much help defense. ben should have been diving to the front of the rim everytime shaq left him.

flip's hands are tied he just simply can't take ben wallace out the game or we will lose him to free agency. even riley was smart enough to take shaq out when we started fouling him. to say flip isn't that smart isn't right. i think flip just knew that it would hurt ben's ego and maybe ben wouldn't resign next year.

dmc wouldn't have helped because he wouldn't get in the floor. but that's like saying tony delk, lindsey hunter, dale davis, cato. mo evans or carlos delfino can't help us. the problem isn't our bench it's flip being unwilling to use them.

Go head bash CB. I am gettin tired of his act in this playoffs. He looks totally lost out there. Can't believe he was mentioned as an MVP candidate with Nash. Nash is much better. Pistons gave away game they could have won with even a mediocre offensive performance.

33% shooting :frusty: . Everybody has colluded to collectively go stone cold. The bright side is that Miami didn't look that scary. I look for a win on Thursday. Joe please get a few scorers and jump shooters. In some ways the Pistons brough this on themselves by not getting another reliable scorer off the bench and letting the Cavs series go 7 games.

NO PANIC, JUST PISSED!! Two words...GRANT HILL

This is what happens. It's what we've become used to.

Sloppy, lethargic and lazy play. Actually running hard and challenging when the game is out of reach.

The Heat smelled blood in the second half and stole homecourt advantage in the series.

Was anyone good for the Pistons? Dale Davis was sharp for 4 seconds, and Hunter brought energy. Mo Evans also managed to score without screwing anything up.

This team needs a heart. And a pulse. And some competitive drive. Can someone text message the Wizard of Oz?

It's the big round. One step away from the title match. Not the time to let games slip away. Lousy job by the coaches (again) utilizing timeouts and the bench. Terrible job by the starters (excepting Ben) bringing any energy, shooting or defense.

Everyone keeps saying the Pistons are tired. Bullcrap. There is no time for tired. No room for excuses. They wasted friendly whistles and home court advantage. They had the big 2 for Miami buried with fouls and couldn't close the deal. Because NO ONE stepped up on offense and played with courage. Drives to the hoop looking for fouls instead of finishing with aggression.

Can we win Game 2? Maybe. But with this team, you never know. Maybe they need to be down 3-0 before they get serious about winning.

Ben did NOTHING wrong this game. He 14 rebounded and stayed in there with Diesel. The thing is if we gonna play this poorly , u might as well use the bench. When Shaq went out with 3, Ben stayed in the rest of the half! What did Flip do to help a tired team in the 3rd? Nothing ....But here are my Leecraps to this game:

ben is no threat on offense so miami sags and clogs up the paint. with us not hitting outside shots that is a real big problem. that means no driving and no posting up cause ben's man will double or play zone and give weak side help. ben may have rebounded but he was giving no weaks side help. i saw miami drive to the hoop plenty of times with no ben wallace to help at all. if ben isn't blocking shots and rebounding he has no business on the floor. against shaq and miami shaq is unstoppable so it makes no sense playing ben major minutes cause shaq will score on him just as easily as mcdyess or maxiell.

when shaq went out flip should have went to the mcdyess and sheed combo. miami was having loads of trouble with mcdyess down in the post.

Two words...GRANT HILL

flip would say he's going to play him then he wouldn't hit the court.

Flip is too much of a players coach. If us arm chair QB's can see the defensive and offensive problems I am sure he does too. Why doesn't he get in their faces? Bench some of the starters and play the bench. Better to lose with energy than give games away.

Let's hire Leyland.

ben is no threat on offense so miami sags and clogs up the paint. with us not hitting outside shots that is a real big problem. that means no driving and no posting up cause ben's man will double or play zone and give weak side help. ben may have rebounded but he was giving no weaks side help. i saw miami drive to the hoop plenty of times with no ben wallace to help at all. if ben isn't blocking shots and rebounding he has no business on the floor. against shaq and miami shaq is unstoppable so it makes no sense playing ben major minutes cause shaq will score on him just as easily as mcdyess or maxiell.

when shaq went out flip should have went to the mcdyess and sheed combo. miami was having loads of trouble with mcdyess down in the post.You're drunk!!!LOL

when shaq went out flip should have went to the mcdyess and sheed combo. miami was having loads of trouble with mcdyess down in the post.
Sheed did squat besides hit a 3 in this game. He just wasted space.

This is what happens. It's what we've become used to.

Sloppy, lethargic and lazy play. Actually running hard and challenging when the game is out of reach.

The Heat smelled blood in the second half and stole homecourt advantage in the series.

Was anyone good for the Pistons? Dale Davis was sharp for 4 seconds, and Hunter brought energy. Mo Evans also managed to score without screwing anything up.

This team needs a heart. And a pulse. And some competitive drive. Can someone text message the Wizard of Oz?

It's the big round. One step away from the title match. Not the time to let games slip away. Lousy job by the coaches (again) utilizing timeouts and the bench. Terrible job by the starters (excepting Ben) bringing any energy, shooting or defense.

Everyone keeps saying the Pistons are tired. Bullcrap. There is no time for tired. No room for excuses. They wasted friendly whistles and home court advantage. They had the big 2 for Miami buried with fouls and couldn't close the deal. Because NO ONE stepped up on offense and played with courage. Drives to the hoop looking for fouls instead of finishing with aggression.

Can we win Game 2? Maybe. But with this team, you never know. Maybe they need to be down 3-0 before they get serious about winning.

Right on Micro. I don't buy the tired excuse. In the playoffs every game should be played with intensity and heart. I never thought a blue collar team like the Pistons could ever get out worked. Where is the goin to work mentality?

The only silver lining I see is that even with the Heat shooting 56% from the floor and their role players stepping up big--their leads kept going UP whenever Shaq and Wade went out--the Pistons STILL would have won if their shooting percentage had even gotten into the low 40s. If the series more or less follows the pattern established tonight, then the winner will simply be decided by how well the Pistons shoot. If they can score some points, they'll win. If not, they won't. Simple as that.

I have to say this loss was totaly on Flip. If your starters can't make a shot you have to play the bench, but of course he hasn't played them enough this season to have any faith in their ability or to let them get any rhythm. As for Ben, the guy should't be playing in the 4th until he can make at least some of his free throws. If he is going to whine about it tell him he has to earn the time by making some free throws.

The pattern with Miami continues... Shaq goes nuts in the first quarter and then tires out and doesn't do anything the rest of the game.

So, we should start Davis and hack the crap out of him in the first quarter. By the time Shaq starts to slow down, then you can insert Ben and he can play full bore. Isn't that why DD is on the team? Why did we keep Cato on the roster instead of Amir Johnson?

I do not feel bad about this loss. Pistons took 18 more shots, had 9 offensive boards and only missed 4 FT's. Forced a lot of tunovers. Tired teams caugh up a lot of TO's and miss boards. Not the case tonight.

Pistons just could not make shots. Had good looks, had plenty of 2nd chances. Just could not make them.

If we had won the 1st 2 here then you know the team would have let up and lost 2 in Miami. This way they know they have to get 1 in Miami

This team is REALLY struggling on offense. Cavs were a 1 punch. Heat are a 1-2 punch. The defense won't be able to cover the offense's tracks for any length of time. Gotta hit shots. Hubie mentioned Detroit having a tough time getting to the rim. Gee, wonder why? They haven't been doing it all season. They don't have much practice doing it. Now, all of a sudden, the offense has to completely change. Actually, yes.

I hate to say it, but don't think the Pistons should win this series. They don't deserve it.

And before everyone goes bashing me, saying "its only one game", "have faith", etc. I've been thinking this for a few weeks now.

Obviously I still WANT them to win, but I have my doubts that they a) will win, or B) deserve to win. The team has become too complacent and has been either unable or unwilling to put forth the effort required to win ballgames, instead relying on their reputation and comfort level to get them through.

The Cavs series should have been a wake up call for this team, but it obviously wasn't. The thing I'm most mad about, is that I'm not even mad that they lost. Its just prolonging the inevitable.

Ok, bash away....

We couldn't compete tonight--it was probably more mental than physical but the league puts teams in a position where they cannot afford to play long in a series (Cleveland). Can't draw much from this game except we gave them one as we gave SA one last year. And we went on to lose to SA--not a comforting thought.

Ben was the only starter with energy. His defense was phenomenal and our biggest plus is that he handled Shaq pretty well. I can't blame the offense on Ben.

Rip, Tay and Sheed didn't do much tonight. Chauncey is a bigger concern as he has shot reluctantly for awhile.

To beat the Heat we need to play a frenetic style like Dallas or Phoenix which will take Shaq and some of their slow players out of their rythym and on their heels. Did anyone in the organization scout how Chicago scored on them, how Phoenix ran on them during the season? If we run this team, and take it too them, they will fold up. If we don't, they can play half-court with us.

We need to get the ball moving around the horn for the open J. We need to find the seam of the defense as they come out on the shooters with only slow Shaq behind. Chauncey and Rip need to pull up for the short jumpers rather than take it in to Mourning. Sheed will come out next game and abuse Haslem.

I hate to say it, but don't think the Pistons should win this series. They don't deserve it.

And before everyone goes bashing me, saying "its only one game", "have faith", etc. I've been thinking this for a few weeks now.

Obviously I still WANT them to win, but I have my doubts that they a) will win, or B) deserve to win. The team has become too complacent and has been either unable or unwilling to put forth the effort required to win ballgames, instead relying on their reputation and comfort level to get them through.

The Cavs series should have been a wake up call for this team, but it obviously wasn't. The thing I'm most mad about, is that I'm not even mad that they lost. Its just prolonging the inevitable.

Ok, bash away....

No bashing from me. I was saying the same thing to Micro in a P. M. this morning. This performance didn't surprise me in the least.

You're drunk!!!LOL

Bro, you are rite. He's definitely drunk.

We understand that the starters were tired but Ben was the only guy who still has the energy and was playing good D the entire game. This game was lost cuz we could not make shots and that's the bottom line. The defense was good and even the officials had a good game.

Flip should use the time outs wisely so that the starters can have a breather in between. During these time outs, Flip should draw a play and get them more focus instead running up and down and turning the ball over. Lindsey played great D on Wade but on the defensive end, disaster esp in the 2nd half. We should go back to half court offense instead of forcing the issue.

Sheed need to be more aggressive on offense. We need to make the extra passes on offense. Look at the positive, we were shooting this bad and the Heat still have to play till the very end for that win. Looking forward for some minor adjustments esp. on offense on Thursday nite.

DETROIT BASKETBALL!!!

I see four problems tonight
Not attempting to feed Sheed down low
slow response on their guard penetration
Poor shooting
Fatigue

Some credit has to go to Miami for their excellent shooting...

As ugly as that was and as good as Miami played you'd think they would win by more than 5...
Most of this is correctable.

Ben was the only starter with energy. His defense was phenomenal and our biggest plus is that he handled Shaq pretty well. I can't blame the offense on Ben.



How can someone blame Ben on offense when he's been doing this throughout his entire NBA career. You expect him to score 20+ pts every game now? If I remember well, Dennis Rodman was never an offensive threat but he picks up 5 NBA rings along the way as a starter.

Remember, every points Ben or the Worm gets, it's a bonus. Deal with it.

The pattern with Miami continues... Shaq goes nuts in the first quarter and then tires out and doesn't do anything the rest of the game.

So, we should start Davis and hack the crap out of him in the first quarter. By the time Shaq starts to slow down, then you can insert Ben and he can play full bore. Isn't that why DD is on the team? Why did we keep Cato on the roster instead of Amir Johnson?

I agree, you don't go out and sign a guy for Shaq insurance and not play him against Shaq... not that D.D. would do much other than rest Ben but he came in after Shaq was on the bench... I guess they must view Cato as a total scrub that will not help any team (we'll see next year).

Just got back from the game. The crowd was pathetic but the Pistons' lack of effort in the 1st Quarter took out any energy in the building. We got so many favorable calls in the 1st half too that kept us in the game (and hey at least our free-throw shooting was back).

I actually would prefer either Shaq or Wade in the game at all times because the Heat are forced to concentrate on them for offense, and neither of them plays defense. It's like we were lost and/or let up when we should have went for the kill. Btw, Shaq only had 14 points!!

Basically it was too little, too late, and an almost predictable letdown after the high of the Game 7 win. We better win Game 2.

On paper we should have dominated this game. Very few turnovers, forced a lot of turnovers, took a lot more shots, went to the line a lot more times, actually made our free throws, and had more steals. The only stat category we didn't win was rebounds. We just couldn't hit shots.

This loss goes on Chauncey, Rip, and Sheed. Sheed was nonexistent, and Chauncey/Rip couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. The turning point for Chauncey was he started off okay, but then passed up a WIDE OPEN 3, when it was one of the few times he should've actually taken the shot. Flip should have went to the bench for energy tonight, especially when Shaq/Wade were out of the game, and especially when our shooting was so atrocious.

Basically Mo and Delk should have logged a lot more minutes tonight. I did like Flip's 'offense' lineup in the 3rd when he had Sheed/Dice/Delk/Rip/Tay.

And bballjay are you even WATCHING these games? While yes, we gave up some very easy baskets during lapses at the start of the game and for a minute in the 2nd half, Ben did so much for us tonight limiting Shaq to 14 points and drawing charges. And you can't say he disrupts the offense when Chauncey and Rip can't hit their shots, especially because THEY WERE WIDE OPEN SHOTS. miami didn't do much to contest them, we just plain missed. and tay was active, but he missed 3 easy layups in the post.

War - I agree that Flip should have went to the bench more for the simple fact that we needed a somekind of spark offensivly. Hunter tried his best to fill that role but he tried plays that he simply could not pull off.

Whatever happened to Delk giving us 10-15 off the bench? Evans was shooting over 70% in the Milw series. Hate to bring this guy up but would it kill us to see what Delfino has? I bring this up because Flip said he would play him.

I do not buy the fatigue angle. Pistons forced 15 TO's and only caughed up 6. Crashed the glass for 9 offensive boards to Miami's 5. Pistons got themselves 18 more shot attemepts off hustle plays and defense.

Like it or not this team is in a serious collective offensive slump right now. Started in game 3 of the Clev series and still continues. Is it defensive adjustments? Tired legs? Are our guys a bunch of out of shape vets that cannot log in more than 36 MPG like all other quality starters in this league? I doubt it. They are getting the looks. Clear shots, just not making them.

I missed the game as I was on the road travelling between Seattle & Portland,,,WTF happen?? We give up 33 pts in the first qtr after holding the Cavs to 17 pt average. :doh:

I guess I will watch the midnight replay to get an actual perspective, but this is not what we Piston faithful expected. I am on the "hope they win" bandwagon after the last series "escape", Now I am in shock as my beloved's have for the second time in a week, lost the HCA, and for the next six days, will have to play tentative in hopes of assuring that they win Thursday and then trying to get back the HC with a win in Miami on Saturday or next Monday. We are not in trouble yet, but everyone knows that a loss on Thursday is almost certain death of the Pistons & fans dream of a championship season.:ohwell:

LA- If you want to win championships you have to win games. Starting the series with 2 straight losses at home is not the road to glory.

I am not worried. Play the next game the same way and the shots will start falling, at least more than did tonight. I will take my chances with 18 more shot attempts any game.

I hate to say it, but don't think the Pistons should win this series. They don't deserve it...


Sorry to say, but I must agree with Jammertime. I (and others outside the Americas) have been losing major sleep to get up in the middle of the night and watch these recent games (thank you, NBA TV and Orbit satellite!), but have been utterly disappointed by the lack of energy our Pistons have displayed the past several games. Dang, watching the Spurs-Mavs was fantastic, loads of energy and excitement even though I wasn't rooting for either team. No one complained about being tired in that series.

As for the Palace fans being quiet, maybe they'll cheer hard when their team plays hard.

Charley Rosen over at Fox Sports agrees:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5633824

Ok, from now on it's time to be REALLY concerned... it really seems that this team is not able to switch on one more gear from regular season to the playoffs and Wade is destroying us as usual...

We ouplayed them in everything accept fg%. Flip needs to make some non jumpshot plays and get our guys to the rim and get Shaq in bigtime foultrouble. If we only lose by 5 when we shoot 38% and let them shoot above 50% then we're not in too bad of shape. With Flip's playcalling though and Chauncey still playing horrible can we do that? The Pistons can't have another sluggish start. This team needs to play and now we find ourselves in a must win situation again.

Postgame Audio

Flip
Pat Riley
Chauncey
Gary Payton
Dwyane Wade

MP3 file format

We ouplayed them in everything accept fg%.

and rebounding (Miami: 43/5 off.; Detroit: 33/9 off.)

The Pistons can't have another sluggish start. This team needs to play and now we find ourselves in a must win situation again.

I'd almost bet that we will have another sluggish start -- maybe not in Game 2, but somewhere else down the line.

I didn't figure it before the playoffs started, but since they have, I expected the PIstons, somewhere during this series, to give away a game at the Palace. I also expected them to take (at least) that game back from Miami in Miami. Home court advantage matters a lot -- but it's in Game 7 that it matters.

You spot them 11 or whatever in the first 3:14 of the game, and then win by 6 for the remaining 44:46 -- and all while shooting almost 20 % less from the floor than the heat (not to mention allowing Payton, Walker, and Williams too many open shots and, in general, relaxing on defense when Wade and Shaq went to the pine).

To me, that's encouraging. There were a few poorly executed plays and a few poor shot choices, but for the most part the players were moving and paassing the ball and getting open looks (unlike in the Cleveland series) -- the shots just didn't fall. Agreed, they didn't go into Tay or Sheed (or Dyess) on the block enough once the mid-range j's weren't falling. But in my opinion, if our winnning this series depends on the post play of these fellows, then we're a longer shot. I'll still put my money on Detroit, playing just the way they did over the last 45 minutes. And I'll say that they could win easily if they play just the way they did: make 5 % more of their mid-range jumpers and cut down the points of the Heat supporting cast by about 10 %.

Consider: over the last 45 minutes we outscored Miami 86-80. In that stretch, we shot 31-76 (40.7 %), Wade and Shaq combined for 28 points, Williams, Walker, and Payton combined for 41 points on 17 of 27 shooting (and it was Williams, Walker and Posey who keyed the 11-1 Miami run during the last 4 minutes of the 3rd quarter).

So now increase Detroit's fga to 45.7: that's 34.7 makes. Let's call it 34. Six more points. Now we've outscored them 92-80. Now take away just 10% of the supporting trio's 41 points and we've outscored them 92-76 over the remaining 45 minutes. Even while still spotting them an 11 point lead, we win by 5.

I know these are all hypothetical scenarios: but I saw nothing last night (or in the past of these pistons) to make me think that we won't improve both our mid-range fg % and our defense on the supporting cast. We played far better for far more of the game last night than during the debacles in the Cleveland series, and against a better opponent.

Of course, the game was super frustrating to lose, but for me at least it was frustrating because we could so easily have won -- and therefore, for me, it wasn't discouraging in the slightest.

Game Analysis: No Emotional Energy. We were flat from the beginning, lacking quickness, lift and passion. We have seen the same thing in other teams throughout the playoffs. IMO the NBA does itself a disservice, reducing the quality of play, by scheduling short turn-arounds after series having run 7 games. Maybe we didn’t want to believe ourselves susceptible to such a letdown but in retrospect it is understandable.

Flip on the other hand failed to perform exploratory surgery. It didn’t take long to realize our starters needed scoring help from the bench. Putting a sub out there is one thing, calling a play for them is something else entirely. Delk in, no play run for him. Mo in, no play run for him. I credit Lindsey for trying to generate scoring himself, ugly as was, but he needs to do a better job of getting Dice started. Forget the Heats post game bravado, all we needed was one guy to get hot and Miami was toast.

Note to the fans, er pretty people: Sit the !@#$ down. What is with all of the strolling back and forth from endline to endline. Freakin peacocks. The claim that many playoff fans don’t know diddly about the game ain’t too far from the truth.

Don't you guys understand the strategy here?

If the starters play hard in the playoffs, they won't be rested for the regular season next year. We need home court advantage throughout the playoffs so we can...uhmmm...I'll get back to you later.:confused:

Pistons worked themselves into a corner for Game 2. :frusty: Lose that and the series is pretty much over.

you guys are right we don't need offense from ben. we do need it from somewhere though. it's not that i don't like ben's defense it's that i like mcdyess offense way way better. yeah ben draws some charges but he gives us nothing on offense. shaq is helping out and clogging the paint. if anybody saw what happened when shaq checked mcdyess we ran a pick and pop and mcdyess was wide open he missed one badly but the shot was there and shaq had a very hard time trying to defend it. so basically i'm not saying that ben needs to get into the offense i'm saying we need a center in there that shaq can't rest on defense with.

i do watch the games and i watch ben on offense and shaq just rests and lays back and clogs the paint. if your jumpshots aren't falling you have to go to the hole. the problem is when you go to the hole ben's man is right there with either help d or the block. ben makes noone pay for not defending him. the key isn't to get him the ball more the key is to get someone in the game that will do something with the ball when they get it.

yes. if we had hit our jumpshots it would have covered up for ben's lack of offensive talent.

The way this team is built there is no go to guy pick up the offensive slack. Right now 4 other starters can't hit the broad side of a barn. Ben's lack of offensive game becomes a problem which gets hugely magnified. It is hard seeing him clank FT 's. Every point in the playoffs is invaluable and may be the difference maker.

Sheed for all his talent disappears completely from game to game.

Joe will need to address this and other issues in the off-season. I hesitate to sign CB and Ben to max/close to max deals as they are not max players IMO. A max player has to be a consistent difference maker on mutiple levels i.e. defense, offense, assists etc. Unpopular decisions may need to be made.

A closer look at the statistics shows that the Heat's 56.2 percent field-goal percentage was probably even better than it appeared. Haslem dragged it down with his 0-7 performance. Everyone else on the Heat shot really great, including all the offseason acquisitions. Also, Wade was 9 of 11. Didn't matter if he was in foul trouble, he lit it up when he was in there.

A closer look at the statistics shows that the Heat's 56.2 percent field-goal percentage was probably even better than it appeared. Haslem dragged it down with his 0-7 performance. Everyone else on the Heat shot really great, including all the offseason acquisitions. Also, Wade was 9 of 11. Didn't matter if he was in foul trouble, he lit it up when he was in there.

The scarier part was that Shaq and Wade played limited minutes due to foul trouble. Otherwise Wade would have lit them up for 40 pts.

I couldn`t join chat during the game because I am switching my ISP and I will be without for a few days.

I agree with most comments I have read this morning. There is no excuse for this loss or at least not being a bit more competitive. With Wade and Shaq not having their typical dominating games we let the unimaginable happen - allowing Miami`s bench to get off!

CB is playing like Sh.. I don`t know what`s up with him, but this so called freedom he has is now becoming a crime. The ill-advised 3`s are starting to really bother me. They are not in the rythym of the offense and you can tell, they clank off the rim or glass like a concrete slab!

I still think we can get by Miaimi, however a loss on Thursday would dash my confidence. Even if we do get by the Heat, I am starting to believe Dallas will embarrass us in the Finals.

The body language, sense of urgency, and bench contribution is troubling. Something is not right and if it`s not corrected in the next couple games that "What happens if the Pistons don`t win the Title" thread will be jumping.

Interesting stat:

"The Pistons backcourt had a poor shooting night in Tuesday's 91-86 loss to the Heat. Richard Hamilton shot 9-for-22 from the floor, and Chauncey Billups shot 6-for-19. It was the first time in 27 years that both starting guards on one team missed at least 13 field-goal attempts in a conference final or NBA final game. The last time was in 1979, when the Sonics lost to the Suns, 103-97, with Gus Williams shooting 4-for-22 and Dennis Johnson shooting 3-for-17."

When it rains, it pours. Looks like there is more than Flip to blame.

well lemon, it is true to some degree that there are a lot of people who go to playoff games to be seen, or to impress, or view it as some sort of status thing. i pulled next to a C5 black convertible in the parking lot (since i have a C6 black convertible i figured i'd do him a favor and not have some idiot park next to him), and some dorky looking guy and smokin hot chick came out (and thank you hot chick for adjusting your jeans with your butt right in front of my face as i was in my car)...so yeah, this guy had no chance with this chick but took her for the status of it ... 'look at me i've got a vette and can afford pistons games and look at this trophy on my arm.' and if the guy i'm talking about is on these boards then uh, nevermind what i just said :P

i agree with professor actually, it's encouraging in that we outscored them after the initial lapse, and that we made their role players beat us - to their credit they did beat us, but we also didn't defend them very well. williams, walker, and payton going 17 for 27? the only excuse for that is not playing defense.

the thing that annoys me the most is when we take a jumpshot and CONCEDE the rebound. you saw against cleveland we had chauncey with 8 boards, rip with 8, etc. if you know you're in a funk, have some guys stay in the paint to try to get the rebound.

also, you gotta play delk and LET HIM SHOOT. he's not a bad defender and can certainly handle the likes of payton and williams. if rip can take 22 shots and only make 9, or chauncey take 18 and make 6 or whatever it was, let delk take that many. i'll take my chances with him.

The dreaded drought to open the game and spot them to the 11 point lead and the critical one near the end of the third and to start the 4th did this team in. I think they missed 12 straight shots with Wade on the bench for a part of that time.

Unfortunately we still have no one other than Prince who will attack the rim (an make it) Ben is no good down low unless it is an uncontested dunk or lob. Sheed still backs off for fadeaway. Dice catches and shoots from wherever he is. if he is rhythm great, if not brich. We need to use the baseline to attack ala Wade and stop relying on the J from wherever you are standing. The Heat who average 50+ in the paint every game will continue to pound and if we can adjust to do the same and shut down Walker, the Glove and the poser, we can win this series. Definite wins in game 2 and 3 are needed IMO to get the momentum back !

Looking at the game from the point of view of runs and flows, one difference was that miami had several short, extreme runs: 11-0, 11-1, 11-2, and the pistons had several longer, extended runs: 11-4, 16-3, 17-9.

http://www.popcornmachine.net/cgi-bin/gameflow.cgi?date=20060523&game=MIADET

Looking at this game flow in combination with the nba.com's full play by play, I saw this:

Miami Runs:
1st Q: 11-0, 3:14 duration (11-0)
2nd Q: 9-1, 2:47 duration (48-39)
3rd Q: 11-1, 2:51 duration (66-61)
4th Q: 11-2, 3:44 duration (80-67)

TOTAL: 42-4 12:36

That leaves for Detroit an advantage of 82-49 over the remaining 35:24.

Probably there's lots of conclusions to be drawn from this, especially if you break down who was in and doing what during each of those Miami runs (which I'm too lazy to do right now). Short successful bursts obviously worked for Miami last night, but I'd rather not have to rely on quick bursts over the long haul. Those bursts are too dependent on hot streaks and adrenaline rushes. I'll put my money, over the course of a seven game series, on the team that can peck away and dominate over long stretches of time.

thoughts?

I'm wondering how much time the Heat had for game preperation effected the poor offense... we've seen their plan now we're on equal ground.
I'm willing to chaulk this one up to an advantage for the Heat (plus terrible shooting).

I think we can draw more realistic conclusions after Thursdays game.

The scarier part was that Shaq and Wade played limited minutes due to foul trouble. Otherwise Wade would have lit them up for 40 pts.

The whole point is that the Pistons played D and took the charges. It was not blind luck that put them in foul trouble it was part of the defensive game plan to do so.

The whole point is that the Pistons played D and took the charges. It was not blind luck that put them in foul trouble it was part of the defensive game plan to do so.

The "D" IMO wasn't very good as the lane was essentially uncontested. My point was that we can expect Wade and Shaq to have more signficant contributions the next time around. Game 1 was a chance to take advantage of their situation.

Prof., that is freaky! So what you're saying is when Miami took the "Mo" they beat us over the head with it.
7 games. hopefully.

I'm starting to think that any elbow in the face should be called flagrant... even if it's from the offensive player... I'm getting tired of seeing Shaq lead with his elbow to Ben's chops... then he's got the nerve to argue the call....
Nothings gonna be said until Zo or Shaq break someone's nose.... Hell Ben might as well elbow Shaq in his gut and send the message.... eye for an eye.

Prof., that is freaky! So what you're saying is when Miami took the "Mo" they beat us over the head with it.
7 games. hopefully.

i guess yeah: they took it over briefly, but brutally.

but for a championship run: slower and steadier seems more likely to prevail, in my opinion.

i think we did good job (as i think merc or max said) in drawing Shaq and Wade into foul trouble and so limiting their effectiveness. It's hard for me to imagine that we'll let the four guys (Williams, Walker, Payton, and POsey) go off on us again; or, at least, often enough to win the series. And i do not believe that limiting shaq and wade as we did last night is mutually exclusive to limiting their role players. i think it's more that our guys relaxed on the secondary players (typically underestimating them: after all Payton and Walker are good -- and once were excellent -- players).

interesting too, for what it's worth, that Shaq was -1, Wade only +4, for the game and Mourning +14.

How much better would a less rested Shaq & Wade have played then their subs last night?
I'm always concerned when an opponent in foul trouble has been resting and comes back in the 4th against our starters that have played the whole game...
If we don't take advantage of them sitting then the advantage swings back over to them.

I agree over 7 games the steadier team will win. But not with erratic shooting. High % shots baby.

Here are some stats for y'all.

+/- leaders on the Pistons for game 1:
High- Evans at +7
2nd high- Lindsay at +5
Low- Rip at -11
2nd low- Ben at -9

HEAT SHOOTING-
Alonzo- 100%
Dwayne- 82%
Gary P- 75%
JWill- 71%
Shaq- 50%
Antoine- 50%

And the anchor, Udonis Haslem- 38 minutes, 0 points, and 5 fouls... ouch.


The Pistons' shots seemed to be uncharacteristically short... indicating that maybe there were tired from their defensive effort in game 7.

Thanks TaS, I still don't want to believe these guys were tired.
Let'd see what game 2 brings.

It a team is ever allowed to be tired, it is now. They went through a 7 game series where they had to come back from 2-3 and win on the road. Then in the final game, they won with a sustained defensive masterpiece. Everyone knows that it takes more energy to play D. And also, they did it without sharing the minutes with the bench. TaShaun held "The Maestro/ His Majesty/ The Chosen One/ The King" in check without any rest what so ever.

The shots were missing. They were short. And the Heat had 52 points in the paint. Those are all signs of Piston fatigue.

At least we don't have any back-to-backs.

The Pistons really need a hot shooting night to energize them again.

I would like to point out as others kind of have that the Heat had a week to prepare (although they might have made a few plans for the king and company) a week of Riley barking orders at them a week to rest and a week to heal. That said I think we took the Heats best shot last night. Had the Pistons shot a little better or if Sheed had shown up we would be talking about another gutsy win by the boys. We got Shaq and Wade in early foul trouble we played fairly good defense (Big Ben Pissed me off on 1 play where he let Payton blow right by him without even a hint of him going up for the block) and we kept the game close.
The Heats hot shooting will cool off (Wade will not shoot 9-11 and Payton will not be 6-8 that’s for sure) and the Pistons will shoot better plain and simple. There is no way in hell we shoot 37.8% from the field again in this series. If cats want to jump off the wagon this early you just don’t get what this team can do. Did anyone think we would sweep the Heat anyway?

Did anyone think we would sweep the Heat anyway?

:nod: um, ahem, actually, i did predict a sweep in my nba playoff pool entry... but i agree with everything you say here sausage king...

and truly, once the pistons reminded me of the kind of playoff team they really are (i.e. once the regular season drugs wore off -- probably in game 4 of the cleveland series), i revised my own private prediction for miami: detroit in 6 (including losing one in detroit). so detroit in 6...or 7. but detroit for sure. definitely. no doubts. detroit. detroit in 6... or 7.:fingerscr

Even the Color analyst for the Heat admitted today on Full Court Press (Sirius radio show) that same thing on the midrange jumpers. Payton getting his shots was unusual, and the rest of the team following his lead to add rather than retract the lead was also very unusual. Especially since Haslem was goosegged. When Pistons took the lead, I thought that was it--lockdown and game. So, yeah I think fatigue hit them at time it mattered most.

Late poster,I scanned through and all made good points.We brought this on ourselves by letting the Cavs take us 7 games period.Tired or not with some focus on the role players of Maimi defensively we should have won this one.

Ben's defense I thought was fine and I can't say for every play but there were some where he stayed off the penetrator so he didn't get the easy lob to Shaq.Is that the right strategy?Take the penetrator everytime and let Shaq dunk?I don't know.

We shot like stale butt and that was what killed us.On a good note we found our ft% and I hope whatever cardboard box in the Palace storage room that they stuffed our fg% they rummage through before game 2.

Losing this 1st game was probably the best thing that could happen in the series. Now the team has to play at 100% the rest of the way.

If we would have won the 1st 2 at home then I would have bet my house on us losing game 3. Perhaps even game 4 as well.

Go head bash CB. I am gettin tired of his act in this playoffs. He looks totally lost out there. Can't believe he was mentioned as an MVP candidate with Nash. Nash is much better. Pistons gave away game they could have won with even a mediocre offensive performance.

33% shooting :frusty: . Everybody has colluded to collectively go stone cold. The bright side is that Miami didn't look that scary. I look for a win on Thursday. Joe please get a few scorers and jump shooters. In some ways the Pistons brough this on themselves by not getting another reliable scorer off the bench and letting the Cavs series go 7 games.

NO PANIC, JUST PISSED!!

Now, I have to agree. I love CB, but he does look somewhat lost the last 3 or 4 games. Even when he's doing interviews. Must be going through something personal, because he just doesn't look the same.

How can someone blame Ben on offense when he's been doing this throughout his entire NBA career. You expect him to score 20+ pts every game now? If I remember well, Dennis Rodman was never an offensive threat but he picks up 5 NBA rings along the way as a starter.

Remember, every points Ben or the Worm gets, it's a bonus. Deal with it.

Finally, someone that gets it. I was somewhat pissed after reading the articles and posts bad-mouthing Ben. I thought Ben did a GOOD job last night. Yea, he didn't score much and he missed FTs, but he was hella-good on defense. Without him, the Pistons would've lost by 10+. The Pistons don't look for Ben to be offensive, if so, they would run more plays for him. (Although I did love how they kept him offensively involved Sunday against the Cavs). However, bottom-line is this....if Ben does score, then those are bonus points.

After watching the game again today (gotta luv NBATV) Ben indeed had a solid game... lots of deflections tip outs steals etc... all that while bench pressing 330LBS.

The sagging on Ben can be avoided by bringing him a little further out.... when they put Ben out by the FT circle Shaq had to follow him to the key or get called for illegal D.

Those of you that think these shots will fall eventually, keep dreaming. Man y'all just don't get playoff basketball, it's won in the paint, and on the boards. This late in the season, in games where teams are taking away your first option, the level of play is intense, the contact is hard and fierce, you have to fight for everything.........that's not a climate that is favorable for jumpshooters. Somebody better draw us a scheme that gets us some points in the paint or from the line QUICK. Somebody needs to not let Wade shoot from his absolute favorite spot on the dang floor. Somebody needs to decide to let Haslem prove he can beat us, note to Tay and Sheed a little defensive rotation would be nice. Note to the guards, how about not getting beat off the first step 15' from the basket, exposing your frontline, can we try and move our feet.

A whole team does not go cold at the same time, but they can run out of the leg energy that allows you to get lift on your shot. It's hard to explain, but if you ever played this game then you know making shots is all about rhythm, no playoff team (Suns excluded) is gonna allow a game to flow to give you the rhythm needed to can J's in the flow of a game.

Those of you that think these shots will fall eventually, keep dreaming. Man y'all just don't get playoff basketball, it's won in the paint, and on the boards. This late in the season, in games where teams are taking away your first option, the level of play is intense, the contact is hard and fierce, you have to fight for everything.........that's not a climate that is favorable for jumpshooters. Somebody better draw us a scheme that gets us some points in the paint or from the line QUICK. Somebody needs to not let Wade shoot from his absolute favorite spot on the dang floor. Somebody needs to decide to let Haslem prove he can beat us, note to Tay and Sheed a little defensive rotation would be nice. Note to the guards, how about not getting beat off the first step 15' from the basket, exposing your frontline, can we try and move our feet.

A whole team does not go cold at the same time, but they can run out of the leg energy that allows you to get lift on your shot. It's hard to explain, but if you ever played this game then you know making shots is all about rhythm, no playoff team (Suns excluded) is gonna allow a game to flow to give you the rhythm needed to can J's in the flow of a game.


um ok haslem was like 0-7