Detroit At LA Lakers
10:30pm
TV: tv20 / NBATV
Radio: WDFN


http://www.pistonsforum.com/images/picdump/lal030406-1.png
http://www.pistonsforum.com/images/picdump/lal030406-2.png
http://www.pistonsforum.com/images/picdump/lal030406-3.png
http://www.pistonsforum.com/images/picdump/lal030406-4.png

Your comments?
~~

Lakers win 105 to 94

http://www.nba.com/games/20060304/DETLAL/boxscore.html?nav=scoreboardhome

Cool! It's a Saturday!

http://www.pistonsforum.com/images/picdump/beat_la_press.jpg

BEAT L.A., BEAT L.A.
(brings back memories of the Silverdome...)

Chat's open

Everyone's welcome, if you are new, you'll need the latest version of the Flash Player (*link* (http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer)) and read this thread (http://www.pistonsforum.com/news/853-pistonsforum-com-game-chat-debut.html) real quick. The room probably won't fill up until tipoff. Hope to see you there.

See you cats around 10:30!

Enjoy this Darko free thread and please feel free to post your comments about the game and enjoy the live Game Chat.

16-11 Home record for LA vs the Pistons 22-8 Road record. One of the few times in this league where the road team has the advantage.

Enjoy this Darko free thread and please feel free to post your comments about the game and enjoy the live Game Chat.

16-11 Home record for LA vs the Pistons 22-8 Road record. One of the few times in this league where the road team has the advantage.enjoy this:...Darkooooo Suxxxxxx!:eyebrows:

Same thing as happened with Seattle. No defense, no rebounding, too many threes in the fourth (especially 'Sheed). Flip needs to say something to these guys. This is not the way you win on the road.

By the way, our bench is totally useless.

Mailed in another game. Flip makes no adjustments whatsoever. A blind monkey could coach this team and probably win homecourt in the east.

I don't care what Blaha says, the Pistons are not the best team in the NBA. In their last dozen games, they've been very, very average.

CRAP!

Tayshaun somehow manages to get through another game without picking up a foul. Pistons beaten on the boards by 14.

CRAP!

Micro - this isn't detnews.com

Stuff happends. Tired after a back to back. My main complaint besides the rebounding is all those 3's from Roscoe. Kind of killed our offense in the 4th.

Its just too hard playing an Athletic team like the Lakers after that close one in Seattle last night.

only third game this yr, that i've been p'od! they were at Utah, Denver and tonight. So I'm kinda excited for rest of season, cuz West Coast is over, including NBAfinals. Now that i have calmed down...lets do this!!!!!

Micro - this isn't detnews.com
I wanna say something smart like, "it isn't???", but I dig your sense of humour max. Sometimes you are funny even if you aren't trying to be. Thanks, I needed to smile.

Its just too hard playing an Athletic team like the Lakers after that close one in Seattle last night.
It wouldn't be so hard if Flip would make adjustments and manage his roster better. I couldn't watch last night's game, but if these guys are tired, they should have managed their roster better.

We got beat by the LA B-team, Kobe was resting when they made their run. Been supporting and defending Flip, but this is ridiculous. You gotta see that our standard of play has dropped off tremendously from 2 months ago. At this rate, we'll be wheezing and backing our way into the playoffs.

I am NOT impressed with what I am seeing.

48-11... i looked at schedule and "if we want to" we can go 22 and 1, that one being at Miami. I am serious check it out!!!!! So I'll say 18 and 5 for a 66-16 record. And if win the NBA title in 6 games , like we should, who cares WHERE Game 7 is.

Flip really needs to lay the law down with these guys.

I wanna say something smart like, "it isn't???", but I dig your sense of humour max. Sometimes you are funny even if you aren't trying to be. Thanks, I needed to smile.


It wouldn't be so hard if Flip would make adjustments and manage his roster better. I couldn't watch last night's game, but if these guys are tired, they should have managed their roster better.

We got beat by the LA B-team, Kobe was resting when they made their run. Been supporting and defending Flip, but this is ridiculous. You gotta see that our standard of play has dropped off tremendously from 2 months ago. At this rate, we'll be wheezing and backing our way into the playoffs.

I am NOT impressed with what I am seeing.

Truthfully, I am just waiting for the post-season. Got my playoff tickets last week and I am sure the team will be ready ( injuries aside ). Nothing more to this season than keeping homecourt and hoping no one gets injured.

Every team hits a wall at some point during the season. Get it over with now and be ready for April. Phil Jackson did say that the Lakers played one of their best games of the season.

To steal a line from "Aliens" we just got our %%%%%es kick on this west coast trip. Yeah we got a nice set play from CB & Rip to get the W last night, but we are a long way from being the dominant team of December and January. Legs were fresh and threes fell then. Other teams have figured out our deficencies and are penetrating our D with ease.

We need to know how to adjust with an inside game and not continue to think that a 3 is going to bail us out or turn it on when needed. We will win our 60+ games, but heck we may have already peeked!! Remember last years' Suns? :ohwell:

We need a team meeting with Joe. Flip does not have control of this team or he wouldn't allow them to throw up 24+ three's a game. I still don't trust this bench and apparently neither does Flip. We can only second guess Joe for not pulling the trigger on the Al Harrington for Darko trade offered at the beginning of the year.:doh:. We need an Okur & Corliss type player. Somebody other than Ben who is not affraid to play inside and can hit FT's.....

you can't win without energy and defense and we have had no defense for many games lately. To give up that many points to a weak laker squad tells the story. The threes did not help but if we played defense, we would have won. The main issue is possibly giving up the home court to SA. The bright spot is Delk. He may be instant offense off of the bench. Chauncey said the he was "very disappointed" by the loss on Fox sport West and that the team gave the game away. Tay said the schedule caught up with the team.

After Chauncey hit the 3-pointer to end the 1st half, I noticed that Elden Campbell was sitting in the first row behind the Piston bench. Interesting, it's like he is still a part of the team... unless those are his season ticket seats.

After Chauncey hit the 3-pointer to end the 1st half, I noticed that Elden Campbell was sitting in the first row behind the Piston bench. Interesting, it's like he is still a part of the team... unless those are his season ticket seats.

Yeah I pointed him out in the chat room too. I have never seen him sitting there before. Maybe Kato's going to be waived and Joe will sign Elderly for for some post season minutes. Needs to do it now to get him in shape. Hopefully he flies back on the plane with them and starts to work out Monday.....:fingerscr

That's exactly what I'm hoping. Elden is the best Shaq buffer out there.

Tired after a back to back.
come on, stop these damn excuses. If we loose, it's always that they were tired and so on. Can't hear it anymore. Other teams manage it in a way no player gets overplayed, play the bench more so that no starter can complain he's tired.
Hate that loss against these damn Lakers more than I hate every other loss. No effort, Sheed jacking up 12 3's without even being on fire.
33% is not that good that you can shoot it damn 12 times!
Seems like this stupid 5+1 philosophy doesn't make sense since their is no competition coming from the bench players and the statrtging 5+1 know they get they're minutes no matter how much effort they give.

Flip does not have control of this team or he wouldn't allow them to throw up 24+ three's a game. . . We can only second guess Joe for not pulling the trigger on the Al Harrington for Darko trade offered at the beginning of the year.:doh:. We need an Okur & Corliss type player. Somebody other than Ben who is not affraid to play inside and can hit FT's.....

I think you're right on all three points (Flip's control of team; Joe's failure to anticipate Darko's attitude issues and trade him for a player like Harrington when Darko's trade value was higher; and the need for a player who can come off the bench and play inside and hit three's).

Yah sick of the schedule issues being an excuse.O went 6+ minutes end of 3rd into the 4th without scoring.Every team brings their A+ game against us we are the bigboys and everyone wants a swing.Well it's getting time to show these posers what a punch is. We aren't intimidating anyone anymore.Time to start building up for a run and jacking tons of 3's when your not hot isn't the way.

We need to attack the paint and shut it down on D.All pretty simple points everyone has made,but the team needs to start and soon.

I take it we lost. Here's the problem when the 3 is a big part of your offense......by this point in the season they start falling short. Can we please have a game against a playoff caliber team, where we win the board war and score more pts in the paint......That's how a champion gets crowned.

I agree with being sick of the excuses for losses. Indiana has been riddled with injuries and suspensions the past 2 seasons and they've managed to win games no one expected them to win.

Back to Backs would be less of a problem if we played more than 6 players every game.

The Lakers also played the night before... no excuses.

WE have an inside advantage anytime we want on most nights... Sheed down low is usually a mismatch (almost unblockable shot)
Chancey could back down any PG not named Kidd.
I'll go back to one of Flip's comments... "we haven't nearly shown our full arsenal"...
I don't think it's wise to keep the full compliment under cover when you're chasing home court but I do believe there's gonna be some new weapons come playoff time.

WE have an inside advantage anytime we want on most nights... Sheed down low is usually a mismatch (almost unblockable shot)


Correction. We have an inside advantage anytime SHEED wants - which is far too rarely.

As much as I appreciate the fact that we have a big that can shoot the 3, I'd like to see a bit more of a balance between the two.

The problem is, Sheed falls in love with the 3 and then completely abandons the inside game. Leaving us with one less body - leaving only the undersized Ben - inside to fight for a rebound.

Sheed is tied for 16th just at the PF position alone, in the league at 2.3 FT attempts per game.

When the shot drops, its great. When it doesn't (which is 63.3% of the time), not so great.

Its not surprising that we're out rebounded in our losses. When the ball goes in, we win, and there aren't any rebounds to worry about.

This is my first post to the forum, and I want to preface my comments by saying that I am a long-time Pistons fan. I like watching the Pistons more than any other sport, but this last month or so has really got me scratching my head.

Flip's coaching and rotations are quite the mystery. Case in point, during the 18-0 run last night, it seemed like he was purposely not calling a time out because he wanted the players to work through their offensive struggles. Well, check the ego at the door, call the TO after the first 8 consecutive points, draw up a "sure-thing" play and stop the run. Nope, didn't happen.

I think that Flip needs to put a hard limit on the minutes for the starters from here on out. If he doesn't they will not enough left for the playoffs. Play the bench (Delfino, Evans, Hunter, Dice, Davis) mixed in with the starters, but stick with the bench players to give them a chance to get into a flow. Build their egos now when the pressure isn't so great.

The thing I noticed about this West Coast trip and other games from the last month or so is that their defense is not nearly as consistent when they need it the most. I know that statisitically they are nearly identical to last year in terms of PPG, but I think that is misleading. The dribble penetration by opposing guards and the offense rebounding they give up are really make it hard to get the stops they need. They are also doing a lot of whining to the officials instead of just shutting their pie-holes and playing. Sheed's ball-don't-lie crap and all that is getting tired.

Tayshaun's shot really sucks lately, too. Forget the outside crap and take it to the cup! Same thing with Sheed. Ball-don't-get-to-Roscoe unless Roscoe is less than 15 feet away from the basket.

T

This is my first post to the forum, and I want to preface my comments by saying that I am a long-time Pistons fan. I like watching the Pistons more than any other sport, but this last month or so has really got me scratching my head.

Flip's coaching and rotations are quite the mystery. Case in point, during the 18-0 run last night, it seemed like he was purposely not calling a time out because he wanted the players to work through their offensive struggles. Well, check the ego at the door, call the TO after the first 8 consecutive points, draw up a "sure-thing" play and stop the run. Nope, didn't happen.

I think that Flip needs to put a hard limit on the minutes for the starters from here on out. If he doesn't they will not enough left for the playoffs. Play the bench (Delfino, Evans, Hunter, Dice, Davis) mixed in with the starters, but stick with the bench players to give them a chance to get into a flow. Build their egos now when the pressure isn't so great.

The thing I noticed about this West Coast trip and other games from the last month or so is that their defense is not nearly as consistent when they need it the most. I know that statisitically they are nearly identical to last year in terms of PPG, but I think that is misleading. The dribble penetration by opposing guards and the offense rebounding they give up are really make it hard to get the stops they need. They are also doing a lot of whining to the officials instead of just shutting their pie-holes and playing. Sheed's ball-don't-lie crap and all that is getting tired.

Tayshaun's shot really sucks lately, too. Forget the outside crap and take it to the cup! Same thing with Sheed. Ball-don't-get-to-Roscoe unless Roscoe is less than 15 feet away from the basket.

T

Nice job tictac, and welcome!

Welcome tictac!!!

Excellent Recap HERE (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2006-03-05/pistons-fall-asleep-at-the-wheel-in-los-angeles/)

"Ugh. It was just plain ugly. I thought it was clear the Pistons were battling fatigue (Ben Wallace had just five rebounds!) not to mention a stretch of bad luck where the refs simply swallowed their whistles — (Rip was simply mobbed a few times trying to drive the lane, and Delfino appeared to have the ball knocked away on the baseline by Kobe Bryant swinging his warm up jacket from the sidelines when he wasn't even in the game!"

only 2 things really bothered me in this game:

1. flip wouldn't call a timeout
2. TP's 2 retarded long shots (with long rebounds) helped the lakers' run.

i wonder what was going through flip's brain, but i also wonder what was going through TP's brain for those 2 shots. the first one he took a few steps and basically shot on the run, and the 2nd was from the same spot...really weird considering he usually shoots only when he has a good look and isn't generally aggressive.

just a poopy game all around.

Correction. We have an inside advantage anytime SHEED wants - which is far too rarely.

As much as I appreciate the fact that we have a big that can shoot the 3, I'd like to see a bit more of a balance between the two.

The problem is, Sheed falls in love with the 3 and then completely abandons the inside game. Leaving us with one less body - leaving only the undersized Ben - inside to fight for a rebound.

Agree, agree, agree. But...

Sheed isn't calling the plays. I'm presuming he isn't the one calling for a pick for CB outside the line with a flip back to Sheed for a 3 shot. That Sheed isn't calling the play that sits him out there waiting for the pass and pop. I'm assuming that after he misses six straight that someone else is calling for him to shoot the seventh.

And if that's not true, if Sheed is really running the offense from the 4 slot, then there's a much bigger problem, either with the decisions of our point, or with Mr Foghorn Leghorn over there on the bench (see G-Man's thread today).

Sheed isn't calling the plays. I'm presuming he isn't the one calling for a pick for CB outside the line with a flip back to Sheed for a 3 shot. That Sheed isn't calling the play that sits him out there waiting for the pass and pop. I'm assuming that after he misses six straight that someone else is calling for him to shoot the seventh.
BINGO!!! Flip and Chauncey call the plays.

And if that's not true, if Sheed is really running the offense from the 4 slot, then there's a much bigger problem, either with the decisions of our point, or with Mr Foghorn Leghorn over there on the bench (see G-Man's thread today).
LMAO. Thanks for the morning giggle. Mondays are rough in microworld.

I'm not buying this schedule losses BS.
The Lakers were coming off 4 games in 5 nights 7 games in 10 days ... this was an "effort loss"... I was somewhat disturbed to hear Chauncey say "Honestly, it's a sign of fatigue. You don't have the energy to take it to the basket and take that pounding. You end up settling for a shot that's like half-way open".... I dunno, Kobe didn't have any problem taking the pounding inside.
No doubt this mini break will get them refocused but lets cut out the weak excuses... get Ben some help on the boards... work it inside to Sheed and have the gaurds get inside to draw some fouls... it's the best recipe for "schedule losses" ...schedule losses... yuk

I'm not buying this schedule losses BS.
The Lakers were coming off 4 games in 5 nights 7 games in 10 days ... this was an "effort loss"... I was somewhat disturbed to hear Chauncey say "Honestly, it's a sign of fatigue. You don't have the energy to take it to the basket and take that pounding. You end up settling for a shot that's like half-way open".... I dunno, Kobe didn't have any problem taking the pounding inside.
No doubt this mini break will get them refocused but lets cut out the weak excuses... get Ben some help on the boards... work it inside to Sheed and have the gaurds get inside to draw some fouls... it's the best recipe for "schedule losses" ...schedule losses... yuk

I agree. In my opinion the only one who should be able to use fatique as an excuse is Ben. He does alot of the work in the trenches while the rest of the cats are "leaning on thier shovels"

If you wanna be an elite player, you gotta give the same effort as Mamba.

My former NBA friend says that Sheed (and others) don't like to go into the paint because they get beat-up too much. Save it for the playoffs. We'll see!!!

My former NBA friend says that Sheed (and others) don't like to go into the paint because they get beat-up too much. Save it for the playoffs. We'll see!!!
really? I haven't seen Shaq hanging out at the 3 each game- or doesn't he get beaten up very often? Or Tim Duncan. Kevin Garnett.
Or, to go back, Malone, Robinson, Olajuwon.
The list is endless. Tell me how Sheed's gonna have a formidable postgame in the playoffs if he hasn't done it all season?

That is exactly what I was thinking. Shaq must really get beat up, cause he hasn't left the paint in a decade or so.

On the other hand, avoiding injuries is probably a better long term strategy... especially if you can maintain the best record in the NBA at the same time.

avoiding injuries is very important and this team has been very good at this. But I still don't see how Sheed should put up a solid low post game without practising during the regular season.
I mean, you don't forget the basics, but that ain't enough without pracise.

living in LA, I see a lot of Laker games. This was by far the best game they played all year. Kobe gives max effort all the time but the others quickly lose interest if anything bad happens or if they get banged around. The Pistons did nothing to intimidate the Lakers this game. We let them get their confidence (false) and they all played with great effort. We didn't play bad...just listless.

We relied on jump shots with only Ben under the basket and he was effectively boxed out.

This was a typical Piston game of late...if our jumpers fall we win. If they don't fall, we lose. We are not playing even close to playoff type basketball. Nearly all the teams are when they play us. :ohwell:

avoiding injuries is very important and this team has been very good at this. But I still don't see how Sheed should put up a solid low post game without practising during the regular season.
I mean, you don't forget the basics, but that ain't enough without pracise.

sheed has shown he can get his low post game going whenever he wants, and i'm sure he still works on it in practice without having to get hammered. he's done it enough in the regular season to make me concerned with not if he can do it, but if he will do it.

None of those paint player mentioned have Sheed's ability to hit the 3 with regularity.

People always want Sheed to be someone else, to play like someone else. He's a hybrid player, specifically the player JD is looking for. Skilled, long and able to play both sides of the ball.

This Lakers game is still stuck in my craw a bit. Let the playoffs begin.

He's a hybrid between a 3-point shooter and a deep 3-point shooter. Let's just call him a mid-range 3-point shooting specialist.

I don't mind that he takes them once in a while. What I don't like is that Chauncey passes them up and Sheed takes them. If we are going to jack it up 15 times from downtown, I want Chauncey taking the majority of them and Sheed trying to rebound the misses.

Well, you guys are beginning to get the jist of what I said. Sheed can play in the post, or be part of a play that has him in the post. Its just that he doesn't park in there. Shaq does, where else could he play? He's too slow to be anywhere other than down low. And he is the hacker, not the hackee. Some of the other guys mentioned could play facing the basket, just not too far from it.

Sheed is a combo cat, not many like him. I hope they do run some post plays for him during the playoffs, but lets save them for then.

That was a good pic. of Kobe swinging a jacket, how does he not get a tech for that?

Sheed is a combo cat, not many like him.
Let's hope so. Recently, he looked like a cat that was handicapped on its other combofoot. Not able to find the balance in his combo.

That was a good pic. of Kobe swinging a jacket, how does he not get a tech for that?

Now that was some serious Matador defense.

It must have been in the last minute of the game, nobody cared.

Now that was some serious Matador defense.

thread winner!! :P