http://www.pistonsforum.com/img/resources/team/DET_3079.gifhttp://www.pistonsforum.com/img/resources/team/at.gifhttp://www.pistonsforum.com/img/resources/team/DAL_435.gif

Detroit Pistons at Dallas Mavericks
October 27th, 2005 ~ 8:30 pm
American Airlines Center (http://www.americanairlinescenter.com/), built 2001, capacity 19,200
TV: WB20 (http://www.wb20detroit.com/)
Radio: WDFN (http://www.wdfn.com/)

DAMPIER AND STACKHOUSE DOUBTFUL

Dallas 103 Det 97

BoxScore - From nba.com (http://www.nba.com/games/20051027/DETDAL/boxscore.html)
PlayByPlay - From nba.com (http://scores.nba.com/games/20051027/DETDAL/PlayByPlayPrint.html)

Player of the game: Rip 18 pts on 8-11 shooting in 25min
Sub of the game: Darko 6 blocks and 7 pts in 24 mins

Notable Mentions: Maxiel 10 pts in last 7 mins of the game
and Carlos Arroyo off to one of his best games as a Piston before getting ejected in the 2nd quarter with his 2nd tech. 8 pts on 4-5 shooting with 3 assists and 0 TO's in only 8 mins.
Also Ronald Dupree continues to make a strong case for himself with another energy game shooting 3-3 with 5 boards in 14 mins.

Tough loss but Dallas pretty much used their regular rotation wheras the Pistons chose to use this game to get the young guys some practice and to iron out final roster decisions.

This is a game to watch closely.
Avery has them playing defense... and they have a deep team with experience.
Their weakness is at center... can Darko take advantage of this?

I'll be more of a believer of our bench if they win this battle in Dallas.... the Mavs bench looks solid... although they had trouble with the press.

I don't like the Harris Arroyo matchup at all... I'd like to see Acker check him for a while.

Does the bench show up on the road?

All right bench... show us whatcha got.

But I think it will be very educational to see if the bench can. If they show that they are not overwhelmed and can play as a unit on the road, I will feel much better about our chances to go all the way, even though I already feel pretty good about them already.

I am sure the bench will play hard. I just want to see them able to get good results. It did seem that they got a little edgy on the road in Milwaukee.

Anyway, after these next two games, we will know a lot more.

Hope to maybe see some of you guys in the Palace on the 2nd of November.

I am a big Josh Howard fan. I like the Mavs. They've got a lot of potential if AJ can get them to play some hard nosed "D".

I am a big Josh Howard fan. I like the Mavs. They've got a lot of potential if AJ can get them to play some hard nosed "D".

last time i went to a Mavs/Pistons game, Josh Howard came up into the stands to talk to family/friends after the game. he asked me to take a group pic of them with their camera :P

Bench vs Bench. Off the bench they bring Marquis Daniels, Devin Harris, Stack, KVH and a misc player. They lack toughness at the 4/5 spot from the bench, but they have a slight advantage on the perimeter. We put Mo on Stack (OK, I guess) but LOs Dos trying to check Daniels and Harris, that scares me. But they have guys out of position on that squad, Stack is a natural 2 that likes to shoot, Daniels needs the ball more, as does Harris, and as we all know, with Stack that's hard to do. One on one they may have us, but if we execute we can get 'em, more talent and toughness/game up front.

Dallas is a tough team for us especially with Doug 'I'm Whipped' Christy, he gets in Rips chest big time and J Terry is a tough defensive assignment for CHauncey. Josh Howard is a nightmare for Tayshaun at both ends of the floor. It's nights like these that X2 earn their $$$$.

KGreg's got it right, in this game we need Tayshaun to show up.

KGreg's got it right, in this game we need Tayshaun to show up.

He hasn't shown up any game except for our last game gainst Miami lets see if he continues. I'm now very worried about getting Tay a new deal he's only got 5 days, damn.

Why is League Pass not showing this game? It's wack.

If you get that channel, you will get it.

Anyone else got a hunch that with the days off, we will have a few new wrinkles to show the Mavs?

I think we win this one on their floor.

Seems like the League Pass deal in preseason includes Fox Sports games but not those carried by other affiliates. Too bad, because I really don't want to watch TNT drool over Miami while they crush the Magic.

Serbian Swat Machine is in effect.

And Super Dup is making it impossible to cut him.

Dupree > Acker

if you want someone who can produce now, you've got to pick Super Dup.

Is this real? Does DMC already have 5 blocks?

As much as I like what I saw in Acker, Dupree is playing HARD. Dupree and Milicic are playing well together too. Darko- 5 blocks, 0 rebounds and Dupree- 1 block, 5 rebounds in 11 minutes. I'm only keeping track of the game online, but it sounds like the bench is gelling.

What happened with the Arroyo ejection?

Lil update please.

As much as I like what I saw in Acker, Dupree is playing HARD. Dupree and Milicic are playing well together too. Darko- 5 blocks, 0 rebounds and Dupree- 1 block, 5 rebounds in 11 minutes. I'm only keeping track of the game online, but it sounds like the bench is gelling.

What happened with the Arroyo ejection?

he took objection to Dirk's foul. maybe a little arm swing after the block attempt. Arroyo fronted Dirk and started yapping. Diop came in to break it up, and Arroyo slapped Diop's arm away. you could read Arroyo's lips, "GET YO HANDS OFF ME BOY!" lol.

Final score: Mavs 103, Pistons 97. Didn't see the game but read the blow-by-blow on other forums. Sounds like the Mavs played to win, with Dirk going against our third string until a few minutes were left.

Some folks are saying Acker pressed too much and played selfishly. Like I said, I didn't watch the game. Same folks were saying Darko got screwed on the stat sheet ... credited with 7 points, 2 assists, and 6 blocks, when in fact he had at least eight. Apparently Maxiell played well.

Lots of good news in this one.

Darko: Beginning to be a force in the middle. He sets a league record with 5 blocks in a quarter, and probably altered at least that many. Darko is just what we need now, a defensive big man that can score, Joe does it again!

JMax: If he was 6'9, he'd be perfect, but even at 6'6, he's a real find. I feel lucky, because just like Darko, there's something special about this kid that we'll only see with PT.

Dupree: He's ready now!!! Dupree just may be the sleeper on this team. Overlooked by most fans, the guy simply can shoot, defend, and run the fast break like a shorter Salley. Sure we could use Hunters defense, but it's time to let the kids grow up.

Arroyo: Ok, he couldn't keep his Latin temper down, but before he got tossed, he was amazing.

Delfino: I wish I could see the game, because I really want to know how good he's moving. He seems to be recovered, so I'm looking forward to a lot of production.

Look out NBA, Detroit has one hell of a bench (BTW, the starters lost the game in the 3rd).

Sam, Delfino looks fully recovered. He is playing like when we 1st saw him at the beginning of last season with improvement.

lamb - Acker did not look good out there but he was not playing selfish. He seemed to have trouble with the plays checking in with the coach while bringing the ball up and had trouble guarding Harris and Terry.
Other than that he did not do anything stupid. He did make a few good passes that were not able to be converted into made shots.

Its only his 2nd game of playing more than 5 mins. Its tough comming in like that. Next game he should be brought in the 1st half to see what he can do.

Lots of good news in this one.

Darko: Beginning to be a force in the middle. He sets a league record with 5 blocks in a quarter, and probably altered at least that many.


Is that really a record? Too bad it isn't the regular season.

Arroyo: Ok, he couldn't keep his Latin temper down, but before he got tossed, he was amazing. I call that passion and not taking any crap from nobody.:argue: :rant: :ban: :mad2: I don't think this ejection is a trend with him. BTW, on the other forum some people were talking (hating?) last night about CA. Seems like he reads the forum and play to :tape2: :tape2: the non-believers.

http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/nba/nbacom/recaps/recap_pre109_detdal.asx

some video highlights, in case you missed it.

I call that passion and not taking any crap from nobody.:argue: :rant: :ban: :mad2: I don't think this ejection is a trend with him. BTW, on the other forum some people were talking (hating?) last night about CA. Seems like he reads the forum and play to :tape2: :tape2: the non-believers.

i love Arroyo's toughness, but we need him on the court, not in the lockerroom. i doubt this is a trend that continues, sucks for him because he was having a great game until then.

Watched ESPN's game cast...

This is how our bench did...
They lost a net of 10-12 points while in the game.
Our bench played 47 minutes to the Mavs 40 minutes.
Our bench shot 46% to their bench 47%
Our banch played 26 more minutes than the Mavs bench
Our bench scored 7 more points than their bench.

Our team shot 2-9 in the paint... the Mavs shot 9-11 in the paint.
The Mavs had 20 more FT attempts (usually means they were out of defensive position and we we'ren't forcing it inside on offense).

Delfino 1-5 2 T.O's... 2 PF's... 2 rebs... 2 assists
McDyess 30 minutes.... 3-10 2blks... 2 T.O's... 3 PF's
Arroyo 9 minutes... 4-5 3 assists
Milicic 24 minutes... 3-7... 6+ blocks... 3 rebs... 3 PF's
Dupree 3-3 5 rebs... 3 fouls
Evans 2-5 0 assists... 2 PF's
JMax 5-8 7 minutes... 10 pts...4 offensive rebs
Acker 0-2 2 FT's... 1 assist... 2 PF's

It looks like the main bench contributions came from Arroyo, Dupree, Darko & Jmax.

Grade C- (have to win the net battle)

Acker did ok. At least, considering the circumstances. He probably pushed things a bit too much, since nobody has apparently told him that there is no way he is not making the squad. A couple of should have been assists, both blown by Delfino, a knockaway leading to a steal for us, another knockaway. I am disappointed he only got to play the one quarter. From what I can see though, he is a pretty solid player who will just fine for us.

Now, if Acker does make the squad, he will be trying to pry minutes from Arroyo. That might be pretty darn hard if Arroyo keeps playing like he did tonight. Arroyo scored 8 in short minutes, ending up in getting two techs and thrown out of the game. Arroyo got inside for a couple of scores and hit a couple of outside shots. He looks more confident out there each game.

Dupree looked pretty good. Certainly showed he can hit outside shots tonight. And played good enough D. The guy he wants to take minutes from, Evans, hit some shots though himself. But other than those shots, Evans did not do much tonight. Personally, I don't like either of these players a whole lot. If either had solid guard skills, they would really help us, but they don't.

The most impressive guy out there tonight? Well, a tie. Six blocks by Darko certainly puts him right up there. But Maxiell, in virtually no time at all scored 10 points, got a block and a few rebounds too. Wait until he gets comfortable out there. Dyess played a ton tonight. Why? Well, I guess he needs the conditioning. But man can I ever see Max go after his mintutes. And anybody else in his way. Still want to see him at small forward.

Ben sure looks good out there going up for rebounds. Tay took no outside shots or almost none. Rip got 18 on solid shooting. CB is still hitting threes. Sheed played little. Carlos Delfino did nothing you could really point at other than hit a triple, but note he was out there helping with the ball handling as our 2nd unit was doing very well in the 2nd quarter.

Amir Johnson and Dale Davis did not play. Supposedly, Dale Davis was going to get some minutes, which makes me wonder even more why Dyess got all that work. Anyway, I believe Maxiell should be our backup small forward, not Dupree nor Evans. And Delfino should be the backup shooting guard, as he can shoot, and he can help with the ball handling. After, Maxiell, I'd take Amir Johnson as the backup small forward. Sorry Evans fans, a guy who can't help with the ball handling is not a guy I want to see as a regular part of the rotation. But I do know this is only Evans' 2nd full year in the NBA. Maybe he can learn yet.

Dupree played a lot tonight, and overall showed he should be on the team. But not at Acker's expense because we need a spare guard. And certainly not Evans either as Evans can flat out shoot the ball. So I still say its either cut Dupree, which I can't see after tonight, or let Hunter go.

With all this going about the last roster spot, none of the guys involved would make it on either my starters or 2nd unit. Starters: CB, Rip, Tay, Ben, Shee. 2nd unit Arroyo, Delfino, Maxiell, Dyess, Darko. Acker provides depth at point and shooting guard. Evans adds depth at shooting guard and small forward. Dale Davis adds depth at big guy. Dupree? Well, to me, he would just be getting minutes I would rather see used to develop Amir Johnson.</B></B></B>

i love Arroyo's toughness, but we need him on the court, not in the lockerroom. i doubt this is a trend that continues, sucks for him because he was having a great game until then. I agree. On the other hand, when you're mad and out of control, it's the coach job to pull you out of the game until you cool down. Not blaming on Flip for CA's mistakes, but a person out of himself need a rational person to make him come back to his senses. I love his fire, though. Besides is a preseason game....

I call that passion and not taking any crap from nobody.:argue: :rant: :ban: :mad2: I don't think this ejection is a trend with him. BTW, on the other forum some people were talking (hating?) last night about CA. Seems like he reads the forum and play to :tape2: :tape2: the non-believers.

Hey if it fires him up then perhaps I should slam him before every game. I am taking about his play not the 2 techs. That was a cheap shot by Dirk so I don't blame him for retaliating.

Also its a lot tougher being called up to run the show like Acker had to. Its different when you have to set the tempo and not just be called to blend into it.

We need a combo guard a lot more than another backup for Prince/Rip and that will factor in.

Lets see what Acker has tomorrow. Maybe he will have another 13 point/ 9 assist game.

I forgot, he launched one of those step backs of his. And it went in, as a whole lot of them in the preseason. They guy flat out is going to have to be double and triple teamed to stop him from scoring. Of course, the coach could stop him from scoring by not playing the guy. I can't wait until the day Flip gets it right and puts Maxiell in at small forward. Of course, right now he is evaluating Dupree. But I want to see Maxiell play now. Maybe they can make them play a doulbe header. Stop the bus.

1st Re-broadcast starting now on WB20.

Lee, does JMax have the footspeed to play small forward at his current weight? Or would it be more of a situational position based on the type of opponent? I have not had much of a chance to see him move on the floor so I just can't make that judgement yet... Knowing how much Flip likes the "O", Maxiell may play himself into a role if he can stay in front of his man on D.

I forgot, he launched one of those step backs of his. And it went in, as a whole lot of them in the preseason. They guy flat out is going to have to be double and triple teamed to stop him from scoring. Of course, the coach could stop him from scoring by not playing the guy. I can't wait until the day Flip gets it right and puts Maxiell in at small forward. Of course, right now he is evaluating Dupree. But I want to see Maxiell play now. Maybe they can make them play a doulbe header. Stop the bus.

Yep, all the talk about lack of height should slow down soon enough.
JMax= beast

One pleasent surprise - he has a nice mid-range jumper. Tempting to think of him as another Corliss but he has nice range for a big guy.

Hey if it fires him up then perhaps I should slam him before every game. I am taking about his play not the 2 techs. That was a cheap shot by Dirk so I don't blame him for retaliating.Yes. in fact I was talking about you. When you talked about his game you "forgot" to mention the limiting factors of last season: came at the middle of the season to a whole new system ander a respected coach that put him on a leash and benched him to brake him down.

Perhaps you should slam him here too. Why don't you open a trend called " My daily slam on the backup PG"? It might earn 5 stars...

Yes. in fact I was talking about you. When you talked about his game you "forgot" to mention the limiting factors of last season: came at the middle of the season to a whole new system ander a respected coach that put him on a leash and benched him to brake him down.

Perhaps you should slam him here too. Why don't you open a trend called " My daily slam on the backup PG"? It might earn 5 stars...

Its only 8 mins worth of play. I am still far from convinced that Arroyo is up to the task but we will see. Played kind of crappy in that Miami game.

You are right he did have a hard time comming from one coach that was on his %%% to another.

I am want him to work out. Thats not my intention to hope a Piston player fails. It is getting to that time where he has to start producing on a regular basis. 4mil/yr for a backup guard. For that I do expect a lot.

Lee, does JMax have the footspeed to play small forward at his current weight? Or would it be more of a situational position based on the type of opponent? I have not had much of a chance to see him move on the floor so I just can't make that judgement yet... Knowing how much Flip likes the "O", Maxiell may play himself into a role if he can stay in front of his man on D.Tally, I know this question was addressed to Lee... but I'd like to pipe in on this good question.

I'm not ready to endorse the foot speed just yet... then again it's better than Corliss's.
When we first drafted Jmax Joe said "we see him as a PF"... that was kinda dissapointing to hear... and I haven't seen them back down on this stance yet (unless he played some SF tonight).

It only makes sense against some of the big/strong SF's to match their physical play.

I wish a beat writer would ask those intellegent questions to Flip.

Several things really popped out tonight. Of course, the way Arroyo played before being tossed. PRBaller, in fairness, Flip did not have time to pull CA. The things happened too quickly and was all over in a few seconds. There was no warning.

Ron Dupree deserves to be a Piston. He, dos Carlos, JMax and Evans all played well. If he has to go to make room for Acker, I would really hate that. I think it is time to let Lindsay go if they insist on keeping Acker. I have been a LH fan for years, when he came up with Alan Houston. But even then, he was supposed to be the 1 and Alan the 2. It really did not work then because LH was not a 1.

For me, of course, Darko's 6 blocks were way too low. He got at least one more when someone got called for a foul on the play and two of the three he made but got called for a foul on could have easily not been called fouls. I think when he gets some repect in this league, they will cease to be called fouls. I do hope he will get a little more balance in his game. I would sacrifice a couple of blocks for a couple more rebounds and points. He is not committing as many fouls and had a couple of more assists lost due to missed shots by the recipient.

I am not sitting here with my adding machine but I do not see how the bench lost ground to the Dallas bench. In the first half, they ran a two point lead up to thirteen at halftime. After, they took over with a pretty close game and lost it by six. I don't understand that big deficit that was reported by ESPN.

In the excitement of talking about the bench, I realize that the starters played pretty well, too. Rip had a very high percentage and although we did not have but 20 assists for the game, it looked like we were playing together pretty well.

I think the Dallas management maybe wanted the win more because they had Dirk in there against our third stringers till pretty near the end of the game. And Chauncey and Sheed were horsing around during a halftme interview. During the season, I can't imagine them doing that. They are way too focused.

I surely would rather have won tonight, but I saw many good things.

Thanks Merc. It just seems that, in pictures anyway, JMax may be carrying his extra college 20 lbs around and with the conditioning that comes with being a pro he could shed some weight. At 235-240, he might be able to extend his ability to play sf/pf depending on mathcups. Just a thought because it really does look like he has NBA talent and we should try to find a role for the young man. Although Flip probably still has so much on his plate right now that molding this rook into something is still a ways down on his "To-do" list.

I am not angry at all that the Pistons lost because its still the preseason. I was very angry though when Dirk started talking ish to Arroyo, and then Arroyo lost control and got 2 techs and was ejected. If he hadn't got ejected we probably would of won because he'd make the offense run a lot better than Acker would. After yesterdays game I think Acker will be cut, but I hope we can somehow keep him. I was thinking we could send him to Europe for a while than get him on the roster but we don't have him signed so many other teams would want to get him. He's good defensively, and he's talented offensively, but he keeps the ball in his hands too long and he can't set up the offense right. How about Darko though 6 blocks:eyebrows:. We take on Minnesota at Minnesota today at 9 for our last preseason game.

I was not able to see the game but was able to catch the highlights and following it on NBA.Com. Arroyo gets the "Attaboy Award" from me. I give him props for showing aggressiveness and not backing down. The little guy gets the standing O from me. Probably would not have picked up the second tech if it was reg season.

JMax still cannot see him playing Small Forward unless he loses 20-30 lbs.

Darko came in second for the "Attaboy Award"

Dupree, Acker, Acker, Dupree, the way Dumars is talking he may draw straws on this one. I like Acker, but if Lindsay doesn't retire Acker may be history. I really believe that Dumars will have a difficult time with his decision to cut Acker but based on Dupree's performance in the preseason, he may not have a choice.

My Pistons bench player of the year continues to be Mo Evans. Remember you heard it here.

I am VERY pleased with Darko's progress. If only it wasn't stunted by two years. But hey, I'll take it all the same.

Who is excited to see what Ben is like when he actually gets to rest every now and again???

I'm not getting this "Maxiell is overweight" thing. We aren't talking about a Mike Sweetney lookalike, but a barrel-chested guy who looks different from the usual basketball body type. Get used to it, because that's what he was born with. Losing weight won't morph him into a speedy small forward.

was just about to say that laneirfan. listen, jmax has a wide body, and as laimbeer said on the telecast last night, he's jumps surprisingly quick. for those that want him at SF, he *did* get 10 points in 7 minutes at PF last night did he not? ben wallace is 5 inches too short to be an NBA center but he does just fine...

darko was ridiculous, wow...dupree played great, arroyo was excellent and got dribble penetration. all around i was pleased with the game.

if we keep dupree, there's a chance billups or arroyo gets hurt and then we're screwed until LH gets back. when LH gets back acker will go down to the NBDL or inactive list though...he can't really help us this year.

dupree *can* help us but his minutes will be limited...but at this point he's played too well to cut him. he'd be decent trade bait later in the year, but his salary is so small that would be difficult to work out unless he was packaged with another player. pros and cons to both.

Ok 1st off I missed the entire 3rd qtr, leave it to my Lady to send me on a 30 min errand during halftime.

The starters, Starting to see Flips motion happening. Rasheed playing the highpost is just awesome.

Tayshaun keeps disappointing me, he's just standing on the weakside waiting circa early 2004 season. First they said it was his knees being sore, I hope that's what it is, he's just not being aggressive. LB had to crack the whip to bring that turtle out of his shell, and if you look at his coach in college, Tubby Smith, the Tubby Scowl can make anybody do anything. Flip may have to DO something about this.

Rasheed was solid in very lmtd mins. Ben is running and jumping for boards like it's 2002 again. Rip looked PHENOMENAL :nod: . Shooting is rhythm, and when you get a shooter in a rhythm WATCH OUT!!! he's coming off screens and just letting it RIP with the full backing of his coach, no thinking-just shoot it baby when you're open. I could see Rips game raising under Flips like Cassells did 2 seasons ago when people were saying he was a bonafied allstar. Chauncey SUCKED in the 1st qtr, he had like 3 TO's where Terry just flat out ripped him twice, and we had to put Rip on Terry because Chauncey just couldn't stay with him. Ahhh but then enters Arroyo......

I am critical as hell on PG's (being a former PG) but Arroyo played a beautiful game last night, his best by far. Dude was 4-5 on excellent shots from everywhere. (1)Pushed the rock hard up court, nobody picked him up because they played the passing lanes and he hit a nice floater. (2)On a screen roll, they played him for the pass again and he went straight to the rack - goaltending. (3)Hit an open 18 footer when the D backed off of him, (4) gave up the rock, cut to the open spot, got it back and knocked down another 18'er. Arroy did a good job of shooting at the right times so that he could run the offense. When the D don't respect your shot, they basically play you for the pass and cheat off you, they did that and he made them pay. He made an excellent effort to get the offense started quickly and dish the rock, he along with Dupree......

I think Dupree is here, period. We only saw about 1/3 of his game under LB, Dup can flat out ball, he's got a nice shot, and can leap, defend and rebound which is the one thing Darko isn't GREAT at.......

Darko, man oh man. :laugh: I'm no longer impressed, this can be expected, he had 5 blocks in one qtr, should have been 8, as stated earlier Darko would get the block but a teammate would pick up a foul on the body, on others DMC just doesn't get any Zebra love, he got some BS calls against him. Man DMC just flat out punked KVH, and in the 3rd qtr Dirk tried to post DMC and throw some ol weak isht up.......DARKO said NOT!!!!! He had a move from the high post on KVH that just makes you say daaaaaaaaammmn. Drove him right, spun back left, fingerrolled left hand. Dude covered about 19' feet with two bounces and a pivot whew.......

Speaking of whew.......J-Max. Quit making this kid a SF, he's a PF, and he can hold his own at PF. They had him on Diop who's 7 feet, and Diop didn't get a board or a bucket, while J-Max just beasted cats on the offensive end from all over the court while getting a block here and there. This was a great pick, I hope he gets some run, right now J-Max IS MORE OF AN INSIDE THREAT THAN MCDYESS. I could see a front line of any combination of these 3, J-Max, DMC, Sheed, and Ben.

Evans was ok in lmtd mins, and Delfino struggled offensively. The fact that we can say Delfino struggled is a great sign. You first need to have some GAME, before your GAME can struggle, and every player has an off night.

This bench will be good, but inconsistent because of youth, but they will be very entertaining to watch. For instance, Delfino was bench POG last game and couldn't hit a layup this game, Evans hit 20 one game and 5 the next, DMC is a non factor one game and then shuts the paint down the next time etc etc. They're young but they'll get it.

Ok 1st off I missed the entire 3rd qtr, leave it to my Lady to send me on a 30 min errand during halftime.

The starters, Starting to see Flips motion happening. Rasheed playing the highpost is just awesome.

Tayshaun keeps disappointing me, he's just standing on the weakside waiting circa early 2004 season. First they said it was his knees being sore, I hope that's what it is, he's just not being aggressive. LB had to crack the whip to bring that turtle out of his shell, and if you look at his coach in college, Tubby Smith, the Tubby Scowl can make anybody do anything. Flip may have to DO something about this.

Rasheed was solid in very lmtd mins. Ben is running and jumping for boards like it's 2002 again. Rip looked PHENOMENAL :nod: . Shooting is rhythm, and when you get a shooter in a rhythm WATCH OUT!!! he's coming off screens and just letting it RIP with the full backing of his coach, no thinking-just shoot it baby when you're open. I could see Rips game raising under Flips like Cassells did 2 seasons ago when people were saying he was a bonafied allstar. Chauncey SUCKED in the 1st qtr, he had like 3 TO's where Terry just flat out ripped him twice, and we had to put Rip on Terry because Chauncey just couldn't stay with him. Ahhh but then enters Arroyo......

I am critical as hell on PG's (being a former PG) but Arroyo played a beautiful game last night, his best by far. Dude was 4-5 on excellent shots from everywhere. (1)Pushed the rock hard up court, nobody picked him up because they played the passing lanes and he hit a nice floater. (2)On a screen roll, they played him for the pass again and he went straight to the rack - goaltending. (3)Hit an open 18 footer when the D backed off of him, (4) gave up the rock, cut to the open spot, got it back and knocked down another 18'er. Arroy did a good job of shooting at the right times so that he could run the offense. When the D don't respect your shot, they basically play you for the pass and cheat off you, they did that and he made them pay. He made an excellent effort to get the offense started quickly and dish the rock, he along with Dupree......

I think Dupree is here, period. We only saw about 1/3 of his game under LB, Dup can flat out ball, he's got a nice shot, and can leap, defend and rebound which is the one thing Darko isn't GREAT at.......

Darko, man oh man. :laugh: I'm no longer impressed, this can be expected, he had 5 blocks in one qtr, should have been 8, as stated earlier Darko would get the block but a teammate would pick up a foul on the body, on others DMC just doesn't get any Zebra love, he got some BS calls against him. Man DMC just flat out punked KVH, and in the 3rd qtr Dirk tried to post DMC and throw some ol weak isht up.......DARKO said NOT!!!!! He had a move from the high post on KVH that just makes you say daaaaaaaaammmn. Drove him right, spun back left, fingerrolled left hand. Dude covered about 19' feet with two bounces and a pivot whew.......

Speaking of whew.......J-Max. Quit making this kid a SF, he's a PF, and he can hold his own at PF. They had him on Diop who's 7 feet, and Diop didn't get a board or a bucket, while J-Max just beasted cats on the offensive end from all over the court while getting a block here and there. This was a great pick, I hope he gets some run, right now J-Max IS MORE OF AN INSIDE THREAT THAN MCDYESS. I could see a front line of any combination of these 3, J-Max, DMC, Sheed, and Ben.

Evans was ok in lmtd mins, and Delfino struggled offensively. The fact that we can say Delfino struggled is a great sign. You first need to have some GAME, before your GAME can struggle, and every player has an off night.

This bench will be good, but inconsistent because of youth, but they will be very entertaining to watch. For instance, Delfino was bench POG last game and couldn't hit a layup this game, Evans hit 20 one game and 5 the next, DMC is a non factor one game and then shuts the paint down the next time etc etc. They're young but they'll get it.

great analysis. Just wondering KGREG...are you ready to hand Dyess's minutes over to J-Max like Lee suggested? I really wished they would have played the game on NBA League Pass yesterday :frusty: because if Max played that well I am truely at a loss for words.

Look fellas ACKER SUCKS AS A PG. Ack isn't doing anything special at the pt. IMHO Delfino is better at the pt than Ack as is Tay. Ack hasn't done anything that makes you say, hmmmm, he's got some game. If we lose a PG than we can always get an FA vet from off of a street corner somewhere that can give us what Ack does at the Pt. The boy is not a natural PG that is comfortable at the position, and HE'S SLOW!!!!

great analysis. Just wondering KGREG...are you ready to hand Dyess's minutes over to J-Max like Lee suggested? I really wished they would have played the game on NBA League Pass yesterday :frusty: because if Max played that well I am truely at a loss for words.
Nope, just that Max gives us something Dyess doesn't, as Dyess is almost exclusively a jump shooter these days. Now ask me the same thing next season and my answer may be different.

I am VERY pleased with Darko's progress. If only it wasn't stunted by two years. But hey, I'll take it all the same.

Who is excited to see what Ben is like when he actually gets to rest every now and again???

Good point jdmiser. This is one variable that I think has been overlloked when doing our obs and evaluation of this season.

The boys at PTI were just talking about Darko. They said all he needs is playing time, and that they arent suprised by his play because they both think he's good.

Talk about being excited, but how good will Darko be with actual PT, with respect from the refs, and with confidence?