At Orlando

SAT. April 28th - 3:00 PM

TV: TV20 Detroit
Radio: WDFN 1130 AM

Lets just wrap it up. If we have a strong first quarter Orlando should fold. Finish 'm up and get some rest before facing Bulls or Heat. And cut down on Tay's minutes, he's going to have to chase Deng or Wade in the second round, he's going to need all the strength to be successful at that.

I don't think the heavy minutes for Tay are that big a deal in this series. Finishing off Orlando in 4 games is the key to getting rested up.

I don't think the heavy minutes for Tay are that big a deal in this series. Finishing off Orlando in 4 games is the key to getting rested up.
Exactly... there is no rest like kickin' back and watching future opponents beat each other up.
Haven't heard any Pistons talking about aches and pains... that usually comes up after your team is eliminated.
Even though there wasn't as much bench play as some would prefer... this year excessive minutes should not be a media crutch....
The boyz looked fresh last night.

Fresh and furious. I absolutely loved the seriousness and workmanlike approach.

I hope they absolutely shatter the Magic in Game 4.

Fresh and furious. I absolutely loved the seriousness and workmanlike approach.

I hope they absolutely shatter the Magic in Game 4.

Cosigned@roscoe36

I don't like all the hard fouls this series. Finish it up and don't risk any injuries.

I have a feeling that the Pistons will put them away. No sense mailing in a game when there is blood in the water. They have to be thinking how sweet a sweep would be.

I too would like nothing more than to make the Magic disappear in 4 games, however, the Pistons seem to play terrible after a layoff.

Let`s say the Bulls/Heat series goes the max, 7 games. It will end on May 5th. Game 1 of the Pistons vs Bulls/Heat would be, perhaps, May 7th.

That would be nine days off for the Pistons. I don`t know about anyone else, but if the Bulls win in that scenario, I don`t think they would be as fatigued as some might think.

Now, the Heat on the other hand would be a much easier foe in game 1.

Any chance AJ will get some bur...never mind. :nerd2: I'm sorry I asked.

I too would like nothing more than to make the Magic disappear in 4 games, however, the Pistons seem to play terrible after a layoff.

Yes, but they also always play terrible in Game 3 when they're up 2-0, right? I have faith that they'll come out strong against either Chicago or Miami, regardless of the layoff.

:fingerscr:sweeping: :cheers:

Any chance AJ will get some bur...never mind. :nerd2: I'm sorry I asked.

Ya, sorry, noway he plays.

Any chance AJ will get some bur...never mind. :nerd2: I'm sorry I asked.

The Human Victory Cigarillo perhaps?

The Human Victory Cigarillo perhaps?

Now, that is a definite possibility. If Pistons are up by 30 with 2 minutes to go.

:pound: :pound: :pound:

Chicago wins again! Man, I NEVER root for the Heat. I mean, NEVER! But the least the Heat can do is win one at home! I want that series to last as long as possible but now it could end in 4. Damn....

But anyway, here's to the Pistons going all custodian on the Magic's ass and sweeping the series! CHEERS! :cheers:

Now, that is a definite possibility. If Pistons are up by 30 with 2 minutes to go.

:pound: :pound: :pound:

HVC 2.0! :laugh:

Chicago wins again! Man, I NEVER root for the Heat. I mean, NEVER! But the least the Heat can do is win one at home! I want that series to last as long as possible but now it could end in 4. Damn....

But anyway, here's to the Pistons going all custodian on the Magic's ass and sweeping the series! CHEERS! :cheers:

I tried rooting for the Heat tonight, but.... couldn't.... do.... it. At this point, I want to see the Pistons and Bulls sweep.

Then, battle royale baby. It'll be the match up that determines the NBA Champ.

Is it ok to wish that pistons lose this one so that i can watch them one more game home?

I tried rooting for the Heat tonight, but.... couldn't.... do.... it. At this point, I want to see the Pistons and Bulls sweep. I prefer that the heat win one or two game so that they could wear the bulls out

I tried rooting for the Heat tonight, but.... couldn't.... do.... it. At this point, I want to see the Pistons and Bulls sweep.

Then, battle royale baby. It'll be the match up that determines the NBA Champ.

Agreed. That will be one hell of a series! Get that weak %%%%% S#$% out of here, and may the best team win.
:cheers:

I tried rooting for the Heat tonight, but.... couldn't.... do.... it. At this point, I want to see the Pistons and Bulls sweep.

I prefer that the heat win one or two game so that they could wear the bulls out

1) No way I could root for the Heat. Mourning, Shaq, and Wade are people my very fiber dislikes.

2) Chicago is a young, inexperienced team. We do not want them gaining any more experience by extending the series. Ben Wallace is about the only guy on that team who is prone to getting worn down, and I doubt that is going to happen this year. Scott Skiles simply did not play Ben all that many minutes this season.

3) Now, if Miami was going to win the series, yes, it would have been great if it went long since Shaq would be worn out coming into our series. However, even this has a problem. Every game Wade plays he seems to get better.

And now it's time to say goodbye...
http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/3835/sweephh4.jpg
Nicknames brought to you by the Orlando Sentinel (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-bianchi2507apr25,0,3318432.column?coll=orl-sports-magic-special).

I'm sure Rip could use the week off, I know I could use a week off from watching the other team get relentless cheap shots in on him. :yellowprison:

Pistons need to finish this one in 3 qtrs, let the bench get a fresh taste of playoff basketball for 12 minutes or so.

:laugh: @ lurker's photo collage.

There are a couple of good articles over there.

Saunders calls shots in Detroit - Orlando Sentinel : Orlando Magic Saunders calls shots in Detroit - Orlando Sentinel : Orlando Magic (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-mside2807apr28,0,5423700.story?coll=orl-magic)

The biggest difference between the Detroit Pistons from a year ago and the one that will try to sweep the Orlando Magic from the playoffs today isn't just the change of centers from Ben Wallace to Chris Webber. It's the way Saunders runs the team.

After Wallace got two quick fouls in Game 3 Thursday night, then a technical foul for losing his cool, he was coming out midway in the first quarter, even if Saunders had to drag him out.

A year ago, Saunders might have hesitated a moment. Not this time.

"You always listen to the guys, but coaching, it's not a democracy. It's a dictatorship," he said Friday after the Pistons practiced at Amway Arena. "The coach makes the ultimate decisions."

Saunders is in his second season as coach of the Pistons, inheriting a team that had won the NBA title in 2004 and finished second in 2005. It was veteran-ready when he arrived last season but also set in its ways.

The Pistons won 64 games last season despite griping early about a new coach and resisting some of the subtle changes he wanted to make. But when they were upset by Miami in the conference final, then lost Ben Wallace to free agency this summer, it gave Saunders the chance to redirect the team.



Orlando Magic must win against Detroit Pistons to avoid 4-game sweep - Orlando Sentinel : Orlando Magic Orlando Magic must win against Detroit Pistons to avoid 4-game sweep - Orlando Sentinel : Orland (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-magic2807apr28,0,6809141.story?coll=orl-magic)


Simply, the Pistons are forcing the Magic to vary from their regular-season game plan of playing off Howard. That means other players have to make shots when the fast-break layups or Howard's dunks aren't there. The Magic shot well in the first two games at least to stay competitive.

But they were an icy 41.9 percent in Game 3 on Thursday night, which led to a 16-point loss in their first home playoff outing at Amway Arena since 2003. Grant Hill was 2 of 12, missing his last nine attempts.

The Pistons hit five more 3-pointers than the Magic to prop up a 43.6-percent shooting night, but mostly, they took advantage of mental and defensive lapses at the end of quarters.



So far this series had been coached better than anything we have seen since Chuck Daly.

So far this series had been coached better than anything we have seen since Chuck Daly.
Agreed 100%.

SSSShhhhhhhh! :sssh:

WDFN is streaming the pre-game show. Interviews with Pistons VP John Hammond and Flip Saunders to come by 3:00.

Sports Radio 1130 WDFN The Fan | Detroit (http://www.wdfn.com/pages/stream_us.html)

Click the NOW STREAMING AGAIN graphic.

You will need Windows with Windows Media Player and Internet Explorer.

Or you can listen with Firefox if you are running IE Tab.
http://www.pistonsforum.com/82901-post1.html

I can't guarantee how long they will stream, but they might stream the game audio!

Chat is open!!!

http://www.pistonsforum.com/misc.php?do=flashchat

Alright, it's over, the Pistons finally got the :sweep:. We just knew they'd find a way to make it interesting, and the Magic led by 5 with about 3 1/2 minutes left, but the Pistons totally out-executed them down the stretch. Sheed and Rip hit several big shots, in spite of struggling for a lot of the game, the Magic turned it over two straight times, and Sheed locked down on Darko in the post.

Flip Jr. and Delfino played really well to help the Pistons back in it in the second quarter, and Tay finally started coming up big in the 3rd quarter. Too many offensive rebounds for Orlando, but it ended up not mattering in the clutch.

CB played 45 minutes, but if Steve Kerr was right at the end of the TNT telecast, the Pistons-Bulls series won't start until next SUNDAY at the earliest, which would mean a whole week off, even if the Bulls finish off Miami tomorrow. I'm not sure that's accurate, but I think it might be--I know that the date of every game in the finals is already set, so they'll probably spread things out between the rounds to avoid some extreme situation where a team might have more than two weeks off before the finals start.

Just woke up and logged in to check the results. Congratulations to the Detroit Pistons on the sweep and some well earned rest before the next round. Looking at the box score it seems the starting 5 erned their money tonight. We will need some more production off the bench real soon cause this is gunna be one heck of a series coming up...

Alright, it's over, the Pistons finally got the :sweep:. We just knew they'd find a way to make it interesting, and the Magic led by 5 with about 3 1/2 minutes left, but the Pistons totally out-executed them down the stretch. Sheed and Rip hit several big shots, in spite of struggling for a lot of the game, the Magic turned it over two straight times, and Sheed locked down on Darko in the post.

Flip Jr. and Delfino played really well to help the Pistons back in it in the second quarter, and Tay finally started coming up big in the 3rd quarter. Too many offensive rebounds for Orlando, but it ended up not mattering in the clutch.

CB played 45 minutes, but if Steve Kerr was right at the end of the TNT telecast, the Pistons-Bulls series won't start until next SUNDAY at the earliest, which would mean a whole week off, even if the Bulls finish off Miami tomorrow. I'm not sure that's accurate, but I think it might be--I know that the date of every game in the finals is already set, so they'll probably spread things out between the rounds to avoid some extreme situation where a team might have more than two weeks off before the finals start.
You are CORRECT, sir!!

Well, coach Hill made one minor adjustment. He brought out Darko 3 minutes earlier in each half. Too little, too late. Which is exactly what all the Orlando fans expected from him. I liked seeing Darko do well, as long as it was in another loss. Good bye Orlando, hello Chicago.

Hill also played Reddick a bit, but he took away minutes from Arroyo, the only real point guard for Orlando. Bad move. He should have directly replaced some of Grant Hill's and Nelson's minutes.

For the series, the biggest disappointment for Orlando was Ariza, who simply never made himself a factor at all. Ariza, Howard, and Darko are all around about 21 years of age. Orlando will do well to keep this trio intact for future seasons.

Tay went scoreless in the first half. Surprisingly, he hardly shot the ball. But then he started to take over in the 2nd half, at one point putting us in control of the game making 10 straight Piston points.

Webber scored inside and out in this one. Rip hit some shots. Billups abused Nelson badly pretty much whenever he chose to. It seemed criminal when Orlando's coach put Nelson back in the game after Dooling helped get Orlando right back in the game late in the 4th.

Dyess did not do much. Darko bothered one shot of his and maybe that threw him off some. Delfino did some good scoring in the 2nd quarter, but did not get in the rotation in the 2nd half. Which is kind of odd since he was just about the only scoring off our bench in that first half.

No Hunter. Murray played for quite a bit, did not do much really, either good or bad. He scored from the free throw line a bit. Both he and Delfino played right to to the end of the 1st half.

Dale Davis played a bit. Other than providing some toughness, not much to say about his game.

Sheed did a bit of scoring here and there. His three was huge in getting us back in this one three mintues before the end of the game. (We were down 5 before the 3).

The announcers said it was unusual for Rip to shoot 3's. Good example of the national announcers not paying attention to individual teams not named Miami or the Lakers. Rip led the league in 3 point shooting percentage last year. I think the new ball threw his shot off to begin this season, but since the switch back Rip is doing fine as a three point shooter.

Of note, Tay did most of his damage from the outside. In the first half, it was not that he was missing, he was just not shooting. Tay remains on fire.

Sheed showed the world he can actually do a post up move, burning Darko with one, getting inside him along the baseline for a dunk.

In the 2nd quarter, after Darko came in and helped Orlando get a ten point lead, Delfino scored 8 points as we got the lead back. In the 4th quarter, Orlando was down about 10 and Darko took over for a spell to get his team back even. Lots of little runs in this game. Two of our runs came at the end of the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

This was a very close game, our experience won out in the waning seconds of the game. And our ability to make free throws. We made our last 9 straight or so. GO PISTONS!!!!! (Again, May 5 is the earliest possible next game.)

Great win and even more impressive that they were able to comeback and close it out after getting outscored 18-7 to open the 4th qtr and then close it out themselves 17-8. Its started with that 3 by sheed when the Pistons were down 85-80 with 3 mins left.

Sixteen points from the bench, but once agian it was the starters that took care of business. Tay woke up in the third quarter and Billiups made the shots and the plays down the stretch to secure the victory

Darko almost pulled this one out singlehandedly and Howard played his best game. Like Grant Hill said in the post game comments, the Pistons were not a good matchup for the Magic and the Pistons were better. Even Brian Hill stated that he hopes the Pistons win the whole darn thang.

Ghill has to ponder retirement, but here's hoping Joe throws him bone in the offseason as he would be a great asset off our bench next season.

(Again, May 5 is the earliest possible next game.)

What is your source on this date?

I know it is a Saturday. Are you saying that if Chicago sweeps tomorrow that the league will delay the opening of the series until next Saturday, so that the opener can be on Network TV?

:hoops:

What is your source on this date?

I know it is a Saturday. Are you saying that if Chicago sweeps tomorrow that the league will delay the opening of the series until next Saturday, so that the opener can be on Network TV?

:hoops:
That delay will hurt the Pistons IMO... They cannot be off that long. Plus it gives Nocioni more time to heal...

That delay will hurt the Pistons IMO... They cannot be off that long. Plus it gives Nocioni more time to heal...

Exactly!!

I said that in a previous post. The Pistons don`t play well after a layoff. The worse thing that can happen in this series would be Detroit losing game 1, IMO.

The Bulls confidence will already be soaring after defeating the defending champions - to come to the Palace and beat the Pistons in the opening game of the series could be fatal for Detroit.

What is your source on this date?

I know it is a Saturday. Are you saying that if Chicago sweeps tomorrow that the league will delay the opening of the series until next Saturday, so that the opener can be on Network TV?

I think it has to do with the finals, like I said in my previous post. The dates for the finals are already set in stone, so you might have teams waiting super-long, like two weeks or so, if they got through the earlier rounds in a hurry.

I don't know if the time off will hurt the Pistons that much. I don't know a thing about how Chicago fared in similar situations this season, but the Pistons have already exorcised the previous years' no-sweep "demons," so why can't they come out strong against a tough opponent even if they do have a long layoff?

The Bulls confidence will already be soaring after defeating the defending champions - to come to the Palace and beat the Pistons in the opening game of the series could be fatal for Detroit.

Yes, but given how hot their shooting has been against Miami, don't you think the Bulls would also be disappointed by the long layoff? I bet they would rather jump straight into round 2 as well. Their fans are probably saying, "damn, now the Pistons are going to be really well-rested."

What is your source on this date?

I know it is a Saturday. Are you saying that if Chicago sweeps tomorrow that the league will delay the opening of the series until next Saturday, so that the opener can be on Network TV?

:hoops:

Source is mlive.com, I believe in this mornings aritcle. Note, I cited the source over at the other site. I always copy my game report from over there. Little blips like this occur.

Murray played for quite a bit, did not do much really, either good or bad. He scored from the free throw line a bit.

He had a bunch of steals, 4 in the second quarter.

Yes, but given how hot their shooting has been against Miami, don't you think the Bulls would also be disappointed by the long layoff? I bet they would rather jump straight into round 2 as well. Their fans are probably saying, "damn, now the Pistons are going to be really well-rested."

I just believe a long layoff would favor the Bulls. Simply because they are younger and perhaps, they would have a ton of energy and just run the Pistons off the floor.

If the jumpers aren`t falling they will be running, slashing and cutting to the basket so much it will be minutes left in the game before Detroit realizes what is happening.

And like someone else said, it gives Nocioni time to heal, we have only faced this Bulls team once this year with him in the lineup.

I hope I am wrong.............

I just believe a long layoff would favor the Bulls. Simply because they are younger and perhaps, they would have a ton of energy and just run the Pistons off the floor.

Extra time off for Nocioni does help them somewhat, but if the Pistons had dropped one or two games to Orlando, wouldn't we be complaining about how they'd be going into the next series more tired than necessary? It's reasonable enough to point to some of the struggles the Pistons had this season after long layoffs, but the playoffs are different in a number of ways. It seems like we're out-thinking ourselves here. Long layoff favors the Bulls because of their energy, short layoff favors the Bulls because they're younger...heck, why even bother playing the series at all?:yield:;)

Are you saying that if Chicago sweeps tomorrow that the league will delay the opening of the series until next Saturday, so that the opener can be on Network TV?

well the problem is, if you start the pistons/bulls 2nd round while everyone else is still in the 1st, what if that series is a sweep, and all the others go 7 games? then you could have a team waiting 2-3 weeks to play again.

it has more to do with all of the 1st round finishing before anyone starts the 2nd round.

Extra time off for Nocioni does help them somewhat, but if the Pistons had dropped one or two games to Orlando, wouldn't we be complaining about how they'd be going into the next series more tired than necessary? It's reasonable enough to point to some of the struggles the Pistons had this season after long layoffs, but the playoffs are different in a number of ways. It seems like we're out-thinking ourselves here. Long layoff favors the Bulls because of their energy, short layoff favors the Bulls because they're younger...heck, why even bother playing the series at all?:yield:;)
I agree. With teams being on even terms it shouldn't matter. If we are the better team we'll win with the short break or long.

Now, talking about today's game, why didn't Delfino come off the bench in the 2nd half? I thought he played great in the 2nd quarter. He hit his shots, he was active on the boards and played well defensively. What does guy have to do to earn some paying time?
Web needs to hit his free throws.

Now, talking about today's game, why didn't Delfino come off the bench in the 2nd half? I thought he played great in the 2nd quarter. He hit his shots, he was active on the boards and played well defensively. What does guy have to do to earn some paying time?
Web needs to hit his free throws.

He did great, but Tay got into a groove in the third quarter as well.

As far as the fourth quarter goes. Tayshaun was the right player to put in there.

I agree though he could of had some pt in the second half. He did great while he was out there though.

I just believe a long layoff would favor the Bulls. Simply because they are younger and perhaps, they would have a ton of energy and just run the Pistons off the floor.

If the jumpers aren`t falling they will be running, slashing and cutting to the basket so much it will be minutes left in the game before Detroit realizes what is happening.

And like someone else said, it gives Nocioni time to heal, we have only faced this Bulls team once this year with him in the lineup.

I hope I am wrong.............

I'm not so sure. Time off may do the same thing to the Young Bulls that it used to do to Rip. Hamilton would enter the game moving at twice the necessary speed and be totally ineffective until he managed to burn of the extra adrenaline (sp).

Now, talking about today's game, why didn't Delfino come off the bench in the 2nd half? I thought he played great in the 2nd quarter. He hit his shots, he was active on the boards and played well defensively. What does guy have to do to earn some paying time?
Web needs to hit his free throws.

That`s the beauty of this team. Having players who can come in for 8-10 MPG and produce is a luxury most teams don`t have. Delfino now understands exactly what he has to do for this team. He accepts it and is contributing to a winning cause, in the playoffs.

It is the coaches responsibilty to be able to make adjustments and put his players in a position where they can succeed. In this game at least Flip is getting it and utilized his bench very well.

The 45 minutes given to Chauncey is another matter. Is it me or does it seem Flip has lost confidence in playing Hunter at PG when Chauncey is not in the game?

I think Hunter will see some playing time as we move further along, unless we keep winning all the games, which in most likelihood will not happen. Flip just wanted to get this over as soon as it is possible and get more rest for all the players rather than a possibility of prolonging the series by giving Chauncey some minutes off. I would've thought he could try putting Delfino alongside Rip in the backcourt to spell Chauncey for a few minutes, but looks like Flip doesn't trust anyone to run the team other than Chauncey.

What a fantastic and amazing game.

We fought tooth and nail against a team that was facing the prospect of extending or ending their season today. Forget how the Magic are perceived as a contender, just keep in mind that desperation makes players rise to new levels. Players and coaches.

From memory as I was preparing to go out for dinner as the game wound down,

Thank you

Carlos Delfino for making your shots, and Flip Murray for replacing Lindsey Hunter as an off the bench transition playmaker.

Kudos

Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton for the production we expect, and the game ending free throws (something we take for granted yet other teams covet)

Cooler Heads prevail

Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess. In the face of some spotty officiating, neither men picked up a technical.

Zone Master

Flip Saunders. Our zone isn't perfect, but it has become as effective as the Pistons' man defense was last season, without an excessive expenditure of energy, and without accumulating too many fouls. Bonus points for sitting Hunter in favour of Murray. Ronald was great today.

Mr. Clutch?

Tayshaun Prince. He's letting the game come to him offensively, and when the team needs something, he's been providing it. His physical self-sacrifice fighting for rebounds show just what kind of heart and character he has.

Just enough and more

From Chris Webber. I would find myself screaming at the TV and then he would make two great back to back plays. Another player fulfilling a role, and more times than not, providing a net positive result.

Rick Mahorn Jr.

Dale Davis has one mission and one mission only. To bang, frustrate and intimidate. He's doing a wonderful job of taking opposing front courts out of their rhythm.

This was a classic folks. Even with the Darko surge, the Pistons still found a way to gut it out and win. I had the feeling that they would win tonight, and even if they didn't, the best the Magic had, at this point in their development, is simply not enough.

I see the hand wringing on too much rest has already started. Please relax my friends. We need this practice time to get work in for our offense to combat the fronting-style defense of the Bulls. It's a fairly unique look that (as far as I know) no other team uses as a base defensive scheme.

Great job Pistons! First sweep since 1990. That is very impressive.

The 45 minutes given to Chauncey is another matter. Is it me or does it seem Flip has lost confidence in playing Hunter at PG when Chauncey is not in the game?

I sure hope he has, since that would be the right decision! Flip Jr. did a nice job in the second quarter, most of which was played with CB out there as well. We can't have CB going 45 minutes per game all the way through the playoffs, but with a chance to close the series out and a week of rest beckoning, it's as OK a time as any to play him heavy minutes.

Hopefully Lindsey will be able to contribute some against the Bulls, with pressure and trapping to slow them down and force some turnovers.

The 45 minutes given to Chauncey is another matter. Is it me or does it seem Flip has lost confidence in playing Hunter at PG when Chauncey is not in the game?
I think so, at least for this series. Mayby things change in round two. If not I wonder if this is the career twilight for any significant contribution by Hunter.

mARK jONES JUST PULLED A "cHARLIE sTEINER" AT THE START of the Spurs game on ESPN. He tried to say George Karl calls and said "Karler karls...and went Ok Ok Ok as " as walton tried to hold it in. Then they cut and went back to the studio! Hilarious!:pound:

I sure hope he has, since that would be the right decision! Flip Jr. did a nice job in the second quarter, most of which was played with CB out there as well. We can't have CB going 45 minutes per game all the way through the playoffs, but with a chance to close the series out and a week of rest beckoning, it's as OK a time as any to play him heavy minutes.

Hopefully Lindsey will be able to contribute some against the Bulls, with pressure and trapping to slow them down and force some turnovers.
He knew we had a week off REGARDLESS of the Bulls/Heat and so, why not? Had we lost? Well....WE DIDNT! HAHAHAMOOOHAHAHMOOHAHAHA!

darko is a beast. i wonder how the series would have went if they went through darko instead of howard all series. i'm glad this series happened it gave a lot of people a chance to see darko work. darko isn't potential anymore he's a bonified player in this league and he's only going to get better. darko is better than battie and in some ways is better than howard. :sssh:

ok. bring on the bulls. it's going to be fun taking on another former piston.

this was a great series even though it only lasted 4 games. fino and company will be ready for the bulls.

darko is a beast. i wonder how the series would have went if they went through darko instead of howard all series. i'm glad this series happened it gave a lot of people a chance to see darko work. darko isn't potential anymore he's a bonified player in this league and he's only going to get better. darko is better than battie and in some ways is better than howard. :sssh:

ok. bring on the bulls. it's going to be fun taking on another former piston.

this was a great series even though it only lasted 4 games. fino and company will be ready for the bulls.

The funny thing is he almost didn't play in this series because of the ankle. I must say jay, your unending faith in the Serbian Swat machine has finally yeilded some fruit.

darko is a beast. i wonder how the series would have went if they went through darko instead of howard all series. i'm glad this series happened it gave a lot of people a chance to see darko work. darko isn't potential anymore he's a bonified player in this league and he's only going to get better. darko is better than battie and in some ways is better than howard. :sssh:

ok. bring on the bulls. it's going to be fun taking on another former piston.

this was a great series even though it only lasted 4 games. fino and company will be ready for the bulls.

I thought Darko had a really really good series considering he plays on a team with a bunch of ballhogging guards. He's on a team with an inept coach, inept guard play and inept offensive schemes. After all of that, he played very well. Coming in to game 4 he was shooting 68% from the floor and making good unselfish plays for his teammates. I thought that he was patient and played hard and never "loafed" while on the court.

Good series for him, I'm happy, I wanted this matchup for the Pistons, I wanted a Pistons win and for Darko to play well. It all worked out well for me.

bonified
:sssh: (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bona%20fide)

Darko really surprised me in this series, especially in the fourth quarter of today's game. He still has a lot of holes in his game, but he could be a really decent starter in this league by next year.

Funny story from ASB:
Howard is one of several up-and-coming players Rasheed Wallace has given tips, even during games. "I told my staff, I'm going to call (the league office) and get Sheed a pension plan, for his coaching," quipped Saunders.

When told about Wallace's in-game tutoring of Howard, Saunders wasn't surprised.
He recalled Hall of Famer Charles Barkley doing something similar when Minnesota's Kevin Garnett (Saunders coached the Timberwolves then) played in his first playoff series.
"That's one of the great things about our league, the camaraderie a lot of our players have with each other," Saunders said.

However, Saunders cautioned, young players can't believe everything veterans tell them.
Saunders recalled a story about a young interior player, Chris Engler (then with Golden State), getting some in-game advice from former Boston Celtic Kevin McHale.

"McHale told Engler, `When you get the ball on the block, fake right and come back left, and I'll let you score a layup,' " Saunders recalled McHale telling him.

Engler did as he was told, but when he went up for the shot, McHale blocked the shot "like 30 rows up in the stands," Saunders said. "So don't believe everything they tell you."

:sssh: (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bona%20fide)

Darko really surprised me in this series, especially in the fourth quarter of today's game. He still has a lot of holes in his game, but he could be a really decent starter in this league by next year.

According to an article out of Orlando, Darko wants assurances that the Magic will use him differently (than just posting up and setting screens) if he is to re-sign in Orlando. He says his role on the team is more important to him than trying to get the most money. He also went on to say that he promises to come back next year after Euroleague play as an even better player. He says he wants to be more of a difference maker on next year's team.

I know alot of people say that he's a very immature person, but I think he's had to go through alot and hasn't every been appreciated where ever he's been. He basically spent this whole season running around setting screens and calling for the ball in the post (and not getting it) and trying to do everything the coaching staff wanted. His play this year definately warranted a starting job but the coach stuck with Battie. He also didn't even average 24 minutes a game this regular season. I think his play definately warranted much more than his "inept" coach gave him.

The guy will be fine. He played hard and with passion during this series. Definately was one of the Magic's best players in the series.

Kinda sucks. Stayed up all nite to chat and try watching the game on the internet. Managed to do that till the half only when the connection just went dead. Really frustrating. However, was pretty glad to know that Pistons got their 1st sweep since 1990. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Why everyone is talking bout the Bulls having all the rest they needed to get ready for the next round. Last i know, they have not won anything yet other being 3-0 up. Hey, they may take another game or two before they actually advance. And they may have Deng, Gordon or even Hinrich all banged up before the next series, let alone Nocioni being all healed up and ready.

Whoever we face next round, it's the Eastern Conference Finals to me.

Hey Roscoe, can I X out game 4 on the banner??:)

Done D. Thanks for the reminder.

Postgame Press Interviews

Brian Hill

Flip Saunders

Chauncey Billups

Tayshaun Prince
.

Points per game is always a little skewed, because the guards get all the free throws at the end, and it inflates their numbers.

If we ignore points, and only look at fields goals, look at the balance we had in this series:

Chauncey- 26 FG
Tayshaun- 23
Hamilton- 22
R. Wallace- 22
C. Webber- 21

How do you stop that?

At least we shouldn't have to hear the team is too tired from lack of bench PT crap:whoosh2:
They should be fresh.. rested.. and ready to roll...no excuses

At the ESPN Daily Dime, Rasheed shares his...um...unique thoughts on the issue of having a week off before the next series starts:

The music inside the Detroit Pistons' jubilant locker room was thump-thump-thumping through the speakers, but Rasheed Wallace was still speaking loud enough for those around him to hear.

And teammate Chris Webber was the target of a Wallace rant that was equal parts serious and silliness.

"To get the rest we're going to have, we need it because we have some old-ass cats on this team," Wallace said, referring to the break Detroit will enjoy following Saturday's 97-93 defeat of the Orlando that closed out the series. "We gotta rest [Webber]. Like Magic [Johnson] said on TNT, we gotta win so we can rest up C-Webb for the next series."


So is that the new nickname for this team: "The Old-Ass Cats"? And all of us fans are, of course, the bandwagon-ass cats. :pound:

Hill also played Reddick a bit, but he took away minutes from Arroyo, the only real point guard for Orlando.

Yeah, Arroyo was clearly the difference for Orlando in the first three games of the series. Him not being in there as much for Game 4 clearly led to this sweep. You're right.

Dale Davis has one mission and one mission only. To bang, frustrate and intimidate. He's doing a wonderful job of taking opposing front courts out of their rhythm.

I have really enjoyed Dale Davis' thuggery this series. It makes me feel like we're back in 1990. Go Dale!

So is that the new nickname for this team: "The Old-Ass Cats"? And all of us fans are, of course, the bandwagon-ass cats. :pound:
No matter how deep we will go into the post season this year, Joe could shake the roster up, my anticipation that is. Some of those young gun's game just make me shake.

Need4Sheed.com: Pistons Dispose of The Magic (http://www.need4sheed.com/2007/04/pistons-dispose-of-magic.html)

Sorry Grant, "I thought we would at least get one (game)," Hill said (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=Ao5DthnNo2db2N4x6hzhLSV80bYF?gid=200704 2819&prov=ap). "Getting swept, that was a surprise."Orlando coach Brian Hill (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=Ao5DthnNo2db2N4x6hzhLSV80bYF?gid=200704 2819&prov=ap) had this to say about the Pistons, "If you're not competing against them, they're just a really fun team to watch," "The way they play and their guys are so in tune with each other and so professional. I hope they go a long way.""We like that feeling - I know I do - when everybody is booing you and your backs are to the wall," said Chris Webber (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070428/UPDATE/704280421/1127/SPORTS0102), who posted 11 points and 10 rebounds. "We're down five, three minutes to go, it's a challenge. You don't want to be in that position, but when you are there, you have to embrace it."Charles Barkley (http://www.nba.com/history/players/barkley_bio.html) on the Detroit Pistons: "I have to give the Detroit Pistons a lot of credit, they are a lot deeper than people realize. Rip is right, their bench is fantastic." "Orlando has a bright future, but Detroit they, are the team to beat in the East, period!"

For trading with the Magic.
Giving them just enough talent to make the playoff, but only enough to provide first round sweep material?
:MusicBigGrin:

The Pistons deserved to sweep this series. They got the challenge they wanted, and they will also get some rest. No game was easy, and they got to see how well they would execute down the stretch in crunch time.

Seems like Flip is coaching better than he ever has. The decision to not play Lindsey when he was stinking it up was a beauty. No free rides on Flip's team! Hunter may get another chance next series against the Bulls as i can see the Pistons using the trap a lot more. They only deployed it once in this entire series from memory - in game 4 - and it was effective.

Bench play has to be reassuring. Delfino doing his thing in limited minutes, he was the one who keyed the run to get the Pistons back into it in the 2nd quarter. Flip did ok, got 4 steals, but still tends to get stuck deep in the lane on his penetration and not being able to find someone. Dice needs to get his jumpshot working again in this week off. Seems he was getting too much time to shoot it in the Magic series and looked to be hesitating just a fraction. DD is going to be useful against the Bulls with his toughness.

Tay had a great series. CB looks very in control and his outside shot is falling again. Rip not forcing anything. Sheed draining 3-bombs. C-Webb consistent.

Bring on the Bulls!

I was worried about Deng, but Tay is in a good rhythm as well. Sheed should be the go to guy this series. If Ben is on Sheed get it to both Sheed and Webber.

I can't remember what month it was or what stretch of games it was but do you guys remember how Webber and 'Sheed dominated games together? I loved all the talk about how nobody could stop our 2 big men and you had to pick and choose who you were going to attack and when you went after one, the other was free to do some damage. I loved those games! Do you guys think the Pistons will go to that in the Bulls series? I just think it would be great to see our new center and 'Sheed bringing it against Big Ben.

Seems like Flip is coaching better than he ever has. The decision to not play Lindsey when he was stinking it up was a beauty.

It's a little pathetic that we need to give him kudos this, but I agree that he did a nice job benching him when it counted.

Now, against the Bulls, Lindsey can be an asset. It's nice having veteran role players at this point in the season.

I can't remember what month it was or what stretch of games it was but do you guys remember how Webber and 'Sheed dominated games together? I loved all the talk about how nobody could stop our 2 big men and you had to pick and choose who you were going to attack and when you went after one, the other was free to do some damage. I loved those games! Do you guys think the Pistons will go to that in the Bulls series? I just think it would be great to see our new center and 'Sheed bringing it against Big Ben.

That was basically our 5 game West coast trip. (approximately) Webber averaged just barely shy of a 20-10 during this stretch. Since then, Webber came down with a prolonged bout with the flu, and only quite recently has gotten past the ill effects of that. Don't be surprised if that 20-10 Webber shows up in the Chicago series. (The question is, will Webber play good enough D for us to stay on the floor. Guys like JMAX and Dale Davis might be taking a lot of his minutes in this series.)

Webber isn't the athlete he used to be, but it has not diminished his quick hands. He and Sheed will be key in the upcoming series with their ability to disrupt passing lanes.

The defending champs were swept and Dallas went down 1-3? Yesterday was one crazy ass day in the NBA! As I posted at Need4Sheed.com (http://Need4Sheed.com), we got to be looking out for those bandwagon cats who are looking to sneak into the base. No hitch hikers, damnit! And that means you too, Kerr!

Yepp, this Po is totally crazy :)

Anybody else miss the "Rip lob to Tayshaun for the slam" play? Haven't seen it in... I'm not even sure how long. I hope they get a chance to run that in Game 1. I L-L-L-LOVE that play!