Phoenix March 24 7:30PM

tv: tv20

Injuries.
Detroit - None
Phoenix - Gordan Giricek (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3363), Raja Bell (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3467) - both day to day

Last 10 games.
Detroit - 6-4
Phoenix - 8-2



The Suns look to match a season high with their eighth straight win when they open a daunting four-game road trip against the Central Division-leading Detroit Pistons (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=det) on Monday.

Phoenix (47-22) has only two road victories -- at Portland and Seattle -- during its seven-game streak, and it will see much tougher competition over the next week. After Detroit (49-20), the Suns visit league-leading Boston on Wednesday, red-hot Philadelphia on Friday and New Jersey Saturday.

The Pistons, who have the second-best defense in the league (90.8), have won three straight home games, and 13 of their last 15 at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Detroit won at Phoenix 116-86 on Feb. 24, but the Suns were still adjusting to the addition of Shaquille O'Neal (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=847) at that time.

Phoenix has had no trouble with O'Neal in the lineup lately.

read more at .. ESPN - Phoenix vs. Detroit - Preview - March 24, 2008 (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview?gameId=280324008)

let us see... if we lose the game... it is not a statement game... but if we win it, then it is an important game that we had to win. What is common in both cases? Rip will play 42 minutes and AA will have the honor of DNP.

Phoenix will measure their progress against us this game. We beat them by 30 points last time out and they will guage their progress since adding the Big Cactus. They'll expect our "A" game since we're at home and the playoffs are near. Flip will keep his word and nobody plays for more than 31 minutes except for Max. However, Sheed is not into the game as he is more focused on how Syesha does on American Idol. Look for the Pistons to wait another game to crack 50 wins.

Let's see if Flip remembers how we won the 1st game or Amir gets 6 min and AA a DNP and we play Theo/Dyess extensively.

Which one is the likely scenario?

It boggles the mind how a coach can be so clueless about his OWN team. Seriously after awhile you would think he would get that 2 + 2 = 4.

Let's see if Flip remembers how we won the 1st game or Amir gets 6 min and AA a DNP and we play Theo/Dyess extensively.

Which one is the likely scenario?

It boggles the mind how a coach can be so clueless about his OWN team. Seriously after awhile you would think he would get that 2 + 2 = 4.

Seriously, coach knows with his staff his team more than all those fanforums altogether...You're posting here just your wishful thinkings, nothing more, (me too). It is basically desire vs reality. Ok, I'd like to see AA/AJ more but if coach do not play them according to my wishful thinkings, I do no label coach as "clueless" or whatever.

And I'm not beliving in those theoris like "all of our PO success depends on pair of rookies". Last year and year before at ECF only Rip played from starters as supposed to play, Dice Sheed, Billups and Tay were bad or horrible.

Seriously, coach knows with his staff his team more than all those fanforums altogether...You're posting here just your wishful thinkings, nothing more, (me too). It is basically desire vs reality. Ok, I'd like to see AA/AJ more but if coach do not play them according to my wishful thinkings, I do no label coach as "clueless" or whatever.

And I'm not beliving in those theoris like "all of our PO success depends on pair of rookies". Last year and year before at ECF only Rip played from starters as supposed to play, Dice Sheed, Billups and Tay were bad or horrible.

Be careful. Just because you feel you know so little, does not mean the next guy is so void of knowledge.

YES Grasshopper, but he who carrys a big wallet is also endowed with small change!:sssh:

This will be pick n roll city in this game.

Last night the pick n roll for Detroit was terrible. When Shaq is in the game I would run that play to death, find the open man quickly - 2 points!!

Shaq is very slow at recovering on a pick n roll and other than Amare the Suns defense is not very good.

Seriously, coach knows with his staff his team more than all those fanforums altogether...You're posting here just your wishful thinkings, nothing more, (me too). It is basically desire vs reality. Ok, I'd like to see AA/AJ more but if coach do not play them according to my wishful thinkings, I do no label coach as "clueless" or whatever.

And I'm not beliving in those theoris like "all of our PO success depends on pair of rookies". Last year and year before at ECF only Rip played from starters as supposed to play, Dice Sheed, Billups and Tay were bad or horrible.


Its not so much the "pair of rookies" as it is the reduced workload on the starters that playing the "pair of rookies" provides.


But hey, perhaps Flip does know more than us.....and Joe D. Seeing as how PT seems to be something Joe isn't always happy with Flip about either, perhaps some of us may be on to something.

Its not so much the "pair of rookies" as it is the reduced workload on the starters that playing the "pair of rookies" provides.


But hey, perhaps Flip does know more than us.....and Joe D. Seeing as how PT seems to be something Joe isn't always happy with Flip about either, perhaps some of us may be on to something.

I just wanted to point out that based of our small knowledge (e.g. desperately try to find "hidden messages" from PR messages) we use very harsh words or labelings, that's all. Ok that's fanforum but some perspective is still needed.

Chat is open!!!

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

when they are off, they are off, when they are on they are on.( And so in PO-s.)

A fantastic Pistons win!

Chat was awesome!

I'm high on life! Everything is wonderful! Woooooohooooo!

Great win tonight! Neither Rip nor Dixon played, I guess they were both late scratches. Apparently Rip had a hip problem, and Dixon had something with his calf. AA started, kind of struggled in the first quarter but played much better in the second. The bench was great late in the 3rd and early in the 4th, even with Lindsey making his first appearance in forever (+5 in 9 minutes). Stuckey had an unusual game; he wasn't converting on his drives, but he was hitting almost every J! And when it got to overtime, CB and Sheed were totally money. Very gutsy performance from those two.

The officiating was pretty dreadful all around, with the Pistons maybe a bit fortunate to get the benefit of the calls late in the OT. CB had an and one that was called a block on Nash, but it looked like it could easily have been a charge, and there can't be any doubt that it would have been a charge if it was Stuckey driving to the hole.

A fantastic Pistons win!

Chat was awesome!

I'm high on life! Everything is wonderful! Woooooohooooo!

Wait 'til next loss...For this forum losses are important, wins aren't:stirthepot:

I think you have to put an asterisk next to this game. With Hamilton and Dixon, the Pistons would have won by 20!

Wooohooo!

Good game. Happy Day. Looks like the Easter Bunny just came in late for the Stones. Cactus sucks. Nash's D is really, really bad. Mike D'Antoni having a fit is hilarious.

Very good game from Stuckey, and AA's defensive game was good as well. Excellent close by Sheed and Chauncey as well, they carried this win home.

Slightly OT: Anyone see that sign Sheed made to Amare late? (I think near the end of the 4th) that was priceless.

Whew! what a nailbiter after everything said and done. Stuckey got away with that foul on Shaq. Pistons seem to always lose the OT games. I hope this is a trend starter going into the playoffs. Whatever Flip did in rotation worked against this club.

GHill was tremendous. Almost carried them to a win. Love the matchup he had here. Also loved the Sheed/Amare matchup. Sheed really worked to take it to him this time.

What sign? I didn't see.

That was a great game, great fun to watch.

Slightly OT: Anyone see that sign Sheed made to Amare late? (I think near the end of the 4th) that was priceless.
I'll have to look for that...

What sign? I didn't see.

That was a great game, great fun to watch.

Let's just say it wasn't flattering to Amare's manhood. :sssh:

PISTONS STOP SUNS STREAK AT SEVEN

Pistons win 110-105 OT


Pistons get win #50 for the sixth straight season by disposing of the streaking Suns who had turned it around after a rocky start after the Cactus-Matrix trade.

The game was barnbuner from the start with the Pistons holding a 1 point lead at the end of 1 and at halftime. The Pistons extended the lead by 3 at the end of the 3rd with Stuckey leading the charge into the 4th with key jumpers. The lead was extended to 83-75, before Nash entered the game and led the Suns comeback as they actually took the lead 94-90 before the Pistons woke up and scored the next six before allowing the Suns to tie it. The Pistons had a chance to win in OT, but a missed shot by Tay was wide.

Billups took over in OT after the Suns went up 103-102 as he acored nine of the Pistons 14 OT points. the Pistons finished the game on a 7-3 run win

Despite CB 1-7 from beyond the arc he lead the Pistons (in Rip's absence) with 32 points including 15-16 from the FT line (if you recall he did not go to the line at all last night in the loss the wizards). SHeed made up the slack from beyond the arc hitting 4 in the first half and one key one down the stretch. He finished with 23 points.

Despite Mr Bigshot heroics, Stuckey really showed why he was Joe's # 1 pick hitting key jumpers from all over the floor. His drives cam up short, but his 30 mins of PT tonight should guarantee 15+ mins in the post season. Alf started in place of Rip and did play some good D on Nash when they were out there together. Hunter returned to slow down the offense in the second, but came back to play some decent D in the 3rd and hit a three ball.

Meaningless stat time
Pistons now 31-1 when scoring 100 pts or better and 31-0 when scoring over 100.

Only 19 assists tonight...in an OT game.

Second time in the last week that we allow a team to shoot 50% or better and still win (Nuggets last week).

Pistons have now swept at least 4 of the western contenders this season including the Spurs, Suns, Hornets, and Warriors. oh yeah 2 game losing streak ended and

Our best interior defender showed up again. What a block on Amare! We will go far on defense or we won't go far.

Nice to see Stuckey step up and good minutes from Hunter and Theo.

The kids together played their roles as we had a nice blend of talent used by the coach.

My only complaint is that Amare was allowed to go off late in the game and overtime. I started thinking Big Baby, please make an adjustment. I would have put Maxiel in for Dyss to jam that play up. Dyss gave us good minutes but defense is always the key.

I still worry about Dyss at the start. He is not always active and that leaves Sheed in a foul situation. We cannot afford to get Sheed in foul trouble. He is just too valuable at the end of games.

I think you have to put an asterisk next to this game. With Hamilton and Dixon, the Pistons would have won by 20!

Wooohooo!

I am not so sure about that.

AA certainly slowed Nash down a bit in that 1st half, I`m not so sure Rip would haave done that.

In other words, this could have been a loss if Rip had played!

Looks like the theory of AA and winning was in full effect tonight :)

I missed this game. I'm so mad. I stayed up all last night studying for a midterm, came home at 3, woke up exactly at 7:22 today (Piston alarm LOL), was like F the Pistons and went back to sleep.

Anybody tape this? I have NBA league pass so i'm going to see if i can catch it on league pass online. They usually have a 48 hour archive. I have to authenticate it though. Hope it doesn't take long.

I'm crossing my fingers that after tonight this is a back in the rotation thing, and not just a Rip didn't play thing.

edited to add;

On a side note, Is Philly starting to freak anyone else out? Just went into Beantown and took it to the Celts, a 19-0 run in the 4th. Their confidence must be sick right now, and of course we get to play them (most likely) in the 1st round.

I am not so sure about that.

AA certainly slowed Nash down a bit in that 1st half, I`m not so sure Rip would haave done that.

In other words, this could have been a loss if Rip had played!

I was mostly talking about Dixon. Just kidding!:pound:

I think Rip is an underrated defender. But even without his defense, it's hard for me to believe that we would have done worse with our leading scorer in the game. Unless, of course, Rip had one of those nights. :cold:

Anyway, it's awesome that we can lose our leading scorer, and still beat one of the highest scoring teams in the NBA.

How you like them needles, Big Cactus?

Stuckey has a jump shot! That is great news.

Fun game all around. We even got a couple calls for once.

On a side note, Is Philly starting to freak anyone else out? Just went into Beantown and took it to the Celts, a 19-0 run in the 4th. Their confidence must be sick right now, and of course we get to play them (most likely) in the 1st round.

If they keep winning they'll play Orlando or the Cavs. They're #6 right now, so we wouldn't actually play them.

Playing Toronto would be great. Sheed completely demolishes Bosh usually. I actually don't think I've ever see him go off on us. :MusicBigGrin:

Playing Toronto would be great. Sheed completely demolishes Bosh usually. I actually don't think I've ever see him go off on us. :MusicBigGrin:

I don't have proof of it, but I think Bosh has been around 40 a couple times against us.

League pass online hates me. It won't work. Looks like i'm stuck with the recaps from you guys j/k :).

On a side note, let the whining begin. I can see why SA fans get so annoyed.



Phoenix was unhappy with the officiating all night - Amare Stoudemire picked up a technical in the first quarter - but it was especially disappointed in some late calls.

First, a foul on Nash resulted in Billups' three-point play that gave the Pistons a 107-105 lead with 1:01 left in overtime.

"I think he panicked," Nash said of the official. "He kind of stuttered and then he said: 'You were underneath him.' It's tough to take when you feel like you played well enough to win, but you feel like the win was taken away from you."

After Nash missed a shot, Shaquille O'Neal fouled Antonio McDyess on the rebound and McDyess hit both free throws to give the Pistons a four-point advantage.

"I would have liked to see some consistency in the calls," O'Neal said. "They (the Pistons) had help, there's no two ways about
it."

League pass online hates me. It won't work. Looks like i'm stuck with the recaps from you guys j/k :).

On a side note, let the whining begin. I can see why SA fans get so annoyed.

leaguepass do not show up - lets start whining, uh? What a moody girl:pound:

leaguepass do not show up - lets start whining, uh? What a moody girl:pound:

Reading comprehension would help you out tremendously.

Are you stalking me? It seems like your sole pupose in life is to follow me around and comment on what i post. It's flattering, but maybe you should get a hobby.

Now now kids. Play nice. :)

or else :gun1:

ah, take it easy,lpgrl, and our main discussion revolves around of roles of some benchplayers. No big deal, actually.

ah, take it easy,lpgrl, and our main discussion revolves around of roles of some benchplayers. No big deal, actually.

Our "discussion" revolves around you criticizing what i post. I actually try my best to ignore you. Don't make it personal, and i won't either.

Our "discussion" revolves around you criticizing what i post. I actually try my best to ignore you. Don't make it personal, and i won't either.
if you really think that I take personally that I do not agree with you of something pistons-related...I do not know what to say.

Different opinions, but common goal is the same: what do think of our favoured team? Everyone(I believe) wishes just the best to the theam, just ideas, how to make team better, are different.

P.S. What I posted earlier wasn't a good joke.

if you really think that I take personally that I do not agree with you of something pistons-related...I do not know what to say.

Different opinions, but common goal is the same: what do think of our favoured team? Everyone(I believe) wishes just the best to the theam, just ideas, how to make team better, are different.

P.S. What I posted earlier wasn't a good joke.

I don't have a problem with you disagreeing with me. It's just that you do it in a way that's condescending. Instead of criticizing my posts, you say i'm living in a "fantasy world" or say i'm negative or overdramatic. You rarely criticize the points i make as much as you criticize my thought process.

Your right in that's it not worth arguing about. It's a forum, different ppl, different personalities, etc.

Stuckey has a jump shot! That is great news.

Fun game all around. We even got a couple calls for once.

A couple? Suns coach D'Antoni was livid at some of the calls the Pistons got in the 4th qtr and OT.

I want these refs for our playoff games : Joe Forte, Michael Smith and Sean Wright:)

A couple? Suns coach D'Antoni was livid at some of the calls the Pistons got in the 4th qtr and OT.

I want these refs for our playoff games : Joe Forte, Michael Smith and Sean Wright:)

After game stoudamire was so frustrated that his kick almost hitted ref, who stood close to him( obviously hittting ref wasn't amare's intetion).

I thought it was a great game. Because it didn't mean much to our standings and might mean alot to IX, I was conflicted. I can't help it. I like the Phoenix team and I just went to see them play in Seattle. Steve Nash is my favorite player besides AI and Sheed.

It was just a fantastic game. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I'm going to watch it again it was so good. I agree that we got the benefit of the doubt on several calls, but as I don't expect that to happen during the far more important playoff run, I welcomed it. GO PISTONS (sorry Suns...) LOL.

I thought it was a great game. Because it didn't mean much to our standings and might mean alot to IX, I was conflicted. I can't help it. I like the Phoenix team and I just went to see them play in Seattle. Steve Nash is my favorite player besides AI and Sheed.

It was just a fantastic game. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I'm going to watch it again it was so good. I agree that we got the benefit of the doubt on several calls, but as I don't expect that to happen during the far more important playoff run, I welcomed it. GO PISTONS (sorry Suns...) LOL.

IX- could you explain it?

Officiating has been pretty inconsistent both ways. Just Pistons got calls at the end, when it was really standing out.

IX- could you explain it?

Oh sorry. I didn't realize I used that abbreviation. IX is an abbreviation for Phoenix that is often used. I think it might have originated with their airport abbreviation, but anyway sometimes schedules and ESPN and even NBA use it instead of writing out PHX. So yeah that's it.

I'm sure this has been discussed in the past, but anyone notice how we seemingly play better without Rip in the lineup?

Good game. Something I noticed... Rodney was lighting it up late in the third and early in the fourth. After the starters came back in around the 7 minute mark, he didn't get a single shot for the final 12 minutes of the game. I think there's a bit too much seniority going on with this team, and that is also the reason Stuckey passed up the final shot of regulation. When Rip is in the lineup it is even worse in that regard. I guess this won't chance anytime soon, but I think it hurts the team overall. They just become too predictable with bench players on the floor. You know they aren't going to get shots, so teams can pay more attention to the starters.

I'm sure this has been discussed in the past, but anyone notice how we seemingly play better without Rip in the lineup?

Yea, although i don't it's so much the lack of Rip as it is the addition of AA. In alot of games Rip either a/ plays way too much, b/ decides he's playing all by himself, or c/ decides he's not going to play defense.

Ideally, if we could cut Rip's min to about 30 or so and up AA/Stuckey's that would be great. I remember when he realized he would be playing less, he tried to focus on being more efficient and going hard while he was out there. Playing AA more maximizes our chances of getting "good Rip".

Also, I guess it just goes to show how much defense has an impact on the game. AA from what i read shut down Nash for most of the 1st half.

Sometimes i think we have too many scorers in the starting line-up, and not enough coming off the bench. The best option to mix it up is move Dyess to the bench but that's not going to happen esp this late in the season. We don't really have an energy/hustle guy in the starting line-up hence the slow starts.

Amazing 4th quarter/OT play by Billups and Sheed. When those 2 are on their games the Pistons are the best team in the league. Thats the kind of stuff thats going to determine the Pistons fate in the post-season. They will live and die based on the starters. They are the money players not Afflalo and Amir.

On that note. Ratliff and Stucky are the guys we need to start watching off the bench. Ratliff seems to get better every game as he gets more used to the other players and Stucky was simply brilliant in this game. Pretty good time for you Starting and backup points to have great games when Nash comes into town. I like how Stucky was trying to push the tempo, I think that surprised the Suns a bit.

On the calls? If you look at the replays every PHX foul was a good call. I thought they got some cheepies like when Nash was went to the line when he was clearly trying to pass the ball and not shoot. At any rate, its a good sign when the other team is complaining about the calls because it shows the Pistons are getting a fair whistle.

Nice to see Hunter back. He had a good game and no I am not worried a single bit about him taking Stucky's spot, just not going to happen.

On Rip out? if Billups could score 32 points every game or Prince could step up for 20+ and Stucky could shoot 6-12 on a gamely basis along with one of the above then no we don't need Rip. Remember Rip still is our best shooter. You can win 1 or a couple of these kind of games without you leading scorer but it would be noticed over time. And Rip is an excellent defender.

We won this game in Overtime, so we give credit to the absence of Rip. What if we lost that game in overtime? we would blame it to the absence of Rip. I like the fact that AA played but no, we cannot survive without Rip.

What sign? I didn't see.

That was a great game, great fun to watch.

It's on the video highlights at ESPN.com right now. Sheed is also talking to Amare while he makes the sign and the SportsCenter guy reads his lips for us...:pound:

I started to make a thread entitled; 'We can`t survive in the playoffs without an agressive Billups" and scratch the agressive Tay thread.

Let me be clear, if CB could be that agressive every game, it makes almost anyone else on the floor with him better. Did anyone notice he was 15 out of 16 from the FT line?

I have been saying for a long time that CB should go to the FT line at least 8-9 times a game - he should be in the top 5 in FT att per game.

When Chauncey is attacking the basket instead of launching 3`s it opens up things for everyone else on the court with him.

Why is it when a starter is out we see another starter do things that perhaps they should be doing when all the starters are playing?

How good is Amare Staudemire's free throw form for a big man? He's up there with Yao Ming. It makes him incredibly dangerous because fouling him does no good whatsoever.

Amare's FT shooting really is impressive. He started out in the low 60s his rookie year, I think, but he's up to around 80% in the last couple of years. And he's basically Larry Bird against the Pistons; I think he was 26-28 in the two games against Detroit this year. I also saw that when they beat Houston the other day, he was 20-20!!

It's really good form too. I'm curious to know who was his shooting coach. Steve Nash maybe?

Amazing 4th quarter/OT play by Billups and Sheed. When those 2 are on their games the Pistons are the best team in the league. Thats the kind of stuff thats going to determine the Pistons fate in the post-season. They will live and die based on the starters. They are the money players not Afflalo and Amir.

I started to make a thread entitled; 'We can`t survive in the playoffs without an agressive Billups" and scratch the agressive Tay thread.

Exactly. Let's remember that one of the main bench concerns in the last few years has been the lack of an adequate backup for CB. Stuckey's come along pretty nicely, although he still has to be considered a wildcard for how well he'll do in big playoff games (not that I think he'll sit, or that I would advocate sitting him; just pointing out that we don't know how he'll react to the big situations). But CB's minutes have been down because of that, so the pressure on CB to come up big in the playoffs will be even bigger this time around, IMO.

Whether AA and/or Amir get to try to contribute depends largely on Flip, but the simple fact is that the support that CB has been lacking (a decent backup to reduce his minutes) has been (a) provided by Joe AND (b) properly integrated into the rotation by Flip. The rest is all on Smooth.

Stuckey has been a really nice story so far. Flip has been incredibly consistent with his minutes. Stuck started off a little rough, but had flashes of brilliance. Since then, he seems to have grown a lot more comfortable handling the ball, he's mixing up the jump shots and the drives more, and he has figured out how to play active defense without picking up touchy fouls.

That's how you develop a rook.

Watching Double A play last nite just reaffirms my beleif that he should be seeing some prime time. Him playing 5-10 minutes in each half and giving a different look as a defender can only help us. Besides the rest that Rip would get to be fresh for the stretch; he brings a different mentality to the team while he is on the floor. He is IMO the new and improved LH. He is quick but also stronger then Lins so he can play the bigger player. He needs to be used in the play offs to be a defensive stopper or at least as a different look to the opposition.

When Chauncey is attacking the basket instead of launching 3`s it opens up things for everyone else on the court with him.

Why is it when a starter is out we see another starter do things that perhaps they should be doing when all the starters are playing?

When Rip is on the floor; CB's job is to get him the ball in places to shoot. He is the leading scorer because of that. Rip spends the game criss crossing the lane off of double screens. We do not spread the floor on offense like some other teams. There aren't driving lanes for the guards unless a play breaks down and everyone breaks to the three point line looking for a shot.

Last nite we spread the floor a little more and it oopened up the driving lanes. Double A and Stuck don't have the ability to come off the screens and shoot like Rip so we were initiating the offense from the sides and working the ball inside out for the most part. When Rip plays; our offense changes.

Not saying that is a bad thing; it just does.

I agree. AA is like Lindsey... with benefits.

I didn't watch this game because I'm swamped with work, but I did see the highlights, and I have three observations:

1. Nash's "block" on Billups was definitely a hometown call. Mr. Magoo and Stevie Wonder combined could have figured out that was a charge on C-Note. But we'll take it.

2. Why can't PHX be in the Eastern Conference? Detroit can beat them (and lose to the freakin' Wizards)

3. Stuck froze up. He should have taken that last shot in regulation. Not Tay.

I do not share others excitement over this win. This was an entertaining game to watch, but seemed to highlight the "new" Pistons’ way.

When DET went up 8 in the 4th I wondered how long it would take them to give the lead back? Not long at all it turns out. Ditto when they went up 5 later in the 4th.

Phoenix has zero athleticism at the guard/wing positions, yet they abused DET all night long on screen/rolls. It is hard to figure out what they're even trying to do when they defend it. The screen gets set and they have a big show (as well as the player getting screened quitting). The screener then rolls which leads to DET's 2nd big rotating towards him. That was leaving either Amare or Shaq alone under the hoop. Amazingly, that appeared to be their strategy.

Their offense is equally perplexing. To call a play out of a timeout that ends with CB, Sheed and Tay standing within 1 foot of each other is a stroke of genius. If you could place bets on things like DET will shoot a contested, hurried jumper out of a timeout, then I would be retiring.

I can't put it into words what it is like watching them try to feed the post. I don't know of another team that takes 10-15 seconds to do this.

This is a team DET should dominate.

It must have killed Flip playing CB those minutes.

AA needs experience. DET was lucky to win with him moving his feet and staying in front of his man on D. Given some time, I’m sure he can learn to swing wildly and reach in for and 1’s.

I do not share others excitement over this win.

But Ernie, you're always such a bundle of cheerful joy around here!:MusicBigGrin:

We do not spread the floor on offense like some other teams. There aren't driving lanes for the guards unless a play breaks down and everyone breaks to the three point line looking for a shot.




I couldn`t disagree more.

We do spread the floor, however, it is puzzling to me why we do. Usually, teams spread the floor to create driving lanes to the hoop, we spread the floor to launch jumpers. CB is not the quickest PG in the league, but he can use his strength and intelligence to get to the hoop, at will IMO.

The Pistons usually have three players at the three point line at all times, if not there, at least 15-17 feet from the basket.

I do agree our offense is different with Rip. I am really feeling bringing Rip or Tay off the bench, however, I know that will never happen.

it seems like some of you have a problem with stuckey's game, but i think he'll be adequate for the playoffs. he's actually started hitting the jumper lately when he's been open, which is encouraging because teams have always left him open and before he couldn't hit them. yes it will take time for opponents to respect his shot just as it will take time for him to become more consistent, and when he does he'll be extremely dangerous. for now he does well enough backing up chauncey and he's looked better going to the basket and drawing fouls.

quoting myself because i wrote this after the washington game...and i think the way stuckey played yesterday confirmed what i said. :) if he gets that jumper down *and* improves the way he finishes around the basket, look out.

I do agree our offense is different with Rip. I am really feeling bringing Rip or Tay off the bench, however, I know that will never happen.

The starting five is set, and I would be shocked if it changed at all this close to the playoffs. But IMO what would be just as good is if substitutions were made so that their time on the floor was staggered. With the exception of the first 6 mins. of the 1st quarter and the last 6 mins. of the 4th quarter, why not plan to constantly have around 2 bench guys on the floor?

What confuses me is when we don't sub till waaay late in the 1st quarter, and then repeat it again in the 3rd. Who says all of the starters have to be in to start the 3rd quarter?

This is a team DET should dominate.


I agree with some of your criticisms about the pick and roll defense, but I don't think your conclusion makes much sense. Phoenix did come in with a 7-game winning streak, and say what you will about the Shaq trade (I'm on record saying it was a bad move), but the Suns are still a legitimately elite team. No one should realistically expect to dominate them; a butt-whipping like the Pistons laid on them in Phoenix is a pleasant surprise that can't possibly happen on a consistent basis.

The 1st big who was showing on the screen-roll was not getting back in time to cover the 2nd bigs guy (after he rotated). Usually the defense works, but when the 1st big is slow or the PG is as good as Nash it doesn't work and looks horrible. I like this strategy better than just a medium / no show on the screen. Max does it great.

I agree with some of your criticisms about the pick and roll defense, but I don't think your conclusion makes much sense. Phoenix did come in with a 7-game winning streak, and say what you will about the Shaq trade (I'm on record saying it was a bad move), but the Suns are still a legitimately elite team. No one should realistically expect to dominate them; a butt-whipping like the Pistons laid on them in Phoenix is a pleasant surprise that can't possibly happen on a consistent basis.

Perhaps control is a better word. There is no need for them to have to sell out to stop Nash from driving. They should be able to guard them straight up.

The NBA - Where grave depression happens!

The NBA - Where grave depression happens!

Depression for you maybe.

The NBA - You've got the greatest athletes in the world playing the best sport ever invented. I love it!

Depression for you maybe.

The NBA - You've got the greatest athletes in the world playing the best sport ever invented. I love it!

Seconded.

The starting five is set, and I would be shocked if it changed at all this close to the playoffs. But IMO what would be just as good is if substitutions were made so that their time on the floor was staggered. With the exception of the first 6 mins. of the 1st quarter and the last 6 mins. of the 4th quarter, why not plan to constantly have around 2 bench guys on the floor?

What confuses me is when we don't sub till waaay late in the 1st quarter, and then repeat it again in the 3rd. Who says all of the starters have to be in to start the 3rd quarter?

I have been saying this for two years, but Flip is a hard head when it comes to making an adjustment like that. He would never change the starting line-up (except for an injury) thinkin that he might hurt an ego. Does not make any difference in my opiniopn who starts the 3rd qtr. If a bench player made a major impact in the first half, why not start him in the 3rd? I have seen other teams do it and it can disrupt your opponents halftime adjustment to open the second half. What irratates me more is when a starter plays the whole third qtr and then is winded when Flip puts him back in there late in the 4th. Dice seems to be worn down in crunch time in a few of those close games..

I couldn`t disagree more.

We do spread the floor, however, it is puzzling to me why we do. Usually, teams spread the floor to create driving lanes to the hoop, we spread the floor to launch jumpers. CB is not the quickest PG in the league, but he can use his strength and intelligence to get to the hoop, at will IMO.

The Pistons usually have three players at the three point line at all times, if not there, at least 15-17 feet from the basket.

I do agree our offense is different with Rip. I am really feeling bringing Rip or Tay off the bench, however, I know that will never happen.

We spread the floor when Rip is not in but when he is in the game; we run a double screen at the high post or low block. Both Tay and Rip startin the lane. Zero driving lanes to the hoop. Now once Rip comes of the screens; Tay goes the other way. At that point either Dice or Sheed drops to the post on Rips side to screen or post up.

Once he gives it up to Rip; he never sees it again unless the shot clock is running out.

We spread the floor when Rip is not in but when he is in the game; we run a double screen at the high post or low block. Both Tay and Rip startin the lane. Zero driving lanes to the hoop. Now once Rip comes of the screens; Tay goes the other way. At that point either Dice or Sheed drops to the post on Rips side to screen or post up.

Once he gives it up to Rip; he never sees it again unless the shot clock is running out.

Ok, however, that double screen is not run on every possession!

Stuckey has been a really nice story so far. Flip has been incredibly consistent with his minutes. Stuck started off a little rough, but had flashes of brilliance. Since then, he seems to have grown a lot more comfortable handling the ball, he's mixing up the jump shots and the drives more, and he has figured out how to play active defense without picking up touchy fouls.

That's how you develop a rook.

I give him credit for leaving Stuck out there. Now if we could only get him to do that with the other rookies.

The 1st big who was showing on the screen-roll was not getting back in time to cover the 2nd bigs guy (after he rotated). Usually the defense works, but when the 1st big is slow or the PG is as good as Nash it doesn't work and looks horrible. I like this strategy better than just a medium / no show on the screen. Max does it great.

I mentioned last game that i didn't know if our p-n-r defense was just technically wrong or the bigs Flip chooses to play are slow. I guess its the 2nd which begs the question should we be playing it differently when we have specific players in the game?

Is there another effective strategy?

I haven't watched the game, but i can only imagine it's similar to the WAS defense.

The best way is to have a guard that can get around screens. We have 1.5: AA and LH. Both don't play much though. Stuckey's getting better. This way the bigs can stay at home and not get caught out of position.

Great game, great win, against an opponent on fire of late. And we did it minus one of our stars, with Rip being out with some kind of hip problem.


For the record, we are now 30-4 when Afflalo gets 11 or more minutes. (In all cases, he got at least 6 minutes in the first half, so this record is not due to us winning by wide margins and Afflalo getting those minutes from garbage time. He started this one, and got praise for consistently keeping Nash out of the lane. And yes, he did seem nervous on those two long jumpers he took. Both came up short and the shots were flat. But hey, let him shoot some more. That is not like him. He did nail a shot after driving into the lane (foul line extended.) He did twice convert a turn into a bucket by driving aggressively to the rack against traffic. No, he does not seem to be offensively challenged at all. He has some height and knows how to use it to score at the hoop.


Billups got a ton of rest, despite Rip not playing. Someone mentioned that Hunter was plus 5 in his nine minutes. Hunter did nail that triple for us. He also alertly picked up a ball someone else knocked away for a steal.


So what did Billups do with the rest? He was the scoring hero for us at the end of regulation and thru the whole OT. Great stuff. Driving and getting to the line, hitting shots. Not to mention he took over the chore of guarding Nash toward the end of the game too.


Sheed made 5 triples, scored inside some, and hit a tough, fairly long ranged forced shot over Stoudemire in OT. Then he stuffed Stoudemire and took the ball down. Wow.


Stuckey had his shot going tonight. He had limited success driving in. I think he made a total of 3 free throws. (But maybe only 1? Yes, I watch too much film. Sometimes its hard to separate what I watched earlier from the game I just watched.) Anyway, Stuckey had it going from the outside. Phoenix kept leaving him open, and he kept nailing the shots. He was rewarded with all the time down the stretch and into OT. Anyone notice it was Stuckey who got that key strip from Shaq? Maybe it was a foul, but it was not called. Stuckey did not score late. Phoenix started guarding him. Stuckey did take one forced shot over Nash, trying to stretch out his game a bit. Nothing wrong with that.


Dyess was certainly needed tonight, for his strength in guarding Shaq. He also hit some shots, and two clutch free throws to help send it to OT.


Tay, well, he had his hands full guarding Hill. That is plenty to do these days as Hill really has his game going.


Hayes. Not much to say about him. He got some minutes. The team did well with him in the game.


Theo made a couple of dribble moves to the rack and looked good doing so. One ended up with a hook off glass from in front of the basket. (driving from the right.) One ended up with him at the line making free throws. Theo also had some blocks, and basically was quite helpful guarding Shaq. Not to mention the rest he gives both Sheed and Dyess and the fouls he has to give. Quite a good pickup when you consider Phoenix just might come out of the West.


JMAX and Amir both played. I can't remember much from Maxiell. I do remember Amir getting a rebound over Stoudemire and then laying it in over him. Nice. I also continue to see a trend where Amir is used to guard small forwards. Tonight it was Hill.


And in a huge improvement in Flip's coaching, he took Dyess out early in the first quarter. Part of a great night of playing the bench well. Pretty much getting everything right. (Of course, I would not play Hayes.)
That was one highly entertaining game. I heard Philly beat Boston too. Sweet.


GO PISTONS!!!!!

It is really strange playing against Shaq and having him be such a non-factor.

Billups got a ton of rest, despite Rip not playing. Someone mentioned that Hunter was plus 5 in his nine minutes. Hunter did nail that triple for us. He also alertly picked up a ball someone else knocked away for a steal.

So what did Billups do with the rest? He was the scoring hero for us at the end of regulation and thru the whole OT. Great stuff. Driving and getting to the line, hitting shots. Not to mention he took over the chore of guarding Nash toward the end of the game too.

Actually, the boxscore says that CB played 45 minutes total. That includes all 5 minutes of the OT, which means he still played 40 minutes in regulation. I'm a little surprised by that number, so I guess it corresponds to CB only getting rest (8 minutes worth for the game) whenever Lindsey was on the floor (9 1/2 minutes). I remember Lindsey mostly being paired with Stuckey, who played 30 minutes (including all 5 in OT). AA played 21, none of them in OT.

It is really strange playing against Shaq and having him be such a non-factor.

I saw some suns games during their winning streak and, oh my, shaq dominated there(usually 15pt, 10 rbs). So credit to trio Dice-Sheed-Rattliff, they really didn't let cactus to take position under basket or, denied him from ball(some were stolen).

It is really strange playing against Shaq and having him be such a non-factor.
He's been a non-factor for a while, but it is indeed strange. He's not getting the calls anymore, his shot is inconsistent, and he doesn't seem to have the strength to bully his way to the basket.

15 and 10 is not even close to domination. And those are his highlight games recently. Amare was way more frightening last night.

I'm not ripping on Shaq, cause he has had a great run and he is still a productive player, but it is just strange to see him on the court and not have the game turn into a hack-a-shaq fest.

15 and 10 is not even close to domination. And those are his highlight games recently. Amare was way more frightening last night.

I'm not ripping on Shaq, cause he has had a great run and he is still a productive player, but it is just strange to see him on the court and not have the game turn into a hack-a-shaq fest.

Believe me, it took me full half to get accustomed with fact that big ben wears cavs jersey. It was really strange to see it.

I went to the game last night.

Started off in the nosebleed section but then some people my husband know (who work there) got us down to the 8th row of the first section of risers. It felt pretty much like being on the floor to me.

It was an amazing game to be so close. It felt almost like a movie what with the tight game and overtime and I guess because of being so close.

I wish I had some good stories but I was so mesmerized by the experience, it all seems like a blur right now.

The one thing I did notice is that up close the players look even better. Their athleticism is more impressive, their quickness is astounding, their force in bodying each other so palpable that you feel it.

From so close, Nash looked shockingly efficient - like not one wasted movement at all. And Sheed also had the efficiency of movement plus he is graceful in a way I hadn't noticed from TV. The block on Amare was amazing and I had just the right angle.

What a game to get that kind of upgrade!

That's Awesome cras!

A fantastic Pistons win!

Chat was awesome!

I'm high on life! Everything is wonderful! Woooooohooooo!


u mean without me...???...:hurt:

I'll have to look for that...


it was hilarious,,,,Sheed backed up saying "You cant stop me".. and then gave the "u have a teenyweenie" sign....:pound::pound::pound:

Actually, the boxscore says that CB played 45 minutes total. That includes all 5 minutes of the OT, which means he still played 40 minutes in regulation. I'm a little surprised by that number, so I guess it corresponds to CB only getting rest (8 minutes worth for the game) whenever Lindsey was on the floor (9 1/2 minutes). I remember Lindsey mostly being paired with Stuckey, who played 30 minutes (including all 5 in OT). AA played 21, none of them in OT.
Yeah, I don't read the boxscores before doing my posts. It seemed like he got more rest than that. And it seemed like we did ok with him off the floor, which to me is important because I think if Billups sees the team is ok without him then he can relax a bit while sitting on the bench. I think I will go check the log and see how much rest he got in the second half.

Ok, Billups got a bit more than 4.5 minutes rest in the 2nd half. But it started at the end of the 3rd quarter, went thru the quarter break, and then thru a timeout. Just seemed like a long time in all.

Looks like the theory of AA and winning was in full effect tonight :)

I missed this game. I'm so mad. I stayed up all last night studying for a midterm, came home at 3, woke up exactly at 7:22 today (Piston alarm LOL), was like F the Pistons and went back to sleep.

Anybody tape this? I have NBA league pass so i'm going to see if i can catch it on league pass online. They usually have a 48 hour archive. I have to authenticate it though. Hope it doesn't take long.

I'm crossing my fingers that after tonight this is a back in the rotation thing, and not just a Rip didn't play thing.

edited to add;

On a side note, Is Philly starting to freak anyone else out? Just went into Beantown and took it to the Celts, a 19-0 run in the 4th. Their confidence must be sick right now, and of course we get to play them (most likely) in the 1st round.

you have got to get a dvr or tivo system...his is the 21st century..no mora vcraa!

I'm sure this has been discussed in the past, but anyone notice how we seemingly play better without Rip in the lineup?
I have siad on 3 occasions this year that while I love Rip 2004, who would get a minimum 8 FTA's a game, I know this aint a 42mpg Rip. If Flip hadnt any boiledeggs, he'd give Rip the first 7 minutes of the first, the last 3 of the second, the first 6 of the 3rd and the last 5 of the 4th. I dont see why he needs to play more tahn 28 MPG!

Crastinator, congrats! Looks like the Fiance got a promotion! :)

I went to the game last night.

Started off in the nosebleed section but then some people my husband know (who work there) got us down to the 8th row of the first section of risers. It felt pretty much like being on the floor to me.

It was an amazing game to be so close. It felt almost like a movie what with the tight game and overtime and I guess because of being so close.

I wish I had some good stories but I was so mesmerized by the experience, it all seems like a blur right now.

The one thing I did notice is that up close the players look even better. Their athleticism is more impressive, their quickness is astounding, their force in bodying each other so palpable that you feel it.

From so close, Nash looked shockingly efficient - like not one wasted movement at all. And Sheed also had the efficiency of movement plus he is graceful in a way I hadn't noticed from TV. The block on Amare was amazing and I had just the right angle.

What a game to get that kind of upgrade!
The blur part is so true. i went to Isiah JLA game vs The Knicks and it was 90degrees in there..and as great a game as it was and Ive seen it on Tv 10 times, all i physically remember is meeting Dave Bing, high fiving the entire section I was sitting with and the Isaih 90 second blur. I REALLY do NOT remeber us losing this game...:pound:

If Flip hadnt any boiledeggs, he'd give Rip the first 7 minutes of the first, the last 3 of the second, the first 6 of the 3rd and the last 5 of the 4th. I dont see why he needs to play more tahn 28 MPG!

Your numbers add up to 21 minutes, not 28. Are you following in the footsteps of that notorious Barbie doll version that said "Math is hard"? :heh: :sssh:

The one thing I did notice is that up close the players look even better. Their athleticism is more impressive, their quickness is astounding, their force in bodying each other so palpable that you feel it.

From so close, Nash looked shockingly efficient - like not one wasted movement at all. And Sheed also had the efficiency of movement plus he is graceful in a way I hadn't noticed from TV. The block on Amare was amazing and I had just the right angle.

What a game to get that kind of upgrade!


You are so right on. That is why I don`t like sitting to far from the action at a basketball game. You see things that you just don`t see watching on TV!!

Officiating has been pretty inconsistent both ways. Just Pistons got calls at the end, when it was really standing out.


The Suns think they got the short end of the referrees stick

Suns lose to Pistons in OT, 110-105 | EastValleyTribune.com (http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/112062)

Afterward, talk wasn’t so much about what the Suns didn’t do to seal the win but rather the sour aftertaste left in their mouth by a handful of questionable calls and noncalls.
“It’s just hard five against eight,” Hill said.
“I feel like we got screwed. We got hosed down the stretch. You guys saw it. ...
“There were about four or five calls. It was just bad. They even got (Detroit center) Rasheed (Wallace) out there like, ‘Man.’ When Rasheed is agreeing with you about the foul situation, you might have got screwed.”

I didn't really see Sheed all that concerned about PHO and their foul situation. He looked more interested in demonstrating the size of Amare's manhood.

Also, i don't remember GH being the whiny type. Must be in the PHO water.

The Suns think they got the short end of the referrees stick

Suns lose to Pistons in OT, 110-105 | EastValleyTribune.com (http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/112062)

Wow.

A win against the Pistons would have put them 1/2 game out of 1st place in the west, the loss put them in 5th place.

I would have been fuming too!!!!!!!!

it was hilarious,,,,Sheed backed up saying "You cant stop me".. and then gave the "u have a teenyweenie" sign....:pound::pound::pound:

While he was doing it he said "U too small to guard me!" and then turned to their bench and said "he too small to check me".

Your numbers add up to 21 minutes, not 28. Are you following in the footsteps of that notorious Barbie doll version that said "Math is hard"? :heh: :sssh:
No, Mr Grevey....I was just 'concluding' that Rip needs not play 'more ' than 28 minutes. How are the Wildcats doing in your bracket btw??:MusicBigGrin:

If I had done a bracket, I sure wouldn't have had them going very far...actually, in the PF.com challenge last year, I picked against them in the first round, and they ended up losing in the second round, so it didn't hurt me too much. :laugh:

The Suns think they got the short end of the referrees stick

Suns lose to Pistons in OT, 110-105 | EastValleyTribune.com (http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/112062)
I say this is in alll seriousness! Shaq HAS to be the classiest man to ever play sports. Blaha said it just right when he said " Shaq has been fouled more than any man in the history of this game" and the day he 'explodes, I 'd hate to be under the basket". This is so true. I've only seen ,maybe two, occassions when he did an embarrasing scene on the court. He is so respectful of his mom and an excellent example of a man who was respectfully raised by a good man.

He got absolutely WHACKED on that 4th qtr play, though...DanAntoni was hilarious. He is so frenchy-wussie that as mad as he got, he still wasnt tough enough to get kicked out:MusicBigGrin:Like a child being ignored...

This may be the first time in all my years of following the Pistons that I can remember a game where the other team felt ripped off and I can sort of see their point. I'm not saying that they did get ripped off, but I think that I would have been angry if I was a Sun fan (because I would have my usual bias). So, I guess every 2,000 games or so, we get a favorable whistle.

This may be the first time in all my years of following the Pistons that I can remember a game where the other team felt ripped off and I can sort of see their point. I'm not saying that they did get ripped off, but I think that I would have been angry if I was a Sun fan (because I would have my usual bias). So, I guess every 2,000 games or so, we get a favorable whistle.
This is why I stated after the game that we got some calls and these are the refs I want doing our playoff games:). Of course then again if they are that incompetent, maybe we don't want them... Complaints like this could lead to a review by NBA ref chief and leave those refs out of the playoffs themselves

If we got calls like that every game then I guess we'd know what it is like to be Cavs fans.

If we got calls like that every game then I guess we'd know what it is like to be Cavs fans.

Based on my experience at the Q last week, I say the Cavs fans feel as cheated by the refs as anybody else...

Based on my experience at the Q last week, I say the Cavs fans feel as cheated by the refs as anybody else...

That's because they have become incredibly spoiled by 5 years of biased calls. Their equilibrium has shifted.

Just as an example, LB shot 140 FT's in Feb and 136 so far in March.

CB, our leading FT shooter tallied up 65 and 71 over the same time period.

Sure, Lebron deserves a lot of calls because he is aggressive. But when you are getting that many calls, how can the fans differentiate between a good call and a bad call anymore? Any time he doesn't get a whistle and scowls, the fans (half of which have been rooting for the Cavs for about 5 years now) think they got ripped off.

The Suns think they got the short end of the referrees stick

Suns lose to Pistons in OT, 110-105 | EastValleyTribune.com (http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/112062)
I say let them think what they may, but they got a few calls throughout the game as well. The free throws to Nash in OT when he was clearly passing the ball, rookie offensive foul calls on Stuckey and AA. I mean it was fairly even.

This is why I stated after the game that we got some calls and these are the refs I want doing our playoff games:). Of course then again if they are that incompetent, maybe we don't want them... Complaints like this could lead to a review by NBA ref chief and leave those refs out of the playoffs themselves
We won't get these refs in the playoffs, at least not according to McCoskey.

That's because they have become incredibly spoiled by 5 years of biased calls. Their equilibrium has shifted.

Just as an example, LB shot 140 FT's in Feb and 136 so far in March.

CB, our leading FT shooter tallied up 65 and 71 over the same time period.

Sure, Lebron deserves a lot of calls because he is aggressive. But when you are getting that many calls, how can the fans differentiate between a good call and a bad call anymore? Any time he doesn't get a whistle and scowls, the fans (half of which have been rooting for the Cavs for about 5 years now) think they got ripped off.

Believe me, I wasn't trying to say their feelings were rational or legit.

As a fan I try very, very hard to not whine about officiating because (a) if I use it as an excuse when the Pistons lose then do I take away credit when it helps them win and (b) a good team wins no matter what, and should never allow the outcome of a game to hinge on a single call.

Frankly I thought the comments by the Suns players were about as crybaby as you can get and I hope they get fined. STFU and play the game!

We won't get these refs in the playoffs, at least not according to McCoskey.

the way his reporting goes.... we'll have them for 2-3 games in each series..... :pound:

the way his reporting goes.... we'll have them for 2-3 games in each series..... :pound:
If you look at it that way, yeah, sure. But since they do suck, probably not much hope. We're more likely to draw Nies or Davis.

Frankly I thought the comments by the Suns players were about as crybaby as you can get and I hope they get fined. STFU and play the game!

Games like that one actually reinforce my belief that calls can make the difference in a game very easily. I realize how 1 call could have given us an L.

If you look at it that way, yeah, sure. But since they do suck, probably not much hope. We're more likely to draw Nies or Davis.

well depends who we play in the ECF's... thats an asumption but i'll make it... if we play boston i don't hold hope out for a fair shake, we'll have to win 5 on 8, but anybody else we should be getting a decent call... cleveland drew so poorly in the finals last year i doubt that the league really is wanting a replay of that.

Games like that one actually reinforce my belief that calls can make the difference in a game very easily. I realize how 1 call could have given us an L.

But IMO to say that is to place more importance on that one play than all of the others. For example Stuckey passed up an open look at the end of regulation that resulted in Prince taking a long forced shot. Had Stuckey shot that instead it could've been game over in regulation.

I didn't get to see the game but I'm sure there were several other plays (forced shots or lack of aggression on offense, missed rotations on defense, failure to box out on some rebounds, etc.) that went "against" the Pistons but could have changed the outcome of the game since it was so close.

But IMO to say that is to place more importance on that one play than all of the others. For example Stuckey passed up an open look at the end of regulation that resulted in Prince taking a long forced shot. Had Stuckey shot that instead it could've been game over in regulation.

I didn't get to see the game but I'm sure there were several other plays (forced shots or lack of aggression on offense, missed rotations on defense, failure to box out on some rebounds, etc.) that went "against" the Pistons but could have changed the outcome of the game since it was so close.
We are talking about officials impacting the outcome of the game. You are talking about players impacting the outcome. These are two different things and I am perfectly fine with players impacting and deciding the outcome of the game. It is possible that Stuckey makes the shot and Pistons win, it is also possible that Suns take a time-out after that, set up a play and drain a 3-pointer and win the game. Anything is possible.
But refs shouldn't be making calls that impact the outcome, and that's the bottom line.

But refs shouldn't be making calls that impact the outcome, and that's the bottom line.

If, it`s the incorrect call, of course!!!!!

Put me in a ref's uniform, let me work every Pistons' game, and I could get us a ship without being obvious about it.

Not complaining. I'm always just a little unsettled about how easy it would be to do and to conceal.

Look at Donaghy. Nobody was on to him even though the statistical evidence was blatant that he was manipulating games. Think how many people were called whiners thoughout the years as they complained about his calls on their forums.

I don't want to rehash our previous discussions about this. It's a structural reality of the game of basketball. It is a difficult game to officiate and we seem to have very ethical guys reffing games. Since it is usually when things don't go our way that we bring up the problems, I thought I would mention it when we got the benefit for once.

Put me in a ref's uniform, let me work every Pistons' game, and I could get us a ship without being obvious about it.

Not complaining. I'm always just a little unsettled about how easy it would be to do and to conceal.

Look at Donaghy. Nobody was on to him even though the statistical evidence was blatant that he was manipulating games. Think how many people were called whiners thoughout the years as they complained about his calls on their forums.

I don't want to rehash our previous discussions about this. It's a structural reality of the game of basketball. It is a difficult game to officiate and we seem to have very ethical guys reffing games. Since it is usually when things don't go our way that we bring up the problems, I thought I would mention it when we got the benefit for once.
I agree. But I also would like to add that it seems like some refs are have personal issues with some of the players. And it is not necessarily something like Nies and Pistons. I am sure nearly every team can point to an official who is consistently making a call against them and has a very short fuse when it comes to certain teams or players. Imagine Sheed or Amare going berserk like d'Anthony... Either would be T'd before we could type WTF. The inconsistency is what is pissing everyone off.

I agree. But I also would like to add that it seems like some refs are have personal issues with some of the players. And it is not necessarily something like Nies and Pistons. I am sure nearly every team can point to an official who is consistently making a call against them and has a very short fuse when it comes to certain teams or players. Imagine Sheed or Amare going berserk like d'Anthony... Either would be T'd before we could type WTF. The inconsistency is what is pissing everyone off.

Um...I have an idea, why refs are so "inconsistent": when player knows that particular ref whistles only in certain situations then player just avoids those but ref wants to keep line where player is not sure when ref blows so it may be better to avoid every kind of mistakes by player.

I missed this game. I'm so mad. I stayed up all last night studying for a midterm, came home at 3, woke up exactly at 7:22 today (Piston alarm LOL), was like F the Pistons and went back to sleep.

Anybody tape this? I have NBA league pass so i'm going to see if i can catch it on league pass online. They usually have a 48 hour archive. I have to authenticate it though. Hope it doesn't take long.

Lpgrl, did you find a way to watch this Phoenix/Detroit game yet? I know what you mean about League Pass Online. I've had some serious problems accessing it myself and have written threatening emails to the Help section. They fixed it within 48 hours, but hell by then the game I wanted was gone.

So, here's the deal. Do you have a VCR? Because I have this game taped (VHS, not CD) and I would be more than happy to send it to you if you and I were to write up a binding contract that you would return it to me in a timely fashion! :pound:I laugh, but I'm serious. I tape every Pistons game and then after the playoffs I inventory and decide which ones to keep from the season and which ones to tape over. I know I know...it borders on obsession...No it is obsession. I readily admit it and I'm sure you understand.

This game is definitely a keeper. This was a great game and I will put it in the mail to you if you cross-your-heart-and-hope-to-die that you will send it back to me Otherwise, I will have to stalk you on the forum...like...:pound:you know...

Whaddya think? I think...an offer you can't refuse, no?

P.S. How could you turn off your alarm and say F the Pistons when they were playing Phoenix? Unfathomable. I mean school is important and all...but priorities are priorities! LOL

Lpgrl, did you find a way to watch this Phoenix/Detroit game yet? I know what you mean about League Pass Online. I've had some serious problems accessing it myself and have written threatening emails to the Help section. They fixed it within 48 hours, but hell by then the game I wanted was gone.

So, here's the deal. Do you have a VCR? Because I have this game taped (VHS, not CD) and I would be more than happy to send it to you if you and I were to write up a binding contract that you would return it to me in a timely fashion! :pound:I laugh, but I'm serious. I tape every Pistons game and then after the playoffs I inventory and decide which ones to keep from the season and which ones to tape over. I know I know...it borders on obsession...No it is obsession. I readily admit it and I'm sure you understand.

This game is definitely a keeper. This was a great game and I will put it in the mail to you if you cross-your-heart-and-hope-to-die that you will send it back to me Otherwise, I will have to stalk you on the forum...like...:pound:you know...

Whaddya think? I think...an offer you can't refuse, no?

P.S. How could you turn off your alarm and say F the Pistons when they were playing Phoenix? Unfathomable. I mean school is important and all...but priorities are priorities! LOL

Kim didn't we discuss last year that it was time for you to get a DVR so that you could have these games with out worrying about tapes?? :)You could hook up a DVD recorder and then moved them to a DVD when needed. I am sure HQ can find an extra DVR or Tivo box to send you to make this happen.:) :sssh:

I have the second half of the game on my DVR and if LP rerally wants to see it and doesn't have a VCR, but has a DVD player I can transfer it to a DVD and send it...

Funny how ESPN is promoting the Suns-Celtics game tonight as a possible finals preview and I don't recall any media outlet even mentioning that the Suns-Pistons game the night before last had finals implications either before or after the game.

Which means that ESPNBA is hoping for a Seltix-Kobe or Seltix-Shaq finals:sssh:

Funny how ESPN is promoting the Suns-Celtics game tonight as a possible finals preview and I don't recall any media outlet even mentioning that the Suns-Pistons game the night before last had finals implications either before or after the game.

Which means that ESPNBA is hoping for a Seltix-Kobe or Seltix-Shaq finals:sssh:


Dre, on NBA TV someone did mention it could be a Finals preview, the Suns/Pistons game. I think it was Rick Kamila.

Kim didn't we discuss last year that it was time for you to get a DVR so that you could have these games with out worrying about tapes?? :)You could hook up a DVD recorder and then moved them to a DVD when needed. I am sure HQ can find an extra DVR or Tivo box to send you to make this happen.:) :sssh:

I have the second half of the game on my DVR and if LP rerally wants to see it and doesn't have a VCR, but has a DVD player I can transfer it to a DVD and send it...
i could at least pay 33grl's bill for dvr service during the playoffs.....but u know the penalty for working with Qcifer!!!??:girl_devil::diablo:heh-heh-heh!

Funny how ESPN is promoting the Suns-Celtics game tonight as a possible finals preview and I don't recall any media outlet even mentioning that the Suns-Pistons game the night before last had finals implications either before or after the game.

Which means that ESPNBA is hoping for a Seltix-Kobe or Seltix-Shaq finals:sssh:
Gurl, stop being so sens-i-tive:p 2 snaps UPPP! WOO-WOO-WOO-WOO-WEEE-OOOOOOOOOO!!!

Crastinator, congrats! Looks like the Fiance got a promotion! :)

thanks for the congrats! and for remembering - - it's been a while since I've posted
:)

The blur part is so true. i went to Isiah JLA game vs The Knicks and it was 90degrees in there..and as great a game as it was and Ive seen it on Tv 10 times, all i physically remember is meeting Dave Bing, high fiving the entire section I was sitting with and the Isaih 90 second blur. I REALLY do NOT remeber us losing this game...:pound:

loved this short but sweet story - - I wish I hadn't been too shy to high five my whole section. I know they were thinking... "where'd they come from?" oh well!

You are so right on. That is why I don`t like sitting to far from the action at a basketball game. You see things that you just don`t see watching on TV!!


I'm forever spoiled. I'll have to save my pennies to get back to somewhere near where we were sitting.