Pistons/Magic 2nd round game 1, May 3 7:30PM

tv: TNT
Local: WMYD



Orlando Magic to face nemesis Pistons in 2nd round -- OrlandoSentinel.com (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-magic0208may02,0,3597866.story)

Orlando Sentinel - 10 Ways Magic Can Beat Pistons by (http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_magic/2008/05/10-ways-magic-c.html)



Mahorn was on Detroit's Bad Boys team that won an NBA title in 1989. He now is a regular on Full Court Press and the color commentator for the Pistons' radio broadcasts for six seasons -- still a Bad Boy and challenging any fan who says their favorite team can beat the Pistons.
He responded quickly to Thursday's caller -- though he didn't exactly reveal any trade secrets and he didn't get into much detail. Mahorn said the Pistons would double-team Magic center Dwight Howard and try to make life as miserable as possible for Orlando forwards Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis to keep them from scoring.
Orlando Sentinel - Rick Mahorn talks about Pistons taking on Magic by (http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_nothingbutnet/2008/05/rick-mahorn-tal.html)



Last year was last year and this is this year," Howard said. "That was a long time ago. We're not concerned about what happened last year. Our concern is coming back this year playing harder and better. We're a lot more mature now."
The Magic and Pistons split four games in the regular season, with Howard averaging a double-double (17.3 points and 10.8 rebounds). When asked if the Magic would be at all intimidated by the Pistons, Howard shot back, "Not at all. We know that they're going to be physical but we're not going to back down
Magic ready for challenge (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080502/SPORTS0102/805020420/1127/SPORTS0102)

A totally different opponent. The defense will have to play well for the Pistons as Orlando has multiple offensive weapons. It will be important to contain Turkey Glue. Sheed should be able to slow down Howard.

9.0 DR - Open the gates to the reserve.

I didn't get to see any of the 4 games we played just saw the boxscores online as I was out of the country...... how did we match up for the most part on D? who did prince take and how did the other forward get guarded.... Max on Lewis seems like a mismatch against us, if thats how the match ups go... but not sure mcdyss would be anybetter... Sheed will have to bring his A game on howard, but we should have an advantage with the guards slots....

lets hope things follow the wings 4-2 in the first round and a sweep in the 2nd...

You would think that Howard will get Sheed and Dyess in foul trouble at some point and Ratliff will come in handy.

I think Max might be semi-effective against Howard. The goal is to keep him as far away from the basket as possible. He doesn't really have post moves per de.

Also Hermann will be extremely useful in this series. Sheed is going to have to punish Lewis on the block. Luckily, he seems to want to do that lately.

Tonite it didn't matter who Tay covered. He was smooth as silk. And team D was cohesive - lites out, baby.

Odds of Herrmann ever putting on a Pistons uni again is probably about 25%.

My memory may be failing, but it seems to me the Pistons have done extremely well in the 2nd round the last couple of years.

Odds of Herrmann ever putting on a Pistons uni again is probably about 25%.

Your probably right. Pistons better come out swinging. ORL has been waiting for us since last year. They're hungry.

My memory may be failing, but it seems to me the Pistons have done extremely well in the 2nd round the last couple of years.

chicago last year 6 games
cleveland 7 games year before
indiana 6 games year before that
new jersey 7 games (year we won the title down 3-2)
phili 6 games (first year to the ECF)

so by winning the series you'd be right... by getting thru them in a timely fashion to be fresh for the ECF's i would say its a mixed answer.

chicago last year 6 games
cleveland 7 games year before
indiana 6 games year before that
new jersey 7 games (year we won the title down 3-2)
phili 6 games (first year to the ECF)

so by winning the series you'd be right... by getting thru them in a timely fashion to be fresh for the ECF's i would say its a mixed answer.

I meant getting through them in a timely fashion...so that means my memory totally failed me. :)
For some reason I thought we crushed Chicago. Plus I totally forgot about Cleveland. Thanks for the info.

Odds of Herrmann ever putting on a Pistons uni again is probably about 25%.

Put it in that category of useful stats.

I'm predicting a by the numbers series win in 6 games. The usual collapses...the usual hair pulling...and the usual wins. I thought philly was our worst opponent. The magic are ascending but they're not quite there yet.

Wow, didn't realize this game would come so quickly. I expected it would be at least Sunday before they started up again. Good thing the starters got some rest in the 4th quarter against Philly tonight.

I would have predicted a longer series but I thing the switch is stuck in the "ON" position. Look for the Pistons to win in 5 games. They appear to be on a mission to make sure Flip coaches again next season. Getting to the ECF after a five game series can't hurt his chances.:) :)

I am not sure if it was a switch as much as it was just being out of practice. Billups summed it up in his post-game comments in that the starters were playing less than 20 mins for most of April. Same thing happened to Boston when they were resting. Both teams just rested too much.

Right now though. The Pistons are playing about the best that I have seen them play all year. Good news comming into this series. May have to get Amir involved though, Ratliff just looks old.

I am not sure if it was a switch as much as it was just being out of practice. Billups summed it up in his post-game comments in that the starters were playing less than 20 mins for most of April. Same thing happened to Boston when they were resting. Both teams just rested too much.

Right now though. The Pistons are playing about the best that I have seen them play all year. Good news comming into this series. May have to get Amir involved though, Ratliff just looks old.

Ratliff may be an option against Dwight. Though I do think AJ should get a look against guys like Rashard Lewis @ PF. I worry about Dice/Sheed being able to recover quickly enough when Shard is shooting J's, and stay in front of him when he's driving to the rim.

Ratliff may be an option against Dwight. Though I do think AJ should get a look against guys like Rashard Lewis @ PF. I worry about Dice/Sheed being able to recover quickly enough when Shard is shooting J's, and stay in front of him when he's driving to the rim.

I think you start Tayshaun on Lewis and put Rasheed or Maxiell (depending on who else is on the floor with them) on Hedo.

Hedo doesn't much like the length of taller players and he isn't a fan of getting banged up either.

The thing I like about our new starting lineup is the forwards should be able to switch with each other on everything. Seeing as how Howard will probably command a quick double show depending on the situation this could at many times apply to the entire front line. Esp if Amir gets PT.

Personally I like this series from a defensive standpoint (everywhere but the 5) much much more than I liked Philadelphia.

You would think that Howard will get Sheed and Dyess in foul trouble at some point and Ratliff will come in handy.


That seems to be the way Detroit has handled DH in the past.

He's still young, and he seems to feed on confidence as much as anything else.

The Pistons make a concerted effort to prevent Howard from watching his shots go through the basket. They will go out of the way to goaltend shots after the whistle, and they definitely try to foul him rather than give up easy confidence building layups and dunks.

Howard doesn't take well to it at all, and it doesn't really help his confidence any when he gets to the line.

One thing to watch with Dwight is how he handles his first few FT attempts. Whether they go in or not is usually a good barometer of how he shoots them (and how much he is frustrated by the Pistons tactics) the rest of the game.

Confidence. :eyebrows:

Put it in that category of useful stats.

84% of all statistics are made up right there on the spot.

- Todd Snider











Turkgulou (or HTF you spell it) is the key, he's been getting to the rack on Tay at will all season as Tay has to get way out on him to take away the 3.

We need to keep Howard out of the paint, not double and make him score over Theo/Dyess/Sheed from 6 to 10' away.

I PERSONALLY would use the hell out of Amir on Lewis/Cook he's long and can stay with them.

C$ needs to not pick up the cheap charges he's been getting the last couple years when he works in the post on smaller G's.

Take away the 3, take away the kick out 3, there aren't a ton of guys you fear off the bounce on this team.

If Flip has a feel for his team; he will give Amir and AA a chance to show what they can do early in this series.

Give Theo this series off too. We will need him against Perkins and Big Baby in the next one.

Huh? Give Theo this series off? Theo was brought in specifically to play D and give some fouls against good big men, and Howard is the best in the league. This is the ideal situation to use him.

Huh? Give Theo this series off? Theo was brought in specifically to play D and give some fouls against good big men, and Howard is the best in the league. This is the ideal situation to use him.

You are probably right.

Odds of Herrmann ever putting on a Pistons uni again is probably about 25%.

If I were Flip I'd twitch a lot, I'd park Lindsey in street clothes for this one and dress Walt Herrmann. Hunter and Spell-check give you essentially the SAME thing and Walter might be useful against Lewis and TurkeyGlue. Flip also needs to summon the intelligence to utilize Amir to guard these guys as well!

The TNT guys were talking about how the Pistons don't match up well with the Magic. I think the Pistons match up quite well!

Walter should be in (for Jarvis) to guard Turkoglu and maybe Dixon for Hunter to participate (eventually) in scoring contest.

If I were Flip I'd twitch a lot, I'd park Lindsey in street clothes for this one and dress Walt Herrmann. Hunter and Spell-check give you essentially the SAME thing and Walter might be useful against Lewis and TurkeyGlue. Flip also needs to summon the intelligence to utilize Amir to guard these guys as well!

The TNT guys were talking about how the Pistons don't match up well with the Magic. I think the Pistons match up quite well!

Alot of this was predicated on Dougs opinion that Lewis being guarded by our PF or C.

I personally think Prince should check him. We'll see.

Walter should be in (for Jarvis) to guard Turkoglu and maybe Dixon for Hunter to participate (eventually) in scoring contest.

Couldn't agree more.

Can Hedu or Lewis handle Max in the post? Will Howard have to help out? Will Rasheed get some open looks off a Max double team? Can Max actually pass the ball out of the post?

Walter should be in (for Jarvis) to guard Turkoglu and maybe Dixon for Hunter to participate (eventually) in scoring contest.

I agree with this as well. ...I admit, I forgot about Hayes!
I AM a little worried about hurting Arvis' feelings though. After all, according to McConduit; he's "feeling blue".
:pout:

Walter should be in (for Jarvis) to guard Turkoglu and maybe Dixon for Hunter to participate (eventually) in scoring contest.

I agree with this even more than the other guys do.

His feelings were hurt last night and he drained 2 threes. So maybe he plays better sad. Think how Samb feels. He doesn't talk to anyone, doesn't play, and all he recently lost his incisors.

howard is not shaq... he has good FT percentageHuh? Give Theo this series off? Theo was brought in specifically to play D and give some fouls against good big men, and Howard is the best in the league. This is the ideal situation to use him.

Are you guys suggesting possibly starting Hermann at the 4 spot? Interesting idea. He does match Orlando's athleticism at the 4 better than our other options. But didn't Avery Johnson take some heat last year for trying to match his opponents strength?

If you're talking about Tay's backup for this series, I think you have give AA a shot. It's going to be very important that we distrupt their offensive production from the 3 and 4 spots. I agree that Hermann could be useful in this role as well - I just think that AA can do a better job of keeping his man from attacking the paint.

I agree with this even more than the other guys do.

I agree infiniti! ...so there!

howard is not shaq... he has good FT percentage

No he doesn't. Howard is a career 60% FT shooter. He shot 59% this season, and 57% in their first round win over Toronto.

I agree infiniti! ...so there!

I agree infiniti + infiniti.

How did Lewis fare in the first round and who was guarding him?

I would be incredibly surprised if Hayes was in a suit for this series.

In reality, Herrmann will be again, as will Dixon and Samb.

I would be incredibly surprised if Hayes was in a suit for this series.

In reality, Herrmann will be again, as will Dixon and Samb.

This is true. Arvis can foul a heck of alot better then Walter could ever dream of and that's what he has been good for.

I say; Give Walter a Chance this series. Let's see if he can give us a few minutes if necessary.

I would be incredibly surprised if Hayes was in a suit for this series.

In reality, Herrmann will be again, as will Dixon and Samb.

...sigh.

Yeah, I guess you're right Tay.
It would be nice to actually maximize the available talent on the Pistons roster and respond/take advantage of match-ups for a change.

Walter should be in (for Jarvis) to guard Turkoglu and maybe Dixon for Hunter to participate (eventually) in scoring contest.
I have made this post this focal point of my existence. It has become my religion, my sustenance, and my origin.

So I agree with you. On a level no one else can outdo. :)

I have made this post this focal point of my existence. It has become my religion, my sustenance, and my origin.

So I agree with you. On a level no one else can outdo. :)

...dang Mrcina, he's really got me beat there...

ummm, that + infiniti???

doh, i can't attend this one...already made other plans and didn't think there'd be a game. i'll have to watch it the next day...hopefully it'll be a win.

...sigh.

Yeah, I guess you're right Tay.
It would be nice to actually maximize the available talent on the Pistons roster and respond/take advantage of match-ups for a change.

Maybe next time.

Can Hedu or Lewis handle Max in the post? Will Howard have to help out? Will Rasheed get some open looks off a Max double team? Can Max actually pass the ball out of the post?
Van Gundy said that he was thinking about guarding Wallace with a smaller player out on the perimeter since they only have one big.

...sigh.

Yeah, I guess you're right Tay.
It would be nice to actually maximize the available talent on the Pistons roster and respond/take advantage of match-ups for a change.
The play-by-play guys during the game 6 against Philly were raving about pistons exploring the match-ups and taking full advantage of them. Now it's up to Flip to create more with roster moves.

I have made this post this focal point of my existence. It has become my religion, my sustenance, and my origin.

So I agree with you. On a level no one else can outdo. :)

...dang Mrcina, he's really got me beat there...

ummm, that + infiniti???

Uh, oh...looks like somebody finally noticed one of my posts!
:dancingparty:

Thanks for inlighting me D4E. I had the wrong impression probably because i saw him his FT in some games i saw. No he doesn't. Howard is a career 60% FT shooter. He shot 59% this season, and 57% in their first round win over Toronto.

I guess the main problem the team had when the series began is that they were out of pace. Those errors that they made were absolutely because of that.

I mean, "Getting out of pace" means to not play competitive basketball for a certain period of time. And that happened to our starters. They made turnovers because they were playing slow. They were playing in a practice rhythm, which is the way they've got used to play since they were resting.

I know you can say: "but they're pr0s, d00d! lol". It still counts for everyone. Its hard to stay in rhythm, but is even harder to gain it back, and its EVEN HARDER to get it back if you're getting old. They were just playing between 12-20 minutes a game. Thats why there is no surprise that Hamilton and Prince (more the latter) were the ones really playing, since they are the younger ones.


I know you are going to say: "Yeah, we know that". But I just wanted to say it since I've been waiting more than a week for posting >.<.

Syg.

Van Gundy said that he was thinking about guarding Wallace with a smaller player out on the perimeter since they only have one big.

That is what I would do if I were them. If Sheed goes into the post, Howard can affect him from the weak side.

There is no way that DH will be chasing Sheed around the 3-point line.


The challenge for Sheed will be to punish their strategy by relentlessly attacking the post. It will take some effort.

Van Gundy said that he was thinking about guarding Wallace with a smaller player out on the perimeter since they only have one big.

which means Sheed should kill in the post. I agree with mostly everything said.

Amir on Lewis
AA's ability to stop penetration
Hermann getting a look

Let's see if Dolphin learns how to adjust w/o someone breaking their nose.

And it can't be 4 games in, or this series will be out of reach.

I think you all may be underestimating Rashard Lewis. He is overpaid, but he isn't under talented. I think Rashard would eat Amir alive during extended minutes.

A roster for this series: Herrmann, Hunter, and Hayes stay in street clothes.

Hunter is too slow to guard Nelson, and too slow and too short to guard Dooling.

Herrmann is simply too slow in foot speed.

Hayes is not much better than Herrmann in foot speed, and has no defensive footwork.

This leaves us with:

Billups, Stuckey, and Dixon as point guards.

Rip and Afflalo as shooting guards.

Tay and Amir as small forwards.

JMAX and Amir as power forwards.

Sheed, Theo, Dyess and Samb as centers.

For strategy, its pretty simple. Orlando plays a center, and then two weak defensive small forwards up front. Every play pretty much should be to the basket, targeting to get Howard in foul trouble. And once Howard is out of the way, keep attacking inside relentlessly.

On defense, match up.

This means do not ever play any of Sheed, Dyess, and Theo at the same time. Again, Orlando does not use a power forward, so we can't have a power forward in the game who can't chase small forwards around.

Our guards overmatch theirs as long as we don't play Dixon or Hunter.

Dixon can be used for offense / defense substitutions at end of quarters. Sneak him in there to can a shot, and take him right back out of the game. If Dixon plays at all beyond that, it should be for an early substitution for Billups so Dixon is in while he can guard Nelson.

Sub pattern:

Starters play the first 8 minutes of the game. Thats Billups, Rip, Prince, JMAX, Sheed.

Amir spells Jason Maxiell for the last 4 minutes of the first and then the first 4 minutes of the 2nd quarter. Then Amir stays in and plays 6 minutes as the small forward while Tay rests. Maxiell is back in for the last 8 minutes of the half. Tay comes in for the last 2 minutes of the first half.

Afflalo and Stuckey start the 2nd quarter and play 8 minutes. Rip and Billups come back in for the last 4 minutes of the half.

Sheed sits after the first 8 minutes and Theo plays center for the rest of the first quarter. Dyess comes in to start the 2nd quarter, and Sheed plays the last 6 minutes of the quarter.

In the 2nd half, you play basically the same rotation, changing things just a bit if needed of course. But with everyone getting a decent rest in the first half, a lot of flexibility is left for the 2nd half.

Just to put this altogether

Billups, Rip, Tay, JMAX, Sheed. minutes 0-8.

Billups, Rip, Tay, Amir, Theo. minutes 9-12.

Stuckey, Afflalo, Tay, Amir, Dyess. minutes 13-16.

Stuckey, Afflalo, Amir, JMAX, Dyess. minutes 17-18.

Stuckey, Afflalo, Amir, JMAX, Sheed. minutes 19-20.

Billups, Rip, Amir, JMAX, Sheed. minutes 21-22.

Billups, Rip, Tay, JMAX, Sheed. minutes 23-24.

A roster for this series: Herrmann, Hunter, and Hayes stay in street clothes.

Hunter is too slow to guard Nelson, and too slow and too short to guard Dooling.

Herrmann is simply too slow in foot speed.

Hayes is not much better than Herrmann in foot speed, and has no defensive footwork.

This leaves us with:

Billups, Stuckey, and Dixon as point guards.

Rip and Afflalo as shooting guards.

Tay and Amir as small forwards.

JMAX and Amir as power forwards.

Sheed, Theo, Dyess and Samb as centers.

For strategy, its pretty simple. Orlando plays a center, and then two weak defensive small forwards up front. Every play pretty much should be to the basket, targeting to get Howard in foul trouble. And once Howard is out of the way, keep attacking inside relentlessly.

On defense, match up.

This means do not ever play any of Sheed, Dyess, and Theo at the same time. Again, Orlando does not use a power forward, so we can't have a power forward in the game who can't chase small forwards around.

Our guards overmatch theirs as long as we don't play Dixon or Hunter.

Dixon can be used for offense / defense substitutions at end of quarters. Sneak him in there to can a shot, and take him right back out of the game. If Dixon plays at all beyond that, it should be for an early substitution for Billups so Dixon is in while he can guard Nelson.

Sub pattern:

Starters play the first 8 minutes of the game. Thats Billups, Rip, Prince, JMAX, Sheed.

Amir spells Jason Maxiell for the last 4 minutes of the first and then the first 4 minutes of the 2nd quarter. Then Amir stays in and plays 6 minutes as the small forward while Tay rests. Maxiell is back in for the last 8 minutes of the half. Tay comes in for the last 2 minutes of the first half.

Afflalo and Stuckey start the 2nd quarter and play 8 minutes. Rip and Billups come back in for the last 4 minutes of the half.

Sheed sits after the first 8 minutes and Theo plays center for the rest of the first quarter. Dyess comes in to start the 2nd quarter, and Sheed plays the last 6 minutes of the quarter.

In the 2nd half, you play basically the same rotation, changing things just a bit if needed of course. But with everyone getting a decent rest in the first half, a lot of flexibility is left for the 2nd half.

Just to put this altogether

Billups, Rip, Tay, JMAX, Sheed. minutes 0-8.

Billups, Rip, Tay, Amir, Theo. minutes 9-12.

Stuckey, Afflalo, Tay, Amir, Dyess. minutes 13-16.

Stuckey, Afflalo, Amir, JMAX, Dyess. minutes 17-18.

Stuckey, Afflalo, Amir, JMAX, Sheed. minutes 19-20.

Billups, Rip, Amir, JMAX, Sheed. minutes 21-22.

Billups, Rip, Tay, JMAX, Sheed. minutes 23-24.

Lee, you forgot to give minutes to Samb down here at the bottom. Oh, that's OK, I don't see Samb suiting up for this series.

From ESPN analyst Jon Barry. Pretty good assessment of the peaks and valleys of one Rasheed Wallace.

Who needs to have a big series against Orlando for the Pistons to win? I guess I would say Rasheed. I think he’s the most important player for this team. I think you’ll probably see him playing Dwight Howard. When he plays on both ends of the floor and gets in the low post, and knocks down threes, and is focused, he’s a top five power forward in the game. But there’s other nights when he doesn’t play focused, he losses his mind and is very ineffective. It comes down to me that he’s the guy that makes Detroit a championship caliber team or a team that is going to get bounced.

"Hunter is too slow to guard Nelson, and too slow and too short to guard Dooling." Qoute Lee
-
Wait a minute Lenz is a strong 6'2''. Dooling is a short 6'.

I am confused. Doesn't the entire first round have to be done with before the second round can start? (Boston still has game 7 tomorrow)

I am confused. Doesn't the entire first round have to be done with before the second round can start? (Boston still has game 7 tomorrow)
-
Yeah...

So much to worry about...

Will Evans get into Rip's head and take him out of his game by shoving him around a bit here and there? If Evans manages five or more boards it will be a long series.

Will the entire front line foul out guarding Howard, moving Affalo to the center position where he pulls a Magic Johnson and never looks back?

Will anybody bother to guard Turk who could hit at least ten threes per game otherwise?

To coin a phrase, no rebounds, no ECF.

Orlando's offense: Shoot a three or hit Howard inside for an easy bunny.

If Orlando shots a bunch of three's, that means they'll miss around 60 percent of them so we do need to corral some of these long rebounds, as dba says.

Lee...your 1st half rotations have Amir playing 14 straight minutes...not likely. But I agree he should get minutes, especially when Dwight is on the floor and Lewis isn't. Howard is a turnover machine...4th in the league this season, averaging 3.2/game. AJ is quick enough to provide some help D and force some turns. The Pistons D should be able to make DHO cough up the ball 4-6 times a game.

Between forcing turns and putting Howard on the line, the Pistons can neutralize his scoring threat. But it will take a concerted effort and energy to minimize his boards...AJ & Max can be factors.

"Hunter is too slow to guard Nelson, and too slow and too short to guard Dooling." Qoute Lee
-
Wait a minute Lenz is a strong 6'2''. Dooling is a short 6'.

I follow Orlando. Believe me, Dooling plays tall. You will quickly see what I mean if we try to put Hunter on him.

I just looked back at season turnover leaders...not only was Howard 4th, but Turkoglu was 8th. Two frontcourt guys in the top 10? This needs to be exploited just as much as the backcourt mismatch.

I am confused. Doesn't the entire first round have to be done with before the second round can start? (Boston still has game 7 tomorrow)

No its always been like that.

I think the key matchup in this series will be Jarvis Hayes vs. Maurice Evans.

I don't think I'll be able to make it into chat for the game tonight, but I sure hope the Pistons show up!

I don't think I'll be able to make it into chat for the game tonight, but I sure hope the Pistons show up!

So who's going to do the chat play-by play??:confused:

Lee, you forgot to give minutes to Samb down here at the bottom. Oh, that's OK, I don't see Samb suiting up for this series.

The mere THREAT of Cheikh Samb is enough to strike fear in the Hedgehog. He doesn't even need to play to intimidate!

it does feel like we have 'turned it on'. so i think we win the two at home. how long it takes us to get wins 3 and 4 will probably be a good indicator as to how much further this team goes.

CHAT IS OPEN!!!

* link removed *

NOW THAT'S PLAYOFF DEEEEETROIT BAAASSSSSKETBALLLLLLL

Didn't expect the game to be that slow, especially on Orlando's side. Pistons played great in the 2nd half. And whoever in the chat said that it was going decided in the 3rd quarter - great call. Pistons got huge lift from Maxiell. Stuckey needs to be more aggressive, he seems to be settling for long jump shots and that's not his game, at least at this stage. Just noticed, Maxiell matched Howard's numbers. I like Pistons chances if this happens.

ESPN - Orlando vs. Detroit - Box Score - May 03, 2008 (http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280503008)

Rack it. Pistons hold the 1st round NBA scoring leaders in check for 72 points.

After getting used to Philly's pressure, this game seemed really dull in the first half. It was easy for us to avoid turnovers and thereby avoid giving up fast breaks.

We just happen to match up really well against Orlando because of Sheed/ Dyess and CB/ Rip. Not many teams can keep Howard away from the hoop on both ends of the floor. Let's hope that we can keep it up.

Maxiell was clearly the stud. Plus 31 in only 24 minutes.

Dyess was great off the bench though. 5-9 with a bunch of rebounds and good defense. This is such a better combination with our energy player in with the veteran starting 4 and a hard playing veteran anchoring our bench. Glad we thought of it!

Also, how about that job by Ratliff? He was getting boards, neutralizing Howard and affection their shots in the paint. This is exactly why we got him.

Herrmann dressed and inserted in a playoff game before it was decided... and before Hayes??? Afflalo in the first half??? The Pistons hanging their hat on their defense first and playing with serious discipline and focus in the first game of a series???

GO FLIP!!!

Looking sharp. Meanwhile, Boston struggling against Atlanta. Who looks scarier?

I liked what I saw in this game. No matter how deep this playoff the Pistons will go, their furture is bright.
We are having at least three young faces have some JD look in them.

I liked what I saw in this game. No matter how deep this playoff the Pistons will go, their furture is bright.
We are having at least three young faces have some JD look in them.
True words brother. Max had another phenomenal game. It's going to be hard justifying starting Dice over him, and paying Dice so much to be on the bench, which should be an opening for Amir.

I don't think Dice would have a problem going to the bench. The guy cares about winning a championship, period, and that's it at this point in his career.

This game ruled.

Wow, only 30 second half points for Orlando? That must have been some impressive D. And cutting the abnormally high turnover numbers against Philly all the way down to a miniscule 6 is certainly encouraging as well.

Pistons played great in the 2nd half. And whoever in the chat said that it was going decided in the 3rd quarter - great call.

It was me! It was me! (Y).


I really liked this game. Specially because we just made 6 turnovers, which leads me to think that this is the kind of opponents that fit us the most. Loved Maxiell attitude for answering Howard's power with strength and will. Really good game by Billups, although his strategy its becoming more and more obvious: "Lets drive and make some fts", which is good and I have no personal complains about it :p.

I dont like Rasheed's situation. I think 2 more technicals and he is out for a game. I fear this is gonna happen against the Celtics.

Aaand Herrmann played, so its all sweet for the Motown. Make it sweeter with Howard injuried and we die of diabetes.

PS: Good thing about the chat, now u laugh with "J"s.

We had two teams out there tonight for the Pistons. One, where we matched up defensively. That team was over plus 30. And then we had the other half of the game, where we did not match up defensively, and we were minus about 14.(or so.)

Jason Maxiell is quick enough to cover Lewis. This simple fact meant that when Maxiell was in the game, paired up with any or Sheed, Dyess, or Theo, we rocked. Totally rocked. Orlando could hardly score on us, as long as we matched up.

Conversely, whenever we tried putting two bigs in against a team that only plays one big at a time, we did poorly. (With the exception of a 4 minute stint in the 3rd quarter with Dyess and Sheed in.)

Now, I have no qualm at all about how things went in this game. Just letting people know what happened. Letting them know that we could do even better, by matching them defensively the whole game vs. only half. We have the players to do so.

This was probably the most fun I have had at the Palace watching a game in years. I'd say since 04. The fans were into it from the start, and Blaha complimented us fans for giving such great vocal support to the team; loudly cheering on virtually every play the Pistons made. I'd say the noise level got the loudest on that three Sheed nailed as we started the game out with a lead.

My daughter went with me to this one. So far, if she has attended a game in a series, the Pistons have always won that series. So its in the bag. Guess they still have to play the games though. Good practice for next round. (Of course, the players can't think that way even though we can.)

Back to the game. We started out with a good lead. Maxiell started again. Six minutes into the game, after picking up one foul, Maxiell came out and Dyess came in. Our lead was soon gone. We were having trouble defending Orlando's two small forwards, Turk and Lewis. Now, you ask why Flip would sit Maxiell with one foul? Hey, it kept us in control of our rotation. Maxiell, if the game would have been closer, would have ended up with just under 30 minutes. About right. Remember, we do have to worry about Maxy being fresh for later rounds. He is already so far beyond last years minutes total that you really do have to worry about such things. Anyway, Maxiell got four stints in the game, with plenty of rest between each stint, and none of the stints lasting too long.

Somewhat surprisingly, JMAX was put on Howard a whole lot, and JMAX did an excellent job guarding the big fellow. The fouls he did get were not from guarding his man, but usually playing help out D. (Which means if we really wanted him to stay in the game a bit longer, we could tell him to limit his fouls a bit further in those situations.)

JMAX came up big in the scoring department, getting 10 points in the 4th as we iced the game with only Rip being out there among our four stars. Even though he only scored 12, he got player of the game. And very deservedly so for his defense. Nine boards, three blocks. Quite a game indeed. JMAX did not have his typical scoring game. Instead, his scoring was from jumpers and made free throws.

Sheed played great D. He was called upon to chase Lewis around a whole lot, and did not do that well there; but anyone wanting to come inside with that basketball had Sheed to contend with. He did guard Howard some, and I'd say if Sheed guarded Howard the whole game Howard would be near scoreless. I mean, like, we have so much depth, defensively, against the likes of Howard. Dyess took his turns and did ok gaurding Howard. Then Theo had a good long shift against him as we out this one to bed to start the 4th with a 17-4 run.

Billups won his matchup with Nelson rather easily. Nelson did manage to cause a little bit of havoc, getting to the hoop on the slower Billups a couple of times, breaking down our D a couple of times. But Billups had his number in the 3rd quarter especially, where he continually drove in and forced Nelson to foul him. Nelson was pulled from the game, and Orlando did surge a bit to end the 4th. It was a 7 point game going into the 4th. (And thats where Maxiell and Theo, Stuckey, Rip, and Tay had that run. Herrmann was in for the end of it though.)

Afflalo only played about 4 minutes in the first half. (Maybe up to 6. He came in and out to end the 1st quarter, spelling Rip for a moment, and then was used to rest Tay for a bit, maybe 4 minutes, in the 2nd quarter. He played solid D. Just what we need.

A bit more on the game flow. We took a lead to start the game, with Maxiell in. The game got tied back up after he went out. He came back in, we got a lead again. He went out, and lead did not go away, but went down to one point. To start the 3rd quarter, again, we build a lead. The lead increased this time after Maxiell left the floor, but shrunk back before the end of the quarter. Then Maxiell came in to start the 4th, and just flat out took over the game. A jumper made by Stuckey though started that run. Anyone who knows me can imagine how thrilled I was to see Stuckey and Maxiell starring like that. Rip helped with some free throws and a couple of buckets. Tay hit a jumper. And our defense, of course since we were matching up, was fantastic.)

Theo had 3 offensive rebounds, one of which he put back. Two of those offensive rebounds were early in that run, and were a large part of what triggered it. On one drive in by Theo, he got mugged. I am sitting on the other end of the court from that play, so I don't know the details exactly. But Rip got to shoot a tech out of it all.

Tay had another block, on Hedo. For the game, Tay did some scoring and hauled down his share of rebounds. (12 points I heard on the post game show driving home. I remember he was leading us in rebounds with 5 at the half.) On defense, if he was guarding someone, they had to take a really tough shot to score any points. Hedo and Turk had good games solely because we chose not to match up much of the game, not because of any inability to check these guys on Tay's part.

Dyess did hit some jumpers, but what really helped us was him going inside some, with success, with drawing key fouls. Look, Orlando, since they only use one big, is about as soft as you can get as far as guarding the middle. I loved that Dyess was in there exploiting that.

Rip ended up with 17 points. He started out fast hitting several jumpers early. He is way too quick and tall for any of Orlando's guards to score on. This matchup is hugely in our favor.

Stuckey only scored 4 points, but he also is too fast, and too tall, for Orlando's guards. He fits right in to this series. Yes, it would be nice to see him drive in more. I bet he is just sizing up the situation. I bet we see him go to the hoop a lot yet in this series. Be very afraid Orlando.

Hayes is now 4th on the depth chart apparently at small forward. Strike that. Fifth. Stuckey has been spelling Tay some here and there also, besides Afflalo, and now Herrmann. Herrmann did nothing of note really. He got to the line and made a free throw. But on the other hand, I did not notice him getting burnt on D either. (I will have to watch the film to check on this, but he seemed to guard Turk just fine. And if so, of course the question becomes do you play Afflalo or Herrmann. Well, sometimes Orlando goes with 3 guards, so maybe its Afflalo then and Herrmann otherwise. It will be interesting to see.)

Can't think of much else at the moment. Again, this was one extremely fun game to be at. Anyone else who goes to the remaining playoff games, please try to live up to the standard set by this crowd tonight.

I'll add that Hunter did not dress. He was not listed on the injury report. Herrmann was activated in his place.

GO PISTONS!!!!!

I watched the game and was satisfied with the win, but I think the Pistons can play a lot better. Orlando pretty much stunk it up. All that isolation crap that the Pistons ran tonight won't work in Orlando because they won't get the calls there.

Sheed was pretty lousy on offense, but he was great on D as usual, and I think that is where he is needed. Maxiell was so good, a joy to watch. It's hard to believe these two guys are brothers. I wonder if they have a different poppas:

http://aol.nba.com/media/playerfile/stan_van_gundy.jpg http://aol.nba.com/media/playerfile/jeff_van_gundy.jpg

Not much to say but YEAH!!!. The game was great, Chat was great, and Max was great and the playa of the game! +31, 12 PTS, (10 in the 4th I think) 9 boards, 3 blocks. What else can you ask for from your starting zoo crew/combo energy guy. Da brahma even impressed Mr Barkley (umm the round mound of Max??)

Nice defensive effort 2nite, especially in the 2nd half where the Magic offense disappeared and we held the eastern conferences' leading scoring team in the playoffs to only 72 points and only 30 in the second half. Everybody played and contributed except Sheed :), who did toss in 2 lazy threes. Maybe he is saving himself for the conference finals:sssh:

Good recap Lee, but can you tell me why you didn't take yiur daughter to ECF the last two years?? If she had gone, we may have got to the finals and beat them two western teams. let me know if you need two tickets for this year, I may be able to collect some funds from the forum to send you:MusicBigGrin:

It's hard to believe these two guys are brothers. I wonder if they have a different poppas:

http://aol.nba.com/media/playerfile/stan_van_gundy.jpg http://aol.nba.com/media/playerfile/jeff_van_gundy.jpg
Same last name, so of course two different mommas:sssh:

Same last name, so of course two different mommas:sssh:

Could be that, too.

http://aol.nba.com/media/playerfile/stan_van_gundy.jpg http://aol.nba.com/media/playerfile/jeff_van_gundy.jpghttp://img181.imageshack.us/img181/904/potleaf0fg7.jpghttp://img378.imageshack.us/img378/6563/potleaf1yx9.jpg

It really is amazing how identical their noses are. The eyes throw everyone off, though.

I watched the game and was satisfied with the win, but I think the Pistons can play a lot better. Orlando pretty much stunk it up. All that isolation crap that the Pistons ran tonight won't work in Orlando because they won't get the calls there.

I just watched it and i agree. We could've definately played much better. More movement on offense and Flip took Max out in the 1st quarter way too early. I don't think really think having 2 bigs is neccessarily the best thing in the game esp. against that line-up of random european guy/Shard.

Amir would be perfect to slide in that slot. I keep watching and seeing numerous plays where (esp O rebounding wise) he could've given us a major advantage.

Also what is up with Stuck's defense? It's been getting progressively worse lately.

This series is going to get alot tougher on the road. Eventually some of those Magic shots will fall.

Still, the 2nd hald was a thing of beauty. And Sheed actually said something to the effect of "we threw a little zone to keep them off the rocker" The world is coming to an end ppl. Enjoy the last days. :)

http://aol.nba.com/media/playerfile/stan_van_gundy.jpg http://aol.nba.com/media/playerfile/jeff_van_gundy.jpg




One has Momma's eyes, the other has daddy's eyes, and appetite.

So is this (http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080503/SPORTS0102/805030433/1127) another example where Flip has been reading PF.com?

The Pistons altered their active roster for Game 1. Walter Herrmann was in, and Lindsey Hunter was out.

"We made the move from the standpoint of having another guy that size (6-9) to defend against Rashard Lewis and to defend against (Hedo) Turkoglu," Saunders said. "Walt has always been one of our better perimeter guys as far as putting pressure on people. We think he might be able to help."

Herrmann played nine minutes and had one free throw and three personals to show for it.

Saunders also made the move to potentially limit some of Tayshaun Prince's work load.

"If we can't keep Tay's minutes down, maybe we can at least put him in a position where he doesn't have to guard the best player on the floor all of the time."

Prince played 35 minutes.

So is this (http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080503/SPORTS0102/805030433/1127) another example where Flip has been reading PF.com?

I hope the Pistons keep Herrmann next season. I like the guy's enthusiasm. The guy has no athletic skills whatsoever compared to the rest of the guys but he tried to do the little things out there. He and that no-talent-azz-clown Pat Garrity almost got into it last night.

. . . Anyone who knows me can imagine how thrilled I was to see Stuckey and Maxiell starring like that. . .
GO PISTONS!!!!!
LOL, I know you man. Go Pistons.

Ok, before I go, somebody, the cross please !

LOL, I know you man. Go Pistons.

Ok, before I go, somebody, the cross please !

Brofmfa is right, "X" out No. 5 above. Only 11 more to go!

So is this (http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080503/SPORTS0102/805030433/1127) another example where Flip has been reading PF.com?

Think his son's does, hmmm...can't remember what's his name in here.:stirthepot:
Now, who can that be???:rolleyes:

Brofmfa is right, "X" out No. 5 above. Only 11 more to go!
Sorry peoples, my internet connection was down. I couldn't even get into chat or stream radio for the ending of the game. :gun1:

Sorry peoples, my internet connection was down. I couldn't even get into chat or stream radio for the ending of the game. :gun1:

It ain't your fault , Sir. Thank you Sir.:)

Sorry peoples, my internet connection was down. I couldn't even get into chat or stream radio for the ending of the game. :gun1:


No prob, Slippy. Just a helpful reminder. :)

Hermann moves like John Mengelt and....Bill Laimbeer.:stirthepot:

Hermann moves like John Mengelt and....Bill Laimbeer.:stirthepot:

Yes, he looks a little slow and clumsy out there...but he still can be usefull on Turkoglu or some taller guys.
I've seen him in a better shape already, but still don't understand, why he didn't get any real minutes untill now.
It was clear all the time, that Hayes has nothing to do in playoffs. He can only be a scoring monster against weaker teams in regular - sometimes.

I think the key matchup in this series will be Jarvis Hayes vs. Maurice Evans.
I'm marking your words...
Evans must be accounted for.:stirthepot:
Perhaps... G/T

So is this (http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080503/SPORTS0102/805030433/1127) another example where Flip has been reading PF.com?

If Amir starts guarding Lewis, we will know for SURE that he reads the forum.

Bad blood brewing b/w the Magic/Pistons

RealGM: Wiretap Archives: Bad Blood Brewing Between Pistons/Magic (http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/52326/20080504/bad_blood_brewing_between_pistons/magic/)


Magic forward Rashard Lewis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3275) took down Theo Ratliff (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3020) with a physical foul midway through the fourth quarter, and Jason Maxiell (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3952) quickly got in Lewis' face with a menacing look and choice words.
Ratliff said Maxiell didn't need the assistance.

"There's no sense in guys coming to my rescue," Ratliff said Sunday. "I mean, that was Rashard Lewis. He's a 3 man."
What Ratliff said was relayed to Lewis and the small forward fired back.

"You can have a lot of energy in five minutes a game," Lewis said. "What's he played? 15 games? Tell him to come out and guard me."



"Dwight is an imposing player, but we've played against some of the Hall of Famers so it's not really something we worry about," Ratliff said.
Maxiell explained matter-of-factly how Detroit made the 6-11, 265-pound Howard look ordinary.

"He's has a very strong upper body," Maxiell said. "But if you get down low and take his legs out, he's not that powerful."
Howard bristled at the suggestion that his lower body is weak.

"That's not true," Howard said. "Trust me."



"They're a finesse team," Ratliff said. "They're a 3-point shooting team."
Like Howard, Orlando point guard Jameer Nelson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3837) took exception with Ratliff's assessment.

"Who? Who?" Nelson asked mockingly when Ratliff's comments were repeated by reporters. "I'm getting sick and tired of people calling us soft."


Is this a good thing? I don't neccesarily like Max's comments although i don't think he meant them to be insulting or he was just answering a question honestly.

Ratliffs - coments "Dwight is an imposing player, but we've played against some of the Hall of Famers so it's not really something we worry about".

He has been with the team since what March.

At least its better than the way the Sixer series started.

The game is being rebroadcast on NBA TV right now for those who have that channel....

Should we re-open chat:)

I like it----get them all worked up and lose control.

Bad blood brewing b/w the Magic/Pistons

RealGM: Wiretap Archives: Bad Blood Brewing Between Pistons/Magic (http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/52326/20080504/bad_blood_brewing_between_pistons/magic/)







Is this a good thing? I don't neccesarily like Max's comments although i don't think he meant them to be insulting or he was just answering a question honestly.

Theo's comments were about not being in need of help(fighting) because of Lewis' size. Lewis' response was about basketball. Since he was talking about being guarded, why did he have to foul Theo instead of "guarding" him?

I don't like the trash talking. We don't need any extra edge, so it is a stupid gamble to take to even try to get in their heads.

We've beaten them 5 in a row in the playoffs, so why do we need to talk? And especially Ratliff.

It depends on how the pistons players actually think to me.... if there doing this as show so to speak to get under orlando's skin i am ok with it because orlando is already playing out of there style....

orlando is ticked about being called soft all the time there trying to prove there tough... and thus getting out of what they do best... every one of the pistons comments save theo's were dead on in my mind and just answering questions.... theo's are true too... he just hasn't been here long enough to say them so to speak.

Its just humerous how orlando is up in arms the way they are replying... its just how detroit used to be in chicago's heads during the bad boy years.... I thought that talent wise chicago was better then we were the last year we beat them... they just didn't get what it took to win yet. and its the same here... i think boston is also somewhat in the same boat, talent is only part of playoff basketball. Thats one reason I think Cleveland as much as I hate them has a chance against Boston in this series..

I think the key matchup in this series will be Jarvis Hayes vs. Maurice Evans.

hilarious.

i like how we're getting into the magic's heads. we want to play a physical game...they're playing right into our hands.

let's give flip some credit where it's due - putting lindsey in street clothes, playing afflalo and herrmann, continuing to start maxiell, having better rotations...good job.

maxiell is a beast - sticking up for teammates, playing solid defense, and dominating all around. since he's started we've been blowing teams out, scoring more points, playing better D, and not having lulls to start the game or going through the motions. good job.

er. if you get low on anyone you can take away a lot of their power...its not a statement on D.ho's lower body strength. Maxiell simply explained some fundamental post defense and it becomes a shot fired between these teams.

Guys, there are several papers printing small exerps(sp) of what was actually said. Go to Mlive, Freep, Detnews and read everything. The magic are the one's who are talking the mess and baiting officials. You can tell by the post game press that the magic were %%%%%ing about the physical play. Now the P's have to worry about the other players on the court.

you all have to agree though.... what is the thing that scares us as fans the most.... that the team will lose interest in the series....

well folks I think orlando is trying to make sure that never happens....

as a coach of orlando i would be telling my players to do nothing but talk about how great detroit is, and how who knows if we'll be able to compete. Now what we say in the locker room would be a different story... but no way to i call out detroit... but in puplic I do everything in the world to give them cause to "flip" the switch off.

Win loss or draw in this series I just don't see the switch flipping off....

I saw the play. All Maxi did was assure Lewis it would be a team effort if things got kinky. I wouldn't put it past the Magic coach to make the series a brawl.