January 1st -


~ Detroit News ~


New Year's Eve bashed: Pistons dealt fourth loss (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060101/SPORTS0102/601010307/1127)
Detroit shoots only 35.8 percent against Cleveland as nine-game winning streak ends.
By JoAnne C. Gerstner

This news just in: The Pistons aren't going to win every game this season.

The Pistons showed they are human on Saturday, losing to the Cavaliers 97-84 at Quicken Loans Arena in the New Year's Eve matinee.

The Cavaliers seemingly couldn't do anything wrong, and the Pistons were unable to connect on wide-open shots.

The tone was set in the second quarter, as normally sharp-shooting Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince missed open shots in a span of a minute.

Prince, Billups struggle (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060101/SPORTS0102/601010324/1127)
Their poor shooting from field -- 4-for-23 Combine -- hinders the Pistons' chances
By JoAnne C. Gerstner

Hard to say what's more frustrating for the Pistons: having no open looks or having wide-open shots and missing them.

Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince studied the box score after Saturday afternoon's 97-84 loss to the Cavaliers, muttering to themselves about all the shots they missed.

Prince, especially, had a tough game, shooting 2-for-12 from the field with only four points. He all but disappeared in the second half, attempting and missing two shots.

Behind the scenes: Vartan Kupelian and Mike O'Hara
Hey, flip, keep making Joe D. look good in 2006
(http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060101/SPORTS08/601010311/1127/SPORTS0102)
We celebrate the annual ritual of resolution-making with a few suggestions of our own for sports figures to live by in 2006:

Flip Saunders, Pistons coach:To keep doing exactly what he has because he's proving, again, the wisdom of Joe Dumars as well as his own ability.


~ Booth Newspapers ~


Pistons end year on losing note (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1136068802226420.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

It looks like the LeBron James show isn't a one-man act after all.

James was as good as ever against the Detroit Pistons, but several contributions by his teammates helped Cleveland defeat Detroit, 97-84.

The 6-foot-8 James led all scorers with 30 points, but four other Cavaliers reached double figures as Cleveland (18-10) snapped Detroit's season-high nine game winning streak and extended its victory streak against the Pistons at home to three.


~ Akron Beacon Journal ~


Cavs cool down Pistons (http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/basketball/nba/cleveland_cavaliers/13528189.htm)
James scores 30 points, gets plenty of help to beat NBA's best team at its own game
By Brian Windhorst

It was debatable which was more impressive, the way the Cavaliers played against the mighty Detroit Pistons or the way they handled themselves doing it.

In front of a high-energy sellout crowd, the Cavs played in high gear from start to finish Saturday in a noble 97-84 victory. It ended the Pistons' nine-game winning streak and allowed the Cavs to pick up a game in the standings.

Yet, the Cavs (18-10), winners of seven of their past eight games, skipped a golden chance to bask in it. It was a mirror image of the style that worked on the court, too.

LeBron James and Larry Hughes outworked the Pistons' (24-4) super wings, Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince. Drew Gooden and Zydrunas Ilgauskas scrapped and battled Detroit's dominant and gritty front line of Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace. And Eric Snow reduced Chauncey Billups to being insignificant.

In other words, the Cavs systematically neutralized a team off to one of the best starts in NBA history, and they did it without fanfare.

Cavs prove they're on right track
(http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/basketball/nba/cleveland_cavaliers/13528175.htm)By Terry Pluto

If you love pro basketball at its best, this game was for you.
At least, if you're a Cavaliers fan.

You saw your team not just beat the Detroit Pistons 97-84 on Saturday at Quicken Loans Arena, but beat them at their own game -- never easy, as these Pistons had won nine in a row and now have a 24-4 record.

How does Detroit win?

Defense. Rebounding. Share the ball. Move on offense, hustle even more on defense.

Which is how the Cavs won for the seventh time in eight games.

Best of all, they did it without LeBron James doing everything.


~ Cleveland Plain Dealer ~


Cavaliers measure up (http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/113610813279670.xml&coll=2)
flawless effort foils Pistons
By Branson Wright

Greatness is often measured by how a team performs against top competition. If that is the case, the Cavaliers were off the charts on Saturday afternoon against the Detroit Pistons.

In their most important game so far this season, the Cavs were nearly flawless as they ran away with a 97-84 victory over the Pistons before a sellout crowd at The Q on New Year's Eve.

The Cavs (18-10) took a major step in becoming one of the elite teams in the Eastern Conference by stopping the league's latest juggernaut. The Pistons have a league-best record of 24-4, and they had the longest winning streak (nine games) until playing the Cavs.

You gotta love Le Betard's articles. They're great comic relief. I don't think I've ever seen a journalist that's more delusional than good ol' Dan.


All not lost in losing to Pistons (http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/columnists/dan_le_batard/13527607.htm)
By Dan Le Batard

There are no moral victories when you are paying Shaquille O'Neal $20 million a season over the next five years. Pat Riley hasn't been chipping at this sculpture for a decade to title the potential masterpiece
''Almost.'' Alonzo Mourning isn't squeezing every last ounce of want out of his career to have another season die on Detroit's doorstep.

But. . .

Rarely are losses as encouraging as the one Miami suffered at Detroit this week. This was the right way to lose, if there ever is such a thing.

Seven-footer Rasheed Wallace making a three-pointer from a different area code? You allow him that shot from that spot to end a game 10 times, and you are winning nine of them. Miami shoots 53 percent, as it did against Detroit, and it will win 99 out of 100 times. If you can be tied on the other team's floor in the last minutes of a game with that intensity, you are good enough to beat that team, as Detroit proved here in ending Miami's last season.

~ The Oakland Press ~

Cavs' Jones makes escape to New York (http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/010106/spo_2006010111.shtml)
By Dana Gauruder

Damon Jones did not want Saturday's game to run long. He had another commitment on New Year's Eve.

Jones flew to New York City after the game to help out with ESPN's Times Square coverage.

"If y'all see me jet out in the fourth quarter," he said prior to the game, "ya'll know where I went."

Mike Brown: Detroit's best, with an asterisk ~

Cavs coach Mike Brown was quoted earlier this week as saying that the Pistons' starting five is the best he's ever seen. Reminded of some of the great Lakers lineups during the 1960s and '70s, the 35-year-old Brown slightly retreated from his earlier statement.

"I'll back it up," he said. "That's the best starting team since I was able to watch TV."

Rasheed filling up the 3s ~

Rasheed Wallace ranked ninth in the league in 3-point shooting entering Saturday's action. A career 33 percent shooter on 3-pointers prior to the season, Wallace is hitting at a 43.8 percent rate this season.

Brown believes Wallace's long-range shooting has made him virtually impossible to guard.

"I know when I was in Indiana and when I was in San Antonio we had two of the best big men in the league in Tim Duncan and Jermaine O'Neal, and he always gave them problems," he said. "He gave us problems when he defended them and he gave us problems at the other end because of his length and his ability to score on the low block and his ability to rebound.

"Now with the way he's shooting that 3, I don't know what you do to him. You keep your fingers crossed, try to contest and hope he misses. I don't know which is more deadlier - begging him to go down and post up or begging him to shoot a 3."

Artest just might miss a return to The Palace (http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/010106/spo_2006010112.shtml)
By Dana Gauruder

As the Indiana Pacers mull trade offers for Ron Artest, the burning question here is: Will Artest play at The Palace this season?

Pistons fans, and anyone fascinated by car wrecks, had Feb. 23 circled on the calendar. That was the night Artest was supposed to make his first appearance in the building since his unscheduled visit last November into Section 114 behind the press tables.

Though Pacers president of basketball operation Larry Bird was quoted Thursday that 14 teams have made bids, it's likely that Artest will wind up with one of a handful of Western Conference destinations. Denver, Golden State, the two Los Angeles teams and Minnesota head the list of potential trade partners, which means there's still a 60 percent chance Artest heads through the visitor's tunnel at 4 Championship Drive.

Some folks already have resolutions (http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/010106/spo_2006010108.shtml)
By Keith Langlois

OK. Pry open your eyes. Peel the ice pack off your head. Down that chilled glass of OJ and chug your Alka-Seltzer chaser. It's time for New Year's resolutions. Can't think of any? Here, let the rich and famous, or the blessed and infamous, give you some ideas ...

Larry Brown ~ I resolve to send Christmas cards to every player I've ever coached, or expressed a desire to coach, or requested to be traded, tarred and/or feathered; and to every owner to employ me, or every owner who inquired as to my availability, or every owner to whom I've made clear my interest, or even held hands with; and to every college president who sought my services, or whom I've chatted up with the intention of soliciting a job offer, or ... Isiah? I need more money. Did you know the price of stamps is up to 37 cents?

Ben Wallace ~ I resolve to leave one or two rebounds for somebody else ... someday ... but maybe not.

Flip Saunders ~ I resolve to continue to carry myself as the emotional and ethical antithesis of Larry Brown.

~~Detroit News~~


Saunders counts his New Year's blessings (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060102/SPORTS0102/601020334/1004/SPORTS)
If he hadn't been fired by Timberwolves, he wouldn't have been able to take job with Pistons.
Joanne C. Gerstner

It's a new year, and a chance for Pistons coach Flip Saunders to reflect on the highs and lows of 2005.

He has come out on the high side of an interesting journey: not too many coaches have gone from being fired by one of their friends to being on top of the NBA a few months later.

"I think it's funny how things work out," Saunders said. "A lot of times I said almost a year ago when I was let go that things always happen for a reason. You never know at that time what the reason is, but there is one.

~ Detroit news ~


Hill's fire still burns (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060103/SPORTS0102/601030349/1127)
Magic forward undeterred in rebounding from injuries
By Joanne C. Gerstner

To borrow a little old-school LL Cool J, Grant Hill doesn't want to call it a comeback. He's been here for years.

Still, it seems all Hill has been doing the past few years is making one comeback after the next from injuries.

Hill, a forward who has been with the Magic since the Pistons traded him in 2000, is back in Orlando's lineup. He missed 19 games this season because of a hernia but is expected play tonight against the Pistons at The Palace.

Strong man (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060103/SPORTS0102/601030350/1127)
by Chris McCosky

This week's Sporting News will feature the strongest men in sports. And among the strongest men in the NBA, naturally, will be Ben Wallace.

"Strongest man in the world," Wallace joked, when told of the feature.

At his peak, Wallace was bench-pressing 460 pounds. But, as a senior at Central High School in White Hall, Ala., Wallace weighed 190 pounds. His transformation into the NBA's version of The Hulk didn't start happening until he transferred to Virginia Union. That's where he discovered a small, dank weight room known as The Cage.

"I loved what that place stood for," Wallace said. "You didn't walk into that place unless you were dead serious about working out."

The Cage, sadly, is no more. It has been remodeled and upgraded and now looks pretty much like every other college weight room in the country. But the legacy of The Cage, and Wallace, will live on.

Burning Questions
Pistons ignore 70-win idea (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060103/SPORTS0102/601030346/1127)
They'd rather have home-court to the playoffs
By Chris McCosky

Q. Do you think the Pistons will win 70 games this season?

A. Let's not get carried away. First of all, it's way too early to speculate on something like that. There are still four months left in the regular season. Too many things can happen, both to the Pistons and to the other teams in the league.

You should know the players aren't giving it any thought, whatsoever. All they are looking to do is have the best record in the league so they can have home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. That is their goal.

Diogu makes a name, too (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060103/SPORTS0102/601030344/1127)
Paul gets noticed among rookies, but 6-8 warrior plays big
By Chris McCosky

If things continue as they are, Chris Paul of the Hornets will be the NBA's rookie of the year.

He was averaging 16 points and 7.4 assists before Monday, both tops among rookies, and he has helped keep an otherwise bad team afloat.

And, if things continue as they are, you would have to call Atlanta's Marvin Williams (the second overall pick, averaging 5.9 points and 4.3 rebounds) and Charlotte's often-injured Sean May (the 13th overall pick) as top disappointments.

Toronto's Charlie Villanueva and New York's Channing Frye are having major impacts on their teams, but the unsung hero of this draft class has to be Golden State's Ike Diogu.

At 6-feet-8, he has wrested the starting center job away from $40 million man Adonal Foyle. The Pistons certainly had their fill of him a couple of weeks ago, when he hit them for a career-best 27 points, hitting 13 of 15 shots.

Alley-oop ... to Amir Johnson
(http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060103/SPORTS0102/601030342/1127)By Joanne C. Gerstner

Q. Saw you one day at practice without your braids in, and you had a pretty Ben-like 'fro going. Do you ever cruise around a lot without the braids?

A. When I can't find anybody to braid my hair, then I've got to go with the 'fro. That's the only way I'll wear the 'fro.

Q. Why don't you go with the 'fro one game night? You and Ben could have a 'fro-off.

A. Yeah, that would be really cool. But I think he'd win. He's been growing his longer than me. I got some more growing to do.

Slam dunks (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060103/SPORTS0102/601030348/1127)
By Chris McCosky

Here's something you don't want to hear from your franchise player 28 games into a season: "We're a big question mark. We have no real identity at this point."

That was Kevin Garnett, talking to the St. Paul Pioneer Press after the Timberwolves were whacked by the Lakers and fell to 14-14.

Here's another thing you don't want to hear from your franchise player. Houston's Tracy McGradysaid this season is starting to feel like the 21-win season he endured in Orlando.

"It's just like it," he said. "It's tough. Having been through it I know how frustrating it was. I know how difficult wins were to come by. I see that that's where we're heading right now." The Rockets are 10-18.

Basketball 101: Drug Testing
(http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060103/SPORTS0102/601030343/1127)By Chris McCosky

Earlier this season, Seattle forward Reggie Evans was late coming out of the locker room for the second half.

Why? He had been detained by the NBA's drug-testing agency, which demanded he submit one of the four mandated random tests.

That will be the last random test conducted during a game -- the agency overstepped its bounds there. But, it still does tests before and after games. Teams have complained the agency has asked for the tests as close as one hour before tip-off.

Under the league's collective bargaining agreement, all players not only have to give four random samples throughout the season, but the league and players' association also have the right to order a test whenever they have reasonable cause to do so.

NBA: Roundup
Pacers end their losing streak (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060103/SPORTS0102/601030366/1127)
Indiana makes seven 3-pointers in the first quarter, scores its most points this season.

Fred Jones scored 26 points and Stephen Jackson 22 to help the Indiana Pacers end a four-game losing streak with a 115-96 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics on Monday night.

Looking ahead (upcoming games) (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060103/SPORTS0102/601030354/1127)

Detroit News Power Poll (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060103/SPORTS0102/601030330/1127)

JoAnne C. Gerstner's Top 5
Bad breaks (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060103/SPORTS0102/601030347/1127)
Some NBA stars have spent more time in the trainer's room than on the court. Here are some of the bad breaks (literally and figuratively) this season:


~ Detroit Free Press ~


Hunter better, but not ready (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060103/SPORTS03/601030365/1051)
By Chris Silva

Lindsey Hunter is back. Sort of.

His surgically repaired left ankle has healed, and after a three-month layoff, Hunter appears to be good to go.

But don't expect him to play in any of the Pistons' three home games this week.

The Pistons' home stand, which starts tonight against Orlando, will help Hunter because the team will practice Wednesday and Thursday, coach Flip Saunders said.

"Then we'll reevaluate him," Saunders said. "But I would say it would be very doubtful that he would play."


~ The Oakland Press ~


Pistons regroup after loss (http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/010306/spo_2006010311.shtml)
By Dana Gauruder

Losing just doesn't feel right for the Detroit Pistons. They have gotten so used to winning that it seemed strange to come back to practice Monday after a poor performance.

As long as these experiences don't occur regularly, they can take something positive from them.

"Sometimes, a loss can be a good thing," Chauncey Billups said. "You don't like it, but it makes you shape back up."

Coach Flip Saunders had plenty of flaws to pick out of the Pistons' 97-84 loss at Cleveland on Saturday, which snapped their nine-game winning streak. After taking Sunday off, the team watched film and had an extended practice to correct those errors.


~ Booth Newspapers ~


There's plenty of reasons for Hamilton to be an all-star
(http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/113628660614880.xml&coll=1)By A. Sherrod Blakely

Richard Hamilton isn't saying much about it. Afterall, he's been through this before.

He's having his best season ever, with career-bests in scoring (21.7 points per game) and shooting (50 percent from the field, 47.2 percent from 3-point range). The Detroit Pistons have an NBA-best 24-4 record, with Hamilton playing a vital role in the team's success.

However, Hamilton has that same old feeling that, as in the previous three seasons, it still won't be enough for him to land a spot on this season's all-star team.

"I don't worry about that any more," the Pistons guard said. "If I did, I'd go crazy." His statistics alone will get him on the short list of All-Star Game candidates.

When you put it in the context of what he has done since coming to Detroit in 2002, it's difficult to fathom how a player as consistent as Hamilton, on a team as successful as the Pistons, has never been an all-star.


~ Orlando Sentinel ~


Oft-injured Hill hints at retirement
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-magic0306jan03,0,255516.story?coll=orl-magic)By Brian Schmitz

Returning to his old haunt tonight -- the home of the Detroit Pistons -- Orlando Magic forward Grant Hill is playing almost like vintage Grant Hill.

It might come as a shock then when Hill says he's given serious thought to retiring after next season.

Then again, after all he has gone through, perhaps such thoughts are really not that surprising.

"Retirement. . . . Yeah, that's a possibility," Hill told the Sentinel. "That's a definite possibility. That's very real. I'll have to really look and see where I'm at that point."

Where he'll be is at the end of the seven-year $92-million contract he signed after leaving the Pistons in 2000.

Where he'll be physically after next season, however, could determine whether the seven-time all-star will play on.


~ USA Today ~


One-on-one: Readers split on Pistons winning 70
(http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2006-01-02-one-on-one_x.htm)By David Dupree

The Detroit Pistons are clearly the best team in the NBA a third of the way through the season, but winning 70 games and challenging the Chicago Bulls' all-time record of 72 wins is unlikely. The Pistons are a wise, veteran team with only one goal — to win the NBA championship. Securing home-court advantage by having the best record is a priority, but breaking the Bulls' record or becoming only the second team to win 70 games is not.

Readers responding to this week's question were split on whether Detroit will crack the 70-win barrier and possibly break Chicago's record.


~ Chicago Sun-Times ~


Bulls' win record long way from falling
(http://www.suntimes.com/output/jackson/cst-spt-jax01.html)By John Jackson

The Detroit Pistons are off to a fabulous start and are winning at such an impressive rate that some folks are talking about them possibly challenging the Bulls' NBA record of 72 victories set in 1995-96.

As someone who witnessed that remarkable Bulls season 10 years ago, I have a message for anyone entertaining such thoughts:

Just stop it.

The Pistons' 106-101 victory Thursday against the Miami Heat gave them a 24-3 record heading into their road game Saturday against the Cleveland Cavaliers -- the same record the Bulls had through 27 games in 1995-96.

But, please, I don't want to here anything about the Pistons being on pace with the Bulls. With their 24th victory, the Bulls were one game into a massive 18-game winning streak. To keep up with the Bulls, the Pistons must not lose another game until early February.

~ Detroit News ~

Pistons register routine victory (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060104/SPORTS0102/601040337/1127)
Billups earns career high with 37 points; Detroit uses 8-0 run to pull away in the fourth quarter.
By Chris McCosky

Welcome to the NBA in January.

With two months in the books and the playoffs still another four months away, energy levels wane and games tend to drag. Usually the team that makes the last big run takes the game.

That was pretty much the story at The Palace on Tuesday night, when the Pistons ran off eight straight points early in the fourth quarter and rode it to a 108-99 victory over the Orlando Magic.

"These are the dog days," coach Flip Saunders said. "The season seems like it will never end at this point. But it seems like no matter who we play, they play pretty good against us."

The Pistons' ninth straight home victory raised their record to 25-4.

The worst part about following the Pistons is all the nitpicking. (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060104/SPORTS08/601040339/1127/SPORTS0102)
Reserves give Pistons, fans little to complain about
By Rob Parker

The worst part about following the Pistons is all the nitpicking.

Guess when you're 25-4 -- after Tuesday night's 108-99 victory over the Orlando Magic at The Palace -- people have to find something wrong with your team. Enter the reserves.

It's the biggest nonstory this side of the quest for 72 victories in the regular season.

It would be one thing if the Pistons were losing games and it was because they were routinely getting outscored, outrebounded and outplayed by other teams' benches. It's just not the case.

Worse is that some ill-informed people really expect the reserves to be as capable as the starting five, arguably the best starting five in the NBA.

Pistons: Notebook
Hill is not ready yet, but he talks retirement (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060104/SPORTS0102/601040394/1127)
(http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060104/SPORTS0102/601040394/1127)Magic star says he will take it from season to season after he fulfills his current contract.
By Chris McCosky

Grant Hill, at the ripe old age of 33, is starting to talk about retirement?

Say it ain't so.

"Retirement," Hill told the Orlando Sentinel on Monday, "yeah, that's a possibility. That's very real."

Well, that sent a minor tremor through the basketball world Tuesday, most notably through his home in Orlando.

"Yeah," Hill said sheepishly before the Magic played the Pistons on Tuesday, "my wife (Tamia) called this morning and said, 'You weren't going to tell me you were retiring?' I said, 'Would you be mad if I did?' And she said, 'Nah, I just thought you would tell me first.'"


~ Detroit Free Press ~

Billups' 37 sets career milestone (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060104/SPORTS03/601040434/1051)
By Krista Latham

Chauncey Billups' best season continues to get better.

Billups scored a career-high 37 points, and had nine assists and only one turnover Tuesday night as the Pistons beat the Orlando Magic, 108-99, at the Palace.

The MVP talk seems more and more legit.

"He's been a solid player in all 29 games we've played," coach Flip Saunders said.

And while the Pistons (25-4) lacked urgency for the first three quarters, the trademark Detroit defense finally kicked in, Mr. Big Shot showed up, and the Pistons decided to wait to experience their first string of back-to-back losses.

100 things we love about the Palace (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060104/SPORTS03/601040392/1051)
(http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060104/SPORTS03/601040392/1051)By Krista Latham

Here's a toast and tribute to the building that since Jan. 19, 2004, against San Antonio, has been a bumping party of Pistons faithful. One hundred things we (and you) love about the Palace, the top moments in the sellout streak, the unforgettable nights and the way the next 100 could be even better.

Hill's focus: career, not retirement (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060104/SPORTS03/601040383/1051)
By Krista Latham

Grant Hill was in a spot of marital trouble early Tuesday, before his Magic played the Pistons.

The Orlando Sentinel ran a story Tuesday quoting the former Piston as saying he might retire after next season.

"I got a call from my wife today saying, 'You didn't tell me you want to retire!' he said. "I was like, 'You'd be mad if I did?' and she said, 'I just want you to tell me first.' "

A reporter asked Hill, always known for his genuine nature, whether he might consider retirement at the end of his contract. He'd never thought about it, he said Tuesday, but given that he's "not 24 or 25," and has already dealt with more than his share of injuries, he couldn't say no.

Time to talk about technicals, Rasheed (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060104/SPORTS03/601040393/1051)
By Krista Latham

The NBA increased its fines for technical fouls this season, and along with that extra cash, the highest repeat offenders ultimately face game suspensions.

And with one Pistons starter near the top of the league leaders in technical fouls -- do we really need to say who? -- it would be understandable if coach Flip Saunders was a tad concerned.

But Saunders said this week he's not worried about Rasheed Wallace, who through the first 28 games already had eight technical fouls this season. That's halfway to 16, the number at which one-game suspensions begin.

Rookie diary -- Alex Acker (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060104/SPORTS03/601040391/1051)
Pistons rookie point guard Alex Acker is chronicling his rookie experience in the pages of The Dunk, as told to Krista Latham. Acker works hard at practice every day, but on a deep team like Detroit, he doesn't play. He has been inactive every game. And coming up is an important date -- Jan. 10. That's the day un-guaranteed contracts become guaranteed for the season. The team could decide to waive him before then.

NBA ticker and when you (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060104/SPORTS03/601040375/1051)
(http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060104/SPORTS03/601040375/1051)By Al Toby

Relatively speaking

The Pistons' Chauncey Billups is generous with his advice to cousin LenDale White, a running back for Southern California.

He's generous with gifts, too.

White was spotted this week sporting a big gold chain with a medallion of Jesus. He told the New York Times it was a birthday gift from Billups.

Billups also paid for White's trip to New York last month, when White accompanied teammates Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart to the Heisman Trophy award ceremony.

"It's great to have rich relatives," White told the New York Times.

Soundoff (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060104/SPORTS03/601040326/1051)

Hot topics (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060104/SPORTS03/601040398/1051)

Pistons planner (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060104/SPORTS03/601040399/1051)

By the numbers (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060104/SPORTS03/601040400/1051)


~ Booth Newspapers ~

Billups spearheads 4th-quarter charge in Pistons win (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/113637300289040.xml&coll=1)

(http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/113637300289040.xml&coll=1)By A. Sherrod Blakely

The Detroit Pistons can't just expend a little effort to beat a team anymore.

Every opponent now tends to play better than usual against the Pistons, and the Orlando Magic were no exception Tuesday night.

But, though the Magic played one of their best games of the season, the Pistons mustered up enough big plays down the stretch to pull out a 108-99 win.

Point guard Chauncey Billups, who has been the catalyst for the Pistons' best start in franchise history, had a regular-season career-high 37 points and nine assists. His backcourt mate, Richard Hamilton, added 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the field.


~ The Oakland Press ~

Billups said Sheed is team's MVP (http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/010406/spo_2006010411.shtml)
By Dana Gauruder

Chauncey Billups feels flattered to be considered an early NBA Most Valuable Player Award candidate. But in his mind, he's not even the MVP of his team this season.

"I think Rasheed Wallace is the MVP of our team honestly" he said. "For them to be saying that about me, it's kind of surreal. At the same time, it makes me feel good because I put a lot of work into this."

Except for his vastly improved 3-point shooting, Wallace has very similar statistics to last season. He ranks among the top 10 in the league in long-range shooting, but it's his consistency that has impressed Billups.


~ DetroitPistons.com ~

Detroit Pistons Pay Tribute to Bad Boy Extraordinaire for Flashback Friday (http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/flashback_fridays.html)
The Detroit Pistons will honor Bill Laimbeer, arguably the most hated Bad Boy in the history of the NBA, on Friday, January 6 when they host the Seattle Supersonics at 8:00 p.m.

The Pistons will honor Laimbeer, who spent 13 seasons with the Pistons and now serves as a television color analyst, is the head coach of the WNBA Detroit Shock, won two championships and was one of the original “Bad Boys.” Laimbeer is the all-time leading rebounder in Pistons history (9,430 career) and still ranks in the Top Ten in 11 Pistons all-time career categories.


~ Orlando Sentinel ~

League's best team shifts into overdrive (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-magic0406jan04,0,845342.story?coll=orl-magic)
By Brian Schmitz

The Orlando Magic were playing their best basketball of the season.

The Detroit Pistons were playing their best basketball in their history, and the Pistons' history includes three NBA titles.

The Magic brought out the best -- and the beast -- in the Pistons and fell 108-99 at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

The Pistons improved their record to 25-4 -- tops in the NBA -- and continued a march toward an improbable 70-victory season.

The Magic (12-16) came in riding a modest three-game winning streak and showing signs of consistency. They continued playing well and together, extending the game into the fourth quarter before the powerhouse Pistons simply turned it on.

"They turned the screws when they needed to," Magic forward Grant Hill said. "They don't make mistakes. They wait for you to make mistakes."

Saunders first Piston to get consecutive coach-of-month honor (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/113637301489040.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

The Detroit Pistons keep winning, and the praise continues to come Flip Saunders' way.

For the second consecutive month, Saunders was named the Eastern Conference's coach of the month after helping guide the Pistons to a franchise-record 13 wins in December. He is the first Pistons coach to win the award in back-to-back months.

~ Blog: End of the Bench / Most Valuable Network.com ~

Did most NBA players in the Bad Boys era cheat on their wives? Utterly unsubstantiated yet fascinating gossip from a blind source who says he was a Pistons beat writer, at:

http://endofthebench.mostvaluablenetwork.com/general/nba-players-cheat-on-their-wives/

~ Detroit News ~


Pistons: Notebook
Delfino welcomes expanded role (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060105/SPORTS0102/601050349/1127)
Reserve swingman's knee has recovered, and Saunders is getting him more playing time.
By Joanne C. Gerstner

Sometimes all it takes is a little faith.

Pistons reserve swingman Carlos Delfino finally believes, and the positive results are translating to the basketball court.

Delfino, whose 2004-05 rookie season was virtually obliterated by recurring right knee problems and surgeries, is now hitting his stride.

His playing time has gone up the last 10 games, averaging 12.2 minutes. Delfino averaged 8.6 minutes in the first 15 games he played in. He's averaging 3.2 points and 1.5 rebounds overall this season.

NBA: Roundup
Ex-Spartan Cleaves is waived by Sonics (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060105/SPORTS0102/601050347/1127)
Magic place former Piston Hill on inactive list because he has been slowed by a groin injury.Guard Mateen Cleaves was waived by the Seattle Sonics on Wednesday.

A six-year veteran, he played in 19 games this season, averaging 3.7 points and 1.9 assists.

A first-round draft choice of the Pistons in 2000, Cleaves averaged 3.8 points in 159 career games. He also played for Cleveland and Sacramento.

Hill placed on inactive

Magic forward Grant Hill was placed on the inactive list for Wednesday's game against the Raptors because of a strained groin.
Hill, a former Piston who missed the first 19 games this season after sports hernia surgery, was averaging 17.0 points and 4.6 rebounds in nine games.

Dropping in
Webber has hunger for restaurant business (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060105/SPORTS07/601050337/1127/SPORTS0102)
Chris Webber no longer plays with the Kings, but he's keeping ties to Sacramento by opening a restaurant.

Webber, while in town with the Philadelphia 76ers, held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for "Center Court with C Webb."

The family and entertainment restaurant, which will resemble a basketball court, is scheduled to open in October.

Given that Sacramento has been deluged with about 8 inches of rain since Thursday, breaking ground presented a challenge. As Webber walked to the site, his left sneaker was sucked off his foot by mud.

Webber, whose venture calls for 10 more restaurants, said he would like to open a restaurant in Detroit.


~ Detroit Free Press ~


New coach could be tonic for Sonics (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060105/SPORTS03/601050508/1051)
By Chris Silva

The Pistons continue to bulldoze their way through the league.

The Seattle Supersonics continue to struggle, so much so they fired coach Bob Weiss on Tuesday and replaced him with Bob Hill.
And Hill will be thrown into the fire when the Sonics and Pistons meet Friday night at the Palace.

Beating the NBA's hottest team with a new coach could be the boost of confidence the Sonics need. They are 14-17 after Wednesday night's 101-97 victory in Chicago, one season after posting 52 wins and advancing to the Western Conference semifinals under former coach Nate McMillan, who left for Portland this season.


~ Booth Newspapers ~


Pistons will listen, but not seek trade offers (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1136459405294520.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

When you consider the Detroit Pistons' impressive record, it's hard to imagine they would try to change a thing.

However, standing pat, even in good times, has not been a given in recent years.

During the team's 2004 championship season, the Pistons pulled off a three-team blockbuster deal just before the trading deadline that brought them Rasheed Wallace. A year later, they added Carlos Arroyo via a trade from Utah that helped put them in the NBA Finals for the second consecutive season.

The Pistons (25-4) aren't looking to move any players, but they are at least willing to listen to teams wanting to discuss potential trades.

~ Detroit News ~


Pistons: Notebook
Saunders won't do All-Star campaign (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060106/SPORTS0102/601060334/1127)
He calls making any pitch for his players 'lip service' because coaches have an idea on picks.
By JoAnne C. Gerstner

Call The Palace a spin-free, no-politicking zone, at least in coach Flip Saunders' office.

The All-Star game is drawing near, and Saunders will soon have to choose which players he will vote for as reserves. The game is Feb. 19, in Houston, and fans will pick the starters via paper ballots at arenas and on-line voting.

As of Dec. 29, no Piston was the leading fan vote-getter at his position. Fan voting ends Jan. 22.

If the current trends hold, Pistons such as Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton and Ben Wallace likely will have to be picked by the coaches as reserves to be All-Stars.


~Detroit Free Press ~


Pistons attract hoopla aplenty (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060106/SPORTS03/601060386/1051)
team's popularity soars as it wins big
By Krista Latham

Have the Pistons replaced the Red Wings as Detroit's most beloved team?

Has Hockeytown turned into Hoops City?
It's certainly possible.

The Pistons are off to their best start in franchise history -- 25-4. Only seven teams in NBA history have started better.

And that's not all. The Pistons franchise is winning in every other conceivable way.

More fans than ever want tickets. More viewers than ever watch games on television. More browsers than ever read the team's Web site. More shoppers than ever purchase team merchandise.

New bars have opened to feed the basketball frenzy, from the year-old Hoop City Grille in Southfield to the month-old 24 Seconds in Berkley.

Delfino flies solo, watches minutes rise
(http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060106/SPORTS03/601060384/1051)By Chris Silva

He stops whatever drill he's doing for a few seconds and peers over his shoulder to see what his teammates are up to. One day they're involved in a pickup game; the next, a game of horse.

Sometimes Carlos Delfino will join in. Other days, like Thursday, he'll resume his workout at an adjacent basket, where he's usually floating the perimeter, working on his jump shot, conducting drills by himself, quietly adding to his repertoire.

Delfino cherishes his time alone, yet he doesn't consider himself a loner.
"Every time I try to work alone, because when you work alone, you don't have any noise," Delfino said. "You can just focus on you. You focus on what you want."

What Delfino wants he has received: more playing time.


~ Booth Newspapers ~


Saunders knows all about Sonics' nightmare season
(http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1136545802285910.xml&coll=1)By A. Sherrod Blakely

Last season, the Seattle Supersonics looked like a team on the rise, shocking many with their unexpected ascension to the Northwest Division title with a 52-30 regular-season record.

Now, less than a year later, Seattle's team harmony has been replaced by a number of headaches throughout the organization, a scenario Pistons head coach Flip Saunders can relate to.

"We went through a little bit of the same situation (in Minnesota)," Saunders said.

After Saunders led the Timberwolves to the best record in the Western Conference (58-24) two years ago, the personal agendas of some Timberwolves players took precedence over playing to win last season.

That led to a slow start by Minnesota, and Saunders was fired last February.

A similar unraveling is taking shape in Seattle now.

Catchin' up with ASB
(http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/beyondthearc/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_beyondthearc/archives/2006_01.html#103485)The lastest forum musings from MLive.com's Pistons scribe, A. Sherrod Blakely:

On rumors surfacing that Ron Artest will be traded to Golden State for Troy Murphy...

I like that deal for both teams, although I believe Golden State would make out better at first because their division is so weak this year and because of that, Artest could help them not only get into the playoffs, but possibly get to the second round if they get the right first round (Dallas) opponent.

On ex-Michigan State star Mateen Cleaves' release from Seattle Wednesday...

There was more to it than just saving a few bucks. I talked with Mateen a few minutes after he was waived. Money was definitely a factor. But so was the fact that they have a new coach, who wants to play a style that requires guys to shoot the ball well - which as we all know, is probably Mateen's biggest weakness. I think he'll latch on with someone else, but it probably won't be until sometime after the all-star break.


~ The Oakland Press ~


Sonics visit Pistons with Hill in charge
(http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/010606/spo_2006010610.shtml)By Bill Roose

What's happened to the Seattle Supersonics?

Eight months removed from being crowned Northwest Division champions and taking San Antonio to a sixth game in a Western Conference semifi nal, the Sonics are swimming in mediocrity.

Not even to the season's halfway point, the Sonics have fired first-year coach Bob Weiss and replaced him with assistant Bob Hill, who brings his Sonics into the Palace tonight.

The Pistons are well aware that a change of leadership can often breathe new life into a battered team.

"There's always a bounce," coach Flip Saunders said, referring to any midseason coaching change. "You have a new coach; he comes in with a lot of enthusiasm. The players either get new plays, a new system, a new voice. It's like they hear a little bit more right away."


~ DetroitPistons.com ~


Detroit Pistons Reach Milestone of 100 Consecutive Sellouts (http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/100thsellout_060106.html)
Several Expressions of “Thanks” Planned for Fans to Celebrate 100th Consecutive Sell-Out

The Detroit Pistons will sell-out their 100th consecutive game this Friday, January 6 when they host the Seattle Sonics for an 8:00 p.m. contest.

The streak, which began January 19, 2004 during the 2003-04 season, includes regular and post-season games at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Capacity for a basketball game is 22,076.

“This is quite a mark to hit, especially when you consider where we were just five years ago, AND we have the largest building in the NBA,” said Pistons CEO Tom Wilson. “The milestone is a great testament to the loyalty of our fans, and it is also a great testament to the hard work put in by the players and our organization. When you give fans a great experience, they will reward you.”

The Pistons record in the 99 games during the sell-out streak is 78-21 and includes two trips to the NBA Finals in 2004 and 2005.

The front page (http://espn.go.com/) says "That 70 show."

The weekend edition of the 'Daily Dime.' (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dailydime-060106-08)

You can vote (http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/polling?event_id=1952)on 'SportsNation', on whether or not the Pistons will win 70 games.

Here's (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/features/best) a game by game breakdown, comparing the current Pistons season to the year the Bulls won 70.

Read what ESPN.com's experts have to say (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2282744) about the Pistons possibly winning 70 games. And see their picks on whether or not the Pistons can actually do it.

read theat all 12 changed there mind on who wins the east and all of them picked the pistons, but 8 of the 12 still pick the spurs to win it all. they are entitled to there opinion, but i do think detroit is definantly the best team. i don't really care about winning 70 as long as we get homecourt.

Motown Soundtrack: The same boy you’ve always known (http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_15611.shtml)

Could it be time we finally, after three years waiting for it, would get to see Darko and LeBron, nº 2 and 1 of the 2003 draft, in the same court, at the same time, at the same photo frame?

~~Detroit News~~


Pistons overpower Sonics
Strange four-point play leads to 10th straight home victory. (http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060107/SPORTS0102/601070444/1127)
Dana Wakiji / The Detroit News

AUBURN HILLS -- The Pistons have gotten contributions from everyone who has played this season. Friday night, they got a rare assist from the opposing coach.

With the Pistons leading, 83-76, with 4:19 remaining in the game, referee Bob Delaney ruled that new Seattle coach Bob Hill interfered with Rip Hamilton on a three-point attempt. Although Hamilton missed the shot, it was counted as good and Hill also received a technical foul, which Chauncey Billups made to complete a four-point play.


Billups struggles with free throws
He misses three of 11 attempts from charity stripe.
(http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060107/SPORTS0102/601070447/1127)Dana Wakiji / The Detroit News

AUBURN HILLS -- After Friday night's victory over Seattle, the question was, what was more unusual -- Seattle coach Bob Hill getting called for interfering with Rip Hamilton or Chauncey Billups missing three of his 11 free-throw attempts in the game?

"Chauncey missing three free throws," Pistons coach Flip Saunders said. "That's pretty rare for him."


Pistons' challenge: Stay focused through 'dog days' (http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060107/SPORTS0102/601070382/1127)
Brian Mahoney / Associated Press

Before the Detroit Pistons think about winning 70 games, they have to prove they can do something else the Chicago Bulls did: Stay interested.

That might be the biggest challenge for a team that went 24-4 in November and December. The Pistons' first game of 2006 showed how difficult that might be, as they allowed 55 points in the first half and needed a career-high 37 points from Chauncey Billups to beat Orlando 108-99 on Tuesday night.


~~Detroit Free Press~~



PISTONS CORNER: Palace's empty days are a distant memory
(http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060107/SPORTS03/601070343/1051)BY KRISTA LATHAM
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

On Friday night, for the 100th time in a row, 22,076 fans made a Pistons game at the Palace the hottest ticket in town.

The Palace planned to celebrate its 100th straight sellout with an in-game ceremony involving 100 fans.


DETROIT 97, SEATTLE 85: Big Ben super on strange night
Wallace's 21 boards take Pistons to 26-4
(http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060107/SPORTS03/601070366/1051)BY KRISTA LATHAM

Seinfeld fans would have said it was bizarro night at the Palace on Friday night.

Pistons reserve point guard Carlos Arroyo outrebounded forward Rasheed Wallace. Chauncey Billups missed -- gasp! -- three free throws. And the opposing coach, Seattle's Bob Hill, was called for coaching interference. That's right -- coaching interference.


~~Booth Newspapers~~


Detroit 97, Seattle 85
(http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1128334204182940.xml&coll=1)By A. Sherrod Blakely

AUBURN HILLS - It wasn't one of the Detroit Pistons' better games of the season.

But when you're playing as well as they are, even playing less than your best can still net you a win.

Seattle now knows this all too well, as the Pistons made all the necessary plays down the stretch for a 97-85 win.


Saunders knows all about Sonics' nightmare season (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1136545802285910.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

AUBURN HILLS -- Last season, the Seattle Supersonics looked like a team on the rise, shocking many with their unexpected ascension to the Northwest Division title with a 52-30 regular-season record.

Now, less than a year later, Seattle's team harmony has been replaced by a number of headaches throughout the organization, a scenario Pistons head coach Flip Saunders can relate to.

"We went through a little bit of the same situation (in Minnesota)," Saunders said.


~~The Oakland Press~~


Pistons push their way past Sonics
(http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/010706/spo_2006010706.shtml)By DANA GAURUDER

AUBURN HILLS - Pass interference? It happens all the time. Catcher's interference? Every once in awhile.

Coach's interference? Now that's something to talk about.

It happened Friday night during the Pistons' latest victory, a 97-85 win over Seattle. The violation, called against new Sonics coach Bob Hill during a Richard Hamilton 3-point attempt, turned into a bizarre four-point play with 4:19 remaining. That gave Detroit, now 26-4, a commanding 87-76 lead.


~~USA Today~~



Jazz-Pistons Preview (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores106/106007/NBA147836.htm)
GAME: Utah Jazz (16-17) at Detroit Pistons (26-4).

(Also see our Game Thread, located in the January 2006 Forum)

~~Seattle Post Intelligencer~~


Sonics coach crosses line in loss to Detroit
Hill picks up costly technical for interference
(http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/254883_sonx07.html)By GARY WASHBURN

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- There was a realistic chance that the Sonics may not have pulled out a physical, back-and-forth, intense game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night at the Palace.

The Pistons led nearly the entire game and were ahead by seven points when the strangest and one of the most pivotal plays of the season cost the Sonics an opportunity down the stretch. New coach Bob Hill, passionately coaching the Sonics' best performance in weeks, got too involved in the action and was whistled for an extremely rare interference call on Richard Hamilton as he attempted a 3-pointer near the sideline.


~~The Seattle Times~~



Hill's technical for stepping on court helps boost Pistons
(http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sonics/2002725753_soni07.html)By Percy Allen

Sonics coach Bob Hill, right, reacts angrily as he is whistled for a technical foul by official Bob Delaney after Hill stepped on the court during play in the fourth quarter.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — It wasn't exactly Woody Hayes punching Clemson's Charlie Bauman 28 years ago, but Bob Hill admitted he was offside and ventured on the court where he shouldn't have been.

He avoided a collision with Detroit's Richard Hamilton while Hamilton was in the process of lofting a three-pointer, but referee Bob Delaney spotted Hill's dapper loafers on the court and called him for interference.

~~Hoopsworld~~


Give the Pistons Their Props but Let's Not Go Overboard on Them Yet (http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_15592.shtml)

Detroit is still impressively near the top of the league in scoring with about 99.6 PPG but their winning point differential has dropped to a still heady 7.75. However, this is considerably lower than a double digit point differential that the Spurs had about this time last year and far lower that of the Bulls in their championship season that finished with an incredible 12.2 PPG differential in their 72 win season in 1996-97.


~~The Salt Lake Tribune~~
(know your enemy information)


Jazz streak comes to an end
Paul Gasol dominates as the Grizzlies hand the Jazz their first loss after five victories (http://www.sltrib.com/jazz/ci_3380004)
By Phil Miller

What was far more mystifying, though, was the Jazz's collective yawn toward playing the game. Sloan was begging for effort from the start, and other than Kirilenko, who scored 20 points and made eight of 14 shots, he never really got much. This from a team that had not lost in two weeks and trumpeted its renewed confidence in each other.

"I was definitely surprised," Sloan said. "I thought we would come with a lot more energy. I don't know how you could work to get to .500 like we [did], then come out with this kind of effort."

~~SportsIllustrated.com~~



Main men
Nuggets ride Carmelo; Dumars, Popovich open up (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/ian_thomsen/01/06/carmelo/index.html)

"There's a reason we get these shots down the stretch. We execute throughout the course of the game but if you watch us the last five minutes of the game we really exec. We're not just throwing it to a guy and saying, 'Go one-on-one and win it for us.' We're coming down, we're cutting, we're screening hard and we're getting the shots that we want."

~~Detroit News~~



Déja vu? Pistons fall apart vs. Jazz
(http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060108/SPORTS0102/601080403/1127)Detroit blows big lead for second time against Utah, journeyman hits big baskets to seal it.
Chris McCosky

AUBURN HILLS -- Something about the Utah Jazz always brings out the worst in the Pistons.

Remember last season, when the Pistons did not make a single basket in the fourth quarter and still won the game? Remember earlier this season when they blew a 13-point halftime lead and lost in Utah.

The rematch here on Saturday was just as bad.

The Pistons blew a 14-point first half lead. They blew a 12-point fourth quarter lead.


Cuban complains about Pistons, Spurs
(http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060108/SPORTS0102/601080327/1127)Mavericks owner says the most aggressive teams in the league are also the least penalized.
Chris McCosky

AUBURN HILLS -- You hear that noise, kind of shrilly and annoying, coming from the South?

It's another fine whine coming from deep in the heart of Texas.

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban thinks the league's officials might be giving the Pistons and Spurs too much leeway during games, perhaps in deference to their reputations as tough, defensive teams.


~~Detroit Free Press~~



Jazz top Pistons again
(http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060107/SPORTS03/60108004/1051)ASSOCIATED PRESS

AUBURN HILLS -- Andrei Kirilenko had 24 points and 11 rebounds, and former Pistons player Mehmet Okur added 13 points and 17 rebounds as the Utah Jazz beat Detroit for the second time this season, 94-90 in overtime Saturday night.

The win gave Utah a season-series sweep of Detroit and almost as many wins against the Pistons (2) as the rest of the NBA combined (3). The 26-5 Pistons, losers for just the second time in 13 games, had their 10-game home winning streak snapped.


~~Booth Newspapers~~


Palacio's baskets give Jazz OT win against Pistons
(http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/113671860248560.xml&coll=1)By A. Sherrod Blakely

AUBURN HILLS -- This was not how the Detroit Pistons envisioned their rematch against the Utah Jazz.

The Jazz handed the Pistons a humiliating loss in December that bothered the players for weeks.

The Pistons (26-5) played better Saturday night against Utah than in that December loss, but it wasn't enough as the Jazz rallied for a 94-90 overtime win.


~~Salt Lake Tribune~~


Jazz 94, Pistons 90: Reserve power
Palacio, Ostertag key overtime win, season sweep of Detroit
(http://www.sltrib.com/jazz/ci_3382605)By Phil Miller

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - File this away for June: The Pistons absolutely do not want to face the Jazz in the Finals.

Little too strong, perhaps? Little too out-of-the-ozone? Definitely. But while we're on the topic of absurdity and Twilight-Zone storylines, try to fathom this one: Milt Palacio and Greg Ostertag, all but flotsam on the Jazz's bench lately, step forward late in a game against the NBA's best team, on the road, one night after a dispiriting loss, and somehow pull out an overtime victory.


~~Deseret News~~


Jazz post another win over Pistons
Billups' misfire in regulation sends game into overtime
(http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635174800,00.html)By Tim Buckley
Deseret Morning News

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Jazz won Saturday night, and they were still at a loss. A bit uncertain. Just not sure.

All right — downright clueless as to how, after rallying to beat Detroit 94-90 in overtime at The Palace of Auburn Hills, they can now lay claim to having come out on top against the top-shelf Pistons not once but twice this season.

"That's the best team in the league right now. Best in the NBA," said rookie point guard Deron Williams, who sat out when the Jazz shocked the Pistons with a 92-78 victory back on Dec. 12 at the Delta Center. "It feels good to beat them."

But how were they able to do it?


~~The Oakland Press~~


Cuban critical of Pistons, Spurs
(http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/010806/spo_2006010812.shtml)By DANA GAURUDER

AUBURN HILLS - Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban thinks the league's officials have a cozy relationship with the Pistons. The always-opinionated Cuban believes the Pistons and San Antonio Spurs get away with physical play.

"What I don't understand is how the two most aggressive defensive teams in the league are Detroit and San Antonio, yet they've had the fewest fouls called against them," he said. "How does that happen? I don't understand it."


Jazz jolt Pistons
Utah sweeps season series from NBA's best
(http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/010806/spo_2006010806.shtml)By DANA GAURUDER

AUBURN HILLS - If Pat Riley and Rick Carlisle want some tips on how to frustrate the Pistons, they ought to call Utah coach Jerry Sloan. The Jazz always find a way to junk up the game and make the Pistons look rather ordinary.

Last season, the Pistons somehow beat the Jazz at home without scoring a fourth-quarter fi eld goal. Earlier this season, Utah outrebounded Detroit, 55-27, in a 14-point Jazz victory. More ugliness ensued Saturday night at The Palace.

~ Detroit News ~

Pistons: Notebook
Loss to Jazz part of bumpy stretch (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060109/SPORTS0102/601090368/1127)
One remedy to end the lull will be to get increased production out of Rasheed Wallace.
By Chris McCosky

Games like the Pistons' overtime loss to the Jazz on Saturday show the futility of trying to project or prorate victory totals over an 82-game schedule.

Statements like, The Pistons are on pace to win 70 games, don't account for heavy legs, low energy, individual performance lulls or an energy burst from an opponent. But all those things are facts of life in the NBA, and they were all on display Saturday.

"It was just one of them nights," Ben Wallace said.

Actually, the Pistons are fighting through one of those stretches. Since losing at Cleveland on New Year's Eve, Detroit hasn't exactly been firing on all cylinders.

Feedback
Billups can't be only late option (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060109/SPORTS0102/601090354/1127)

From: L.A. Piston
City: Pasadena, Calif.

The last three minutes we are becoming too much Chauncey Billups. We tend to go back to one on one when we get in trouble. The ball needs to move and we need to screen in the fourth quarter even more than the first. Yes, Chauncey can take it once in a while. The last play of regulation was not smart. Sheed was wide open as Kirilenko left him. Chauncey wasn't even looking.

~ Detroit Free Press ~

Midwinter roadwork lies ahead (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060109/SPORTS03/60109003/1051)
By Krista Latham

Time to dust off the suitcases, break out the road jerseys and return to typical NBA life.

The Pistons will say bye-bye to Michigan's gray skies this week with games Tuesday in Oklahoma City against New Orleans and Thursday in San Antonio.

The NBA leaders were home for most of the past three weeks, playing eight of nine games at the Palace. Their only away game during the holiday season was a quick jaunt to Cleveland, Detroit's closest opponent, geographically.

After losing to the Utah Jazz on Saturday night, point guard Chauncey Billups said it's not a bad time to go on the road.

"We love the road," Billups said. "We love playing in opposing buildings. We've been like that for years." Still, no one is doing cartwheels about leaving Michigan for the week.

~ Booth Newspapers ~

Faring well after losses, Pistons take aim at Hornets (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1136805002110490.xml&coll=1)
(http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1136805002110490.xml&coll=1)By A. Sherrod Blakely

The Detroit Pistons' 94-90 overtime loss to the Utah Jazz on Saturday was the kind that players can't easily wash away.

The only way to fully cleanse themselves of that defeat is to do the only thing they know how to do when a winning streak, even a modest two-game streak, ends -- start another one.

The Pistons have been one of the best in the NBA this season at bouncing back from a loss -- they have won each of the four previous games following a defeat by an average of 13.5 points per game.

However, only one of Detroit's four previous losses was followed by a road game.

Inside the Pistons (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1136805014110490.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

A look at the Pistons heading into this week:

Who's hot: The MVP-buzz surrounding Chauncey Billups has died down, in part because of the recent play of teammate Ben Wallace. In three games last week, Wallace shot 52.2 percent from the field while averaging 9.3 points, 15.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocked shots per game.

Who's not: Rasheed Wallace continues to be a defensive presence, but his shooting was woeful last week -- he made just 36.7 of his shots from the field and averaged only nine points per game.

~~Detroit News~~


Ben's beginnings
Alma mater in Virginia becomes his haven
(http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060110/SPORTS0102/601100415/1127)By Joanne C. Gerstner

AUBURN HILLS --There's a special place Ben Wallace goes to be a normal guy.

No screaming fans, no demands on his time, or the other things that are involved with being a very recognizable Piston and NBA All-Star.

Virginia Union, a small, private Division II university in Richmond, is Wallace's alma mater and his retreat. He kicks back, enjoys life and becomes just a guy named Ben who hangs around the gym for summer league games.


Burning questions
Billups is often set up for last shot
(http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060110/SPORTS0102/601100414/1127)By Chris McCosky

Q . I know they call him Mr. Big Shot, but why does Chauncey Billups always have to take the final shot?

A . He doesn't always have to, but most of the time, the ball will be in his hands and it will be up to him to make the final decision. In the loss to Utah on Saturday, the final play of regulation was designed to go to Rasheed Wallace. Billups, though, got knocked off the play, stumbled and fumbled and had to throw up a circus shot.


~~Detroit Free Press~~


They're OK now
Hurricane Katrina left the New Orleans Hornets without a home, but Oklahoma City has embraced the team.
(http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060110/SPORTS03/601100334/1051/SPORTS)BY SHAWN WINDSOR

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It was a sunny morning, play-by-play radio announcer Sean Kelley recalled. And cold.

Especially for late November. Especially in Oklahoma City.


PISTONS CORNER: Hunter's return could shuffle bench
(http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060110/SPORTS03/601100380/1051/SPORTS)BY CHRIS SILVA

The Pistons' bench is still a work in progress.

And with guard Lindsey Hunter expected to return soon, coach Flip Saunders said he's considering a timed rotation, meaning reserves will come off the bench at specific points during a game.


~~Booth Newspapers~~


Because of new suspension rule, Wallace's technicals a concern (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1136891402178520.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

AUBURN HILLS -- It's unlikely the Detroit Pistons would ask Rasheed Wallace to temper his emotions, but the number of technical fouls he has picked up lately is reason to be concerned.

In Saturday's loss to Utah, Wallace received his fourth technical in the last seven games. A new NBA rule this season regarding technical fouls includes the possibility of suspensions. If a player picks up his 16th technical of the season, he will be suspended for a game. After that, for every other technical (18, 20, 22, etc.), that player would be suspended for a game.


Faring well after losses, Pistons take aim at Hornets (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1136805002110490.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

AUBURN HILLS -- The Detroit Pistons' 94-90 overtime loss to the Utah Jazz on Saturday was the kind that players can't easily wash away.

The only way to fully cleanse themselves of that defeat is to do the only thing they know how to do when a winning streak, even a modest two-game streak, ends -- start another one.

The Pistons have been one of the best in the NBA this season at bouncing back from a loss -- they have won each of the four previous games following a defeat by an average of 13.5 points per game.

Darko needs to get regular playing time (http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/011006/spo_2006011008.shtml)
By Pat Caputo

They are talented. They are together. They are the best team in the NBA.

The Pistons, however, are not perfect. You have to look no further than the end of their bench to see why.

There, night after night, sits Darko Milicic. He was the second overall pick in the NBA draft in 2003, you know. The Pistons passed on Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to select him, remember? And they are paying Milicic more than $3 million per year.

For what? He hasn't played the last five games nor in eight of the last 10. He hasn't played more than a minute in any game since Dec. 17.

It makes no sense whatsoever.

~ Detroit News ~

Poise earns Pistons victory (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/SPORTS0102/601110435/1127)
With game up for grabs in a hostile environment, a clutch 12-0 run takes sting out of the Hornets.
By Chris McCosky

It was like playing a pro game at Cameron Indoor Stadium or the Breslin Center.

But playing the young, spunky Hornets was nothing like playing a college team.

The fans stand and stomp and scream for just about the entire game.
They don't sit at all until the home team scores its first basket.

San Antonio, Miami and three other division leaders wilted in this atmosphere. The Pistonsflexed not only their defensive muscle, but also their championship poise. With the Hornets trailing by a point, the Pistons scored 12 straight and held the Hornets without a basket for more than six minutes down the stretch to improve their record to 27-5 (13-3 on the road).

Pistons already have midseason acquisition: Hunter (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/SPORTS08/601110331/1127/SPORTS0102)
By Rob Parker

In 13 NBA seasons, Lindsey Hunter has learned the value of patience.
Hunter wants nothing more than to get back on the court and join the Pistons on their magical victory tour. Five years ago, Hunter, recovering from surgery on his left ankle, probably would have been back already.

But Hunter knows it would be silly to rush back and possibly re-injure himself. Hunter knows his value, as do the Pistons. It's in the postseason that the team needs a defensive spark off the bench.

"It's a lot easier to accept now," said Hunter, who hasn't played this season. "Being in the league as many years as I have been in and understanding what goes on and how our team is put together, I'm cool.

"When I was younger, I would have been eager to try to rush myself and probably go before I'm ready."

Saunders OK with his choices (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/SPORTS0102/601110353/1127)
Coach had chances to coach Oklahoma City's CBA team, but better jobs soon came along.
By Chris McCosky

Sometimes a person will look back on his life, at a certain choice he made, and wonder how things might have turned out differently had he gone in another direction.

Pistons coach Flip Saunders was experiencing a little bit of that here before the game.

"Yeah, you never know," he said.

Thing is, Saunders knows he made the right call back in 1991, when he walked away from the chance to be the head coach of the CBA franchise in Oklahoma City. It seems like a no-brainer now, as Saunders, in his 11th NBA season, is coaching the NBA's best team.

Detroit's top sports moments will be recognized (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/SPORTS0106/601110333/1127/SPORTS0102)
Festivities will take place during the week of Super Bowl at black-tie event at Fox Theatre.
By Mike O'Hara

A galaxy of stars representing a cross section of great athletes and performances spanning more than a century will be toasted and honored in the opening ceremonies for Super Bowl XL.

The top 40 moments in Detroit sports will be presented at "A Salute to Detroit" on Jan. 30 at the Fox Theatre.

They range from the 1901 University of Michigan point-a-minute football team to the Pistons' team that won the 2004 NBA championship.

"These moments are not only part of Detroit, but defining moments throughout the world of sports," Super Bowl XL Host Committee chairman Roger Penske said in a statement announcing the top 40 moments in Detroit's sports history.

The athletes or representatives of those involved in the top 40 events will be honored at a black-tie dinner at the Fox. Sportscaster Mike Tirico of ESPN and ABC will emcee the event.

Top 40 moments in Detroit sports history (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/SPORTS0106/601110366/1127/SPORTS0102)


~ Detroit Free Press ~

Pistons hold off pesky Hornets, run record to 27-5 (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/SPORTS03/601110472/1051)
By Krista Latham

Five other one-time division leaders had entered the Ford Center and left losers.
San Antonio. Miami. Minnesota. Philadelphia. L.A. Clippers.

The Hornets almost added the Pistons to that list. Detroit lagged through the first half, rallied in the third quarter, then nearly lost in the fourth quarter to the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday night.

That's when the Pistons' resolve and savvy -- not to mention big buckets from all the usual suspects -- quieted a capacity crowd of 19,260 straight out of March Madness central casting and halted the Hornets' rally.

Instead, the team with the NBA's best record won, 96-86, and is 27-5 heading into the final regular-season showdown with the Spurs, Thursday night in San Antonio.

PISTONS MIDSEASON GRADES: Easy A (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/SPORTS03/601110418/1051)
The only F's on this team are for 'Fros
By Krista Latham

Before each game, regardless of the opponent or the city, the same scene unfolds in the locker room.

Center Ben Wallace plugs in the team's stereo. And as the Pistons pull on socks and shoes, they glance at the big-screen TV in the corner and bop to hip-hop music. They laugh and joke and stay loose.

Closer to game time, the coaching staff enters. Head coach Flip Saunders tells Wallace he's ready to go, and he doesn't have to ask twice. Wallace flicks off the music.

Saunders gives his final thoughts about the upcoming game, and the players sit and listen.

He doesn't have to ask them to focus. They just do.

Then, as they leave the locker room, shooting guard Richard Hamilton says, "Let's get on them early." And Wallace replies, "Let's take care of business."

Every game. Just like clockwork.

Starters slump, but wins keep coming (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/SPORTS03/601110419/1051)
By Krista Latham

Here's a luxury the Pistons have that few other NBA teams can claim:

One or two starters can have total off nights -- nights in which their shooting stinks like morning breath and their legs are filled with paperweights -- and usually, the team still wins.

You'd think that on a team built around the idea that it excels as a unit, not as individual stats, that a bad night for any starter might throw everything out of whack.

One night, a player might carry the load, then rely on someone else the next game.

Or Tayshaun Prince will help out in one way, then do something different to contribute another night.

Forget 400 thread-count sheets. Versatility and margin for error, that's luxury.

Now watch Piston games on your PC (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/SPORTS03/601110412/1051)
By Mark Francescutti

Missed the Pistons' game last night? Forgot to set your VCR or TiVo? No problem.

Google and the NBA are now offering games for $3.95 each at video.google.com/nba.html. It's fairly easy to use the service. Just set up a free Google account (which gives you a free 1GB e-mail box) and download the video player. Within five minutes, everything is set up.

A Darko Christmas (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/SPORTS03/601110406/1051)
By Chris Silva

Pistons reserve Darko Milicic didn't celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25, nor did he exchange presents. Instead, Milicic, a Serbia-Montenegro native, celebrated the Serbian Orthodox Christian Christmas with his family on Jan. 7. And, judging by what happened, this should be a very good year for the third-year player. How he spent his holiday:

Saunders wants to mix old, young (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/SPORTS03/601110405/1051)
(http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/SPORTS03/601110405/1051)By Krista Latham

Pistons coach Flip Saunders clarified his plans for reworking bench rotations before Tuesday night's 96-86 victory over the Hornets, saying he wants to make sure he mixes his less experienced reserves with starters and vice versa.

That means he'll get Chauncey Billups more time with young wings like Carlos Delfino and Maurice Evans, and backup guard Carlos Arroyo additional court time with veterans like Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince.

Saunders hopes that encourages consistent production throughout the game and takes pressure off the bench.

Pistons planner (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/SPORTS03/601110426/1051)

Soundoff (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/SPORTS03/601110316/1051)

NBA Ticker (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060111/SPORTS03/601110322/1051)


~ The Oakland Press ~

Pistons hold off hornet's (http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/011106/spo_2006011107.shtml)
By Dana Gauruder

The league's top rookie showed his grit. The league's newest city showed its enthusiasm. In the end, the league's most successful team showed its veteran poise.

Leading by only one halfway through the fourth quarter, the Pistons scored 12 unanswered points to silence a raucous capacity crowd and outlast the youthful New Orleans/ Oklahoma City Hornets on Tuesday night, 96-86.

Detroit was playing for the fi rst time in Ford Center, the Hornets' temporary home while the New Orleans Arena is repaired. The Hornets fed off the crowd energy, and their slippery point guards fouled out both Chauncey Billups and Carlos Arroyo. But there was no substitute for experience, as the Hornets couldn't score for nearly three minutes while the Pistons pulled away.

Saunders knows OK city well (http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/011106/spo_2006011111.shtml)
By Dana Gauruder

Most of the Pistons players found themselves in unfamiliar territory Tuesday, unlike their head coach. Flip Saunders has passed through this city many times during his coaching career - and once came very close to unpacking his bags for an extended stay.

Oklahoma City had a Continental Basketball Association team from 1990 until 1997, when the franchise folded. Prior to the team's second season, Oklahoma City Cavalry president Chip Land courted Saunders to become the team's head coach. Land felt he had a handshake agreement with Saunders, but the coach opted to stay in the Midwest and remain the coach of the CBA's La Crosse (Wis.) Catbirds.

The Cavalry made another pitch to Saunders prior to the 1994 season, but Saunders chose to coach in Sioux Falls. A year later, Saunders' former college teammate, Kevin McHale, gave him a front-office position with the Minnesota Timberwolves and, 20 games into that season, Saunders was named head coach.


~ Booth Newspapers ~

Hamilton carries offense in Pistons 96-86 win over Hornets (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1136977818270120.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

Scorer. Rebounder. Hey, how about playing point guard, too?

Richard Hamilton did a little bit of everything in helping the Detroit Pistons pull away in the second half for a 96-86 win against the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets on Tuesday.

Hamilton had a game-high 30 points and five rebounds as Detroit (27-5) improved its road record to 13-3 this season.

After point guards Chauncey Billups and Carlos Arroyo each fouled out in the fourth quarter, the Pistons finished the game with the 6-foot-7 Hamilton as the primary ball-handler.

Arroyo produces when called upon (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1136977823270120.xml&coll=1)
(http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1136977823270120.xml&coll=1)By A. Sherrod Blakely

Sooner or later, Carlos Arroyo was going to get an opportunity to play more.

The only issue was whether it would be for the Detroit Pistons or another NBA team.

Arroyo, who has been the subject of trade talks throughout the league, showed why he may be a player coveted by other teams.

With starting point guard Chauncey Billups in foul trouble, Arroyo made the most of the extra playing time in the Pistons' 96-86 win against the New Orleans Hornets.


~ DetroitPistons.com ~

Pistons Center Ben Wallace and PS&E President Tom Wilson Unveil New “RAC Room” (http://www.nba.com/pistons/community/pistons_rac_060103.html)
Pistons and Rent-A-Center Team Up for Recreation Room Remodeling Program

Detroit Pistons center Ben Wallace and Palace Sports & Entertainment President and CEO Tom Wilson helped unveil a new “RAC Room” at the Fauver-Martin Boys and Girls Club on January 5, 2006. The grand opening of the newly remodeled room was the first in a series of three in the Pistons RAC Room program.

"I'm am happy to be part of this grand opening at the Boys and Girls Club," said Wallace. "This RAC room will give kids an even better reason to use the club and gives them a place where they can spend their free time in a positive way."

The Pistons RAC Room at the Fauver-Martin Boys and Girls Club will be used daily by more than 200 children, before and after school, giving them a fun and safe place to gather. The Pistons-themed refurbishment will include new sofas, a big-screen television, stereo, video game consoles, computers, and more – all furnished by Rent-A-Center – in addition to Pistons memorabilia.


~ The Times-Picayune ~

SPARK PLUGGED (http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1136962817109650.xml)
Chris Paul returns to lineup, but Pistons throttle Hornets

By Benjamin Hochman

Seventy minutes before every Hornets' home game, four team statisticians meet with Coach Byron Scott. Then, as protocol goes, one will ask Scott for the Hornets' official starting lineup.

Knowing guard Chris Paul had a torn thumb ligament, and Speedy Claxton was chosen the starter for Tuesday night's game against Detroit, one statistician flippantly asked Scott: "Any changes to the lineup?"

Scott, trying to hold back his smile, said, "C.P. for Speedy." One guy even high-fived Scott.

Tuesday's surprising news that Paul was cleared to play energized Hornets fans, and the rookie, in turn, energized the Hornets, despite their 96-86 loss to the NBA's top team. Once expected to be out for two weeks to a month, Paul, who tore a ligament in his right thumb against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night, returned to the starting lineup four days later and scored 13 points in 32 minutes to go along with his team-high five assists

'Birdman' starting to take off (http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1136964501109650.xml)
(http://www.nola.com/hornets/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1136964501109650.xml)By Benjamin Hochman

Lately, there hadn't been much to flap about for Hornets backup center Chris "Birdman" Andersen. But on Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons, the Birdman found himself in a refreshing situation -- doing his bird-wing hand symbol, which customarily follows a slam dunk.

In the second quarter at the Ford Center, Andersen received a pass from Speedy Claxton and threw down a slam -- which, of course, led to the hand symbol. On the Hornets' next possession, Andersen made another dunk to give the Hornets a 34-30 lead.

January has been kind to Andersen, who came off a lackluster December. After being benched against Charlotte on Jan. 2, he played 20, 21, and 10 minutes in the next three games. He entered the game against the Pistons averaging 17.7 minutes, 5.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.

He finished Tuesday night's game with four points and three rebounds.

~~Detroit News~~


Red-hot Pistons make run at 70
(http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060112/SPORTS0102/601120336/1127)Only Jordan-led Bulls have topped season milestone. Is it Detroit's year?
Angelique S. Chengelis and Chris McCosky

AUBURN HILLS -- Jeff Reiter is an unabashed sports fanatic. He knows sports, he talks sports, and he appreciates their relevance in the everyday life of Metro Detroit.

These days, the Pistons dominate his attention.

Winning will do that, especially this season with the club off to a torrid 27-5 start and speculation that the team might reach the NBA's magical number of 70 regular-season victories.

In Hockeytown, the Pistons just might be the hottest game in town.


Rematch means more to Spurs than Pistons
(http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060112/SPORTS0102/601120415/1127)Popovich says his team isn't playing up to its potential, sees tonight's game as a wake-up call.
Chris McCosky

SAN ANTONIO -- If you think the Pistons are going to walk into the SBC Center tonight feeling a rash of negative nostalgia and weeping fresh tears in memory of their Game 7 loss to the Spurs last June, well, you haven't met these guys.

"Nah, man," Pistons guard Chauncey Billups said when asked if he felt anything when he walked back into the arena for practice on Wednesday. "Nothing. Just back to work."


~~Detroit Free Press~~


PISTONS CORNER: Intensity subdued vs. Spurs
(http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060112/SPORTS03/601120553/1051/SPORTS)Midseason game lacks pizzazz of playoffs
BY KRISTA LATHAM

SAN ANTONIO -- Seven months ago, this was where the championship changed hands.

This was the building where the final shots wouldn't fall, where the confetti dropped and the streamers fell and the champagne flowed for the other guys.


Pistons swat pesky Hornets
(http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060112/SPORTS03/601120557/1051/SPORTS)Billups takes sting out of late charge
BY KRISTA LATHAM

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Five other one-time division leaders had entered the Ford Center and left losers.

San Antonio. Miami. Minnesota. Philadelphia. L.A. Clippers.

The Hornets almost added the Pistons to that list. Detroit lagged through the first half, rallied in the third quarter, then nearly lost in the fourth quarter to the New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday night.


~~Booth Newspapers~~


Pistons focus on gaining a little revenge in San Antonio (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1137064202113120.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

SAN ANTONIO -- The Detroit Pistons have no intention of dwelling on the last game they played here at the AT&T Center (formerly the SBC Center). That's when their run at a second consecutive NBA title ended with an 81-74 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the NBA Finals last spring.

However, there's no denying that loss has served as the catalyst for what has been an unprecedented start to a season by the Pistons, who have the league's best record (27-5) heading into tonight's game.


~~The Oakland Press~~


Pistons, Spurs set to tangle
(http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/011206/spo_2006011207.shtml)By DANA GAURUDER

SAN ANTONIO - The psychiatrist's couch will have to wait. Meaningful therapy to alleviate the Pistons' inner demons remains months away. Even a return to the horror scene Wednesday failed to get them to open up.

They entered San Antonio's SBC Center for the first time since losing Game 7 of last season's Finals, holding a short practice for tonight's meeting of the NBA's premier teams. A Pistons victory cannot undo the emotional damage still buried deep inside of them.


~~San Antonio Express News~~



Mike Monroe: Detroit follows its freed leader in Billups (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/columnists/mmonroe/stories/MYSA011206.1C.COL.BKNmonroe.pistons.17caa5db.html)

Monroe Keeping it real about the Detroit Pistons, who are 27-5 entering their game tonight on a court where they were last seen losing to the Spurs in Game 7 of the 2005 NBA Finals:

Yes, the Pistons have been the NBA's best team this season.

No, they aren't going to win 70 games.


Spurs-Pistons fight to finish finds Round 2 (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA011206.1C.BKNspurs.pistons.main.17caaa44.html)
Johnny Ludden

The oversized championship belt Rasheed Wallace slung over his shoulder 6 1/2 months ago was missing, as was much of the nostalgia. Even the SBC logo on the court beneath the feet of the Detroit Pistons would be replaced by day's end.

As Wallace and his teammates picked up their practice gear and walked off the floor at the newly christened AT&T Center on Wednesday afternoon, the only reminder of last season's NBA Finals was a banner commemorating the Spurs' title.

It hung in the arena's north rafters. Understandably, the Pistons declined to genuflect in its presence.

"That Game 7," Wallace said, "left us messed up."

The rest of the league since has felt Detroit's frustration.

~~The Sports Network~~


Pistons prepare for big game
(http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nba/news/acn3998321.htm)
(Sports Network) - The 27-5 Detroit Pistons continue to post an amazing .844 winning percentage and lead the tough Central Division by seven games. Four of the five teams in the division have winning records. Only one other division can match that production (Pacific).

The Pistons' latest effort was a 96-86 win over the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets at the Ford Center. Richard Hamilton poured in 30 points to pace Detroit. Chauncey Billups contributed 18 points and six assists for the Pistons, who have won three of their last four contests. Rasheed Wallace added 15 points and Tayshaun Prince scored 12 for Detroit.


Pistons' Arroyo suspended one game (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nba/news/acn3998359.htm)

New York, NY (Sports Network) - The National Basketball Association announced Wednesday that Detroit Pistons guard Carlos Arroyo has been suspended one game without pay stemming from an incident that occurred in Tuesday night's win over New Orleans/Oklahoma City.

~~MSNBC~~


Pistons, Spurs to clash in meeting of NBA’s best (http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10810968/)
Detroit (27-5), San Antonio (27-8) own the league's top records

(Associated Press) SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons have the top records in the league and one more game against each other on Thursday night before going their separate ways for the rest of the season. If they do meet again it will be for another NBA title.

The two teams met on Christmas Day in a rematch of last season’s NBA finals and Detroit held San Antonio to just eight points in the first quarter and clamped down on the Spurs’ offense in the fourth in a 85-70 win.

That point total was the lowest of the season for the Spurs, and the Pistons expect the rematch to also be dominated by defense.

~~The Austin American-Statesman~~


Spurs face summit meeting against Pistons tonight
(http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/other/01/12spurs.html)San Antonio, with second-best record, faces league's top team
By T.A. Badger

SAN ANTONIO — To improve their chances in tonight's game against the Detroit Pistons, the San Antonio Spurs should forget their latest victory.

The Spurs beat New Jersey 96-91 on Tuesday to end the Nets' 10-game winning streak, but San Antonio's fourth-quarter fade — a 16-point lead slashed to four in the final minute — might have been fatal against Detroit, which comes into the game with the NBA's best record.

Don't forget to check our game thread for some re-match thoughts and statistics. We'd love to hear your take before and after the game. And while the game is going on, why not hook up with some of the best fans in our game chat? *Link* (http://www.pistonsforum.com/january-2006-games/1005-detroit-san-antonio-jan-12th-2006-a-new-post.html)

A win too far (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AtJwnYEJZfoxnzdqZSDRzY.8vLYF?slug=cnnsi-awintoofar&prov=cnnsi&type=lgns)
By Marty Burns

Earlier this season, with his Pistons en route to a 24-3 start, Detroit guard Chauncey Billups was asked about his team's chances of winning 72 games and catching Michael Jordan's 1995-96 Bulls for the best single-season record of all time.

"That's just crazy," Billups said. "I can't even fathom that."

Turns out Billups was right.

The Pistons go into Thursday's big showdown at San Antonio with a 27-5 record (.844). Impressive. Remarkable. Amazing.

And yet nowhere near good enough to warrant any more talk about 72 wins -- at least until the All-Star break.

The NBA season is grueling, and makes it increasingly tough on teams to avoid pitfalls as the calender drags into February, March and April. With five losses, Detroit is already halfway to the tragic number of 10 defeats -- with 50 games still to play.

~ Detroit News ~


Pistons 83-Spurs 68
Pistons pummel Spurs (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060113/SPORTS0102/601130417/1127)
Detroit pulls another inside job, hoards boards
By Chris McCosky

Rasheed Wallace put it straight.

"They still got the overall victory," Wallace said, after his 27-point effort led the Pistons to an 83-68 pasting of the world champion Spurs. "We got a couple of moral victories with these two wins in the regular season, but they still got the overall victory. They still got us in Game 7 (of the NBA Finals last June).

"We are just trying to get back there and get back what is ours."

The Pistons' two romps in less than three weeks, though, might resonate a little bit louder in the Spurs' ears. It was bad enough to get routed at The Palace on Christmas Day, but to lose the badly at home, that doesn't happen. It was the first time the Pistons have beaten the Spurs in San Anotnio since 1996-97.

Pistons: Notebook
Lack of calls angers Billups (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060113/SPORTS0102/601130386/1127)
Guard is frustrated over not getting whistle when opposing defenses play more physical style.
By Chris McCosky

Chauncey Billups had a deep cut over one eye and several blotches on his arms.

And he didn't shoot a single free throw in 41 minutes of intense action in the Pistons' 83-68 rout of the Spurs on Thursday night.

"Just another one of those times I got beat up and didn't get a call," he said, explaining the gash. Billups was a picture of frustration for the better part of three quarters. While he wasn't getting any calls when he had the ball, he picked up three quick fouls at the other end. He felt the officials were punishing him for being stronger than Spurs guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

"I guess that's the way they are going to defend me, now," Billups said.


~ Detroit Free Press ~


Playoff intensity (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060113/SPORTS03/601130458/1051)
Pistons sweep season series against defending champions
By Krista Latham

By June, Thursday night's game between the Spurs and the Pistons will be just a blip in the memory bank. Another mostly meaningless night in an 82-game schedule.

But judged by emotion, level of play, intensity, you name it, this was as close as it gets to a playoff game in January.

One with a result Pistons fans hope to see again.

Detroit (28-5) beat the defending champions, 83-68, on the same floor on which they lost their championship seven months ago.

After the Pistons dominated the first quarter, the closest the Spurs got was six, and the Pistons earned a season sweep that means homecourt advantage in the NBA Finals -- should both teams finish with the same record.

Acker gets long-awaited call to duty (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060113/SPORTS03/601130393/1051)
By Krista Latham

All day Thursday, rookie point guard Alex Acker paced his hotel room, worked his cell phone and tried to calm his nerves.

"My phone bill's a little high right now," he said.

He had to spread the word that Thursday night, he'd get his first chance to dress for an NBA game, if not play.

For the Pistons' first 32 games, Acker sat dressed in a suit on the bench as one of the team's three inactive players.

But backup point guard Carlos Arroyo served a one-game suspension Thursday for initiating contact with an official in Tuesday's game, and Lindsey Hunter was rehabbing in Detroit.

Acker looked at the roster and figured he'd get to put on his No. 6 jersey for the first time.

"I got the feeling" as soon as Arroyo bumped the referee, Acker said. "It was just a matter of time before they told me."


~ Booth Newspapers ~


Motivated Rasheed helps Pistons dominate NBA's second-best team 83-68
(http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1128526801240591.xml&coll=1)By A. Sherrod Blakely

When you talk to other players and coaches throoughout the NBA, most will tell you that Detroit's Rasheed Wallace, when motivated, can be one of the most dominating players around.

Consider him fully motivated, at least when it comes to playing the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs.

Wallace set the tone with his inside scoring and continued his assault on the Spurs from the perimeter as the Pistons took control and never let up in a surprisingly decisive 83-68 win.

And while there were several Pistons who played a part in the win, none stood as tall as Wallace.

He finished with a season-high 27 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and a blocked shot.

On top of that, he was instrumental in limiting San Antonio's Tim Duncan to 17 points on 17 shot attempts.

"When he's playing the way he played tonight, we're unbeatable," said Detroit's Antonio McDyess.

Prince is a 'luxury' because of his versatility (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/112852140166650.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

Tayshaun Prince doesn't lead the Detroit Pistons in scoring, rebounds or assists.

Instead, he leads them in most positions played, showcasing on Thursday night against San Antonio why he's considered one of the NBA's most versatile players.

That ability to play multiple positions was among the many factors in Detroit's 83-68 win over the Spurs.

The 6-foot-9 Prince, who was the team's backup point guard against the Spurs, finished with his third double-double of the season, scoring 13 points to go along two assists and a career-high 12 rebounds.


~ The Oakland Press ~


Spurs can't stop Sheed (http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/011306/spo_2006011307.shtml)
Pistons forward schools champs
By Dana Gauruder

Chauncey Billups calls Rasheed Wallace the Pistons' most valuable player. A motivated Wallace has made the Pistons the best team in the league the first half of the NBA season. The source of Wallace's determination is Detroit's Game 7 loss to San Antonio in last season's Finals, which convinced him to come to training camp lighter and hungrier than ever. On Thursday, Wallace gave the Spurs and their fans a firsthand look at how much he wants the title.

Led by their emotional power forward, the Pistons physically dominated the Spurs for the second time this season and swept the season series with an 83-68 win. Wallace outplayed Tim Duncan, racking up 27 points, 10 rebounds and four assists as the Pistons led by double digits most of the game.

"He's one of the great ones, and the great ones make it easy for everybody," Billups said. "When he's rolling, everybody has easy shots and everybody gets the shots they want because they have to gear their defense to stopping him. They have to shift their whole focus."

Pistons unlikely to get Atkins (http://theoaklandpress.com/stories/011306/spo_2006011311.shtml)
By Dana Gauruder

Don't get too excited about reports that the Pistons have talked to the Washington Wizards about Chucky Atkins.

The Wizards are shopping around the disgruntled ex-Piston guard, but the only way to make that feasible for Detroit would be to trade Arroyo even up for him. That wouldn't make sense for Washington, even though the salaries are close (Atkins makes $4.5 million, Arroyo $4 million).
Atkins has an expiring contract, while Arroyo has two years left on his deal.

The Pistons have plenty of depth at that spot once Lindsey Hunter returns from his ankle rehab, which could be as soon as next week. New York and Memphis are reportedly interested in Atkins, Detroit's starting point guard before it signed Chauncey Billups.


~ San Antonio Express-News ~


Detroit's rebounding edge sends Spurs scuffling in loss (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA011306.8D.BKNspurs.rebounding.1d1f4834.html)
By Mike Monroe

After getting outrebounded by 27 in the Christmas Day loss at The Palace of Auburn Hills, the Spurs were nearly as impotent on the boards on their AT&T Center court Thursday night.

"We're going to have to take a look at the tape tomorrow to see what was the problem, but the numbers tell," center Rasho Nesterovic said. "Go by the numbers."

The numbers to go by Thursday were these: 56 Pistons rebounds to 32 for the Spurs. Worse yet for the Spurs, the Pistons had 16 offensive rebounds, resulting in 10 second-chance points.

The Spurs were so badly outrebounded that they weren't certain what to make of the differential. They seemed to be in partial denial of the truth.
"They're not that much better a rebounding team," said Tim Duncan, more perplexed than angry. "Until I saw the stat sheet I didn't know they had that many offensive rebounds. I thought we did a solid job on the boards. The effort was there."

Wallace's 'hoopin' sets Pistons' tone (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA011306.8D.BKNspurs.rasheed.1d1f4817.html)
By Mike Finger

To hear most of the Detroit Pistons tell it, establishing Rasheed Wallace's presence against the Spurs on Thursday was part of a preconceived master plan, hashed out in scouting reports and stressed in pre-game meetings.

But after a performance in which Wallace dominated from his tone-setting opening salvo until his final shot, he insisted there was no real method to his magnificence.

"It's just hoopin'," Wallace said of his 27-point, 12-rebound outburst in an 83-68 victory over the Spurs at the AT&T Center. "It ain't no concentrated effort or nothing."

Regardless of how it came about, there was little doubt about the extent of the havoc Wallace wreaked. He made the first three baskets of the game on consecutive possessions and had 10 points by the end of the first quarter.

The Pistons, who swept the two-game season series with the Spurs and won a regular-season game in San Antonio for the first time since April 2, 1997, fed off Wallace's early energy, jumping to a 20-point lead in the second quarter.

Minute by minute, the Spurs can see the changes (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/columnists/bharvey/stories/MYSA011306.1D.COL.BKNharvey.spurs.1d1f3b32.html)
By Buck Harvey

So how did the Spurs beat the Pistons four times in June?

Then, Tim Duncan had ankle problems instead of foot problems. Nazr Mohammed played. Tony Parker often had games where he had an assist. And Big Shot Rob lined up threes instead of Big Shot Rasheed.

But there was something else then. Manu Ginobili finished games and started them, too, cutting through the same solid, overwhelming Pistons who were solid and overwhelming Thursday night.

The Spurs needed every Argentine bead of sweat then to win the title, and Ginobili averaged more than 38 minutes in those four wins in June.

This season?

He's played a total of 28 minutes in the Spurs' two losses to Detroit.

Motown Soundtrack: Don’t tell me that it’s over (http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_15697.shtml)

There was one thing tonight’s 83-68 victory over the Spurs prove: that the Pistons are indeed running with a vengeance and if you’re not playing with all of your intensity and quality, you will not beat them. They can be playing at 100%, 50%, 80%, whatever. Like brothas say, they on a mission.

Spurs should fear finals matchup with Pistons (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5243598)
By Charley Rosen

As the NBA is currently constituted, San Antonio and Detroit are by far the league's best teams.

Barring untimely injuries to any of their core players — or any forthcoming trades that might hugely benefit other ball clubs — it's highly likely that the Spurs and the Pistons will meet again with the championship at stake in June.

Besides Thursday's date in San Antonio, the only regular-season game between these two rivals occurred in Detroit on Christmas Day, resulting in a lop-sided 85-70 victory for the home team. The key factor then was the Pistons' smothering defense, which limited the Spurs to only eight first-quarter points and which also stifled the Spurs' point-making prowess at the end of the game.

The challenge for San Antonio on Thursday was to devise and execute appropriate tweaks in their previous offensive game plan, while Detroit's goal was to keep on keeping on.

Not surprisingly, the determining factor in Detroit's overwhelming 83-68 win was the continued efficiency of their defense and the Spurs' failure to make suitable adjustments.

(Slow news day. And I wish the Oakland press would get their stuff in gear and start updating their site earlier everyday. Unlike all the other papers, they don't update their site until around 7:30-8:30 a.m. Every single day they have me waiting to post my update. OK, enough of my rant. On to the news...)

~ Detroit Free Press ~


Prince proves point verses the Spurs (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060114/SPORTS03/601140346/1051)
By Kristen Latham

Tayshaun Prince, backup point guard?

"We'll see," Pistons coach Flip Saunders said.

That was Saunders' reaction after watching Prince relieve point guard Chauncey Billups for portions of Thursday night's 83-68 whipping of the San Antonio Spurs. With usual backup Carlos Arroyo serving a one-game suspension, Saunders had only two options -- plug in rookie Alex Acker, who hadn't played all season, or use Prince and see what happened.

Turned out, Saunders liked what he saw. He left open the possibility Prince could back up Billups again.

"He did a pretty nice job," Saunders said. "He executed, and we do cause some matchup problems. We're long, and it helps us rebound. I don't know. We'll have to see. You never know."


~ Booth Newspapers ~


Pistons defense proves it can use power or speed to win (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1137237010296830.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

Just imagine a vehicle that can change from being a military tank into a sports car.

Now you have some idea of what opponents of the Detroit Pistons deal with -- they don't know if they're going to get run over, or if the Pistons will just run past them.

Detroit's much-improved offense has received a lot of credit for the team's 28-5 start. However, it is the Pistons stingy defense, especially against the best teams, that keeps them among the NBA's elite.

Detroit proved that point in emphatic fashion with an 83-68 win against the defending champion San Antonio Spurs on Thursday.

(Slow news day. And I wish the Oakland press would get their stuff in gear and start updating their site earlier everyday. Unlike all the other papers, they don't update their site until around 7:30-8:30 a.m. Every single day they have me waiting to post my update. OK, enough of my rant. On to the news...) Don't worry Zo, I got this one. ;)

~~The Oakland Press~~


Pistons cruise into cushy stretch (http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/011406/spo_2006011407.shtml)
By DANA GAURUDER

Every team wants one. Only the truly talented and cohesive teams get one.

Like the commercials for a certain office supply store, the Pistons have an "Easy" button.

Just look at what they did to the defending champion San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night.

They got Tim Duncan frazzled. They threw up a roadblock against Tony Parker, the league's top scorer in the paint. They made the Spurs' strong complementary players disappear. They executed their offense with the precision of a first-class pianist playing Beethoven.

~Sportsline.com~

For now, Pistons clearly leading Spurs in mind game (http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/9163600)
by Tony Mejia
Gregg Popovich won't want to hear it, but undeniably, someone will ask him during this postseason whether his team is spooked by Detroit. If the two teams favored to stage a rematch of last season's NBA Finals manage to get there, the focus will not be on whether the Spurs feel confident having won last year's series in seven, but rather whether they can overcome the Pistons given this season's results.

~The Sporting News~

The Pistons are the NBA's best team by far (http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=53063)
By Michael Deuser
Thursday night's beat-down should settle any lingering debates: The Pistons are the NBA's best team. And second best isn't even close. Chauncey Billups out-assisted the entire Spurs' roster 14-9 while lockdown defense from Ben Wallace and his minions held the Spurs to 68 points, their lowest output of the season and more than 27 points lower than their season scoring average. It was a repeat performance of the Pistons' 85-70 thrashing of the Spurs on Christmas Day -- except this time, the Spurs were healthy and at home.

Good lookin' out, Roscoe. :thumb:

I'm going to have to let their online editor know that their late updating routine just doesn't fit into my schedule. :D :P

~ Booth Newspapers ~


Wallace fine after giving Pistons a scare in lopsided win (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/113732340397450.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely


The Detroit Pistons got quite a scare on Saturday night when Ben Wallace struggled to get to his feet after his left knee locked up following a rebound by the center in the first quarter.

"Small thing to a giant," Wallace said afterward.

Indeed, it proved to be nothing to worry about.

The same could be said for the injury-riddled Charlotte Bobcats, who were no match for the Pistons as they pulled away for a 114-91 win.

Saunders trying to find more playing time for reserves
(http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/113732342097450.xml&coll=1)By A. Sherrod Blakely

It's only natural the Detroit Pistons would lean on a starting five that may be the best in the NBA.

However, Pistons coach Flip Saunders knows that over the course of a long season, the team's bench must also contribute consistently.

Here's the dilemma: in order to get the reserves to that point, it may require less playing time for the starters, which may impact the team's chances to win.

"We might have to take a step back in order to develop those guys," Saunders said. "Those guys are going to have to work and develop."


~ The Charlotte Observer ~


Wallace hurt in loss (http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/sports/basketball/nba/charlotte_bobcats/13630544.htm)
Bobcats forward re-injures hamstring against Pistons
By Rick Bonnell

The Charlotte Bobcats lost forward Gerald Wallace to a right hamstring injury in a 114-91 loss to the Detroit Pistons.
In obvious pain, Wallace left the court late in the third quarter, with his team down 13. Wallace complained about his hamstring following Friday's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, but it was unclear how serious the injury is.

Richard Hamilton led the Pistons with 19 points and Primoz Brezec was the Bobcats' top scorer with 18.

The Pistons led 60-43 at halftime, with perhaps as efficient and balanced an offensive attack as you'll see in the NBA.

They shot 60 percent from the field and all five starters had six or more points. Point guard Chauncey Billups led the team with 13 points.
As if to punctuate that performance, small forward Tayshaun Prince finished the half with a three-pointer with less than a second on the clock.

The Bobcats started off without point guard Brevin Knight, as trainer Joe Sharpe recommended using Knight off the bench to address his back spasms. The Bobcats got 21 of their 43 first-half points from Brezec and Wallace, shooting a combined 9-of-15.

Pistons cruise over Bobcats (http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/sports/basketball/nba/charlotte_bobcats/13629454.htm)
A/P

The Detroit Pistons didn't get much of a scare from the short-handed Charlotte Bobcats on Saturday night.

They did, however, get one from Ben Wallace.

Late in the first quarter of a 114-91 victory, Wallace landed awkwardly
while grabbing a rebound and stayed on the floor, holding his left knee.

He eventually limped off under his own power, and to the relief of his coaches, teammates and the 102nd straight sellout crowd at the Palace, returned in the second period.

"It just locked up on me - my leg got too far in front of me," Wallace said. "It's a small thing to a giant."

Even while Wallace was down, his teammates weren't overly concerned.

"When he doesn't get right up, you know he's hurting, but I just can't get too worried about that guy," Chauncey Billups said. "He's just a warrior."