The fact that the Bulls have also had to rest will help us no doubt. I think if the Bulls Heat series had gone 6 or 7 we would have a very difficult time beating them. But now we both are starting out pretty much even. I am looking for the at least the beginning of the first game, to be pretty sloppily played. Well-suited Avery not yet top shelf | Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | SportsDay: Columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor
It would only apply if the get beat by chicago in 5 or 6. The way they are playing it sure doesn't look like it would happen. Talking about Pistons' confidence - it's a killer now.
How often have the Pistons been rattled in the last four years ? Their level of confidence (overly so) has been one of the most criticized characteristic.
I would say last year's series against Miami. Pistons looked lost, got blown out in the elimination game.
Although the Pistons did not lose in the first round last year. They had a season just like Dallas. A great regular season run, and than a meltdown in the playoffs.
There is a huge difference between Dallas 2007 and Stones 2006. Did Dallas suffer sprained ankles of two key guys (Sheed & Rip). Did Dallas enter the WCF only 1 day after completing a game 7. The Stones had a few things working against them. Dallas was leaderless.
Oh yes I am one of those people who said that the ankle sprains killed Detroit, but that Piston team was not clicking on all cylinders either. In 04 Sheed busted his ankle against Indiana, but the Pistons did not start throwing each other under the bus when they lost a game in that series.
Ben Wallace's play in last year's playoffs didn't help either. But they all looked out of sink beginning with game 3 against the Cavs. Dallas looked lost from the get go, although they had the full complement of their players. Avery looked lost at times too. They got lucky to win those 2 games, if Warriors would've been a bit more mature they would've swept them.
I thought the real #1 escape goat in the playoffs last year was Chauncey. He just wasn't playing well at all. But if he produces like he's capable of, as he's been doing so far in this playoff run, the Pistons will probably be in good shape.
Why does Chauncey play so bad against Miami? He bricks everything and last time I checked Jason Williams is not a great defensive player. Chauncey has scored 20 points in all 5 playoff games. Good start for him.
Maybe he's thinking it is too easy against Williams? Or maybe his mind is more in the game this time and he's got some time off this year as well. I think Flip limited Chauncey's minutes to keep him fresh. Chauncey is not Rip, he's not as good with too many minutes.
Even in the regular season game this season he missed easy shots. Oh well Miami is done with. Some players just do bad against some teams for some stupid reasons.
Do you think this could be attributed to the minutes he played? When Chauncey struggles he's horrible.
