The Pistons are in San Antonio
by Kevin Sawyer on Dec 2, 2008 6:32 PM EST
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PrintIs it me or is the schedule a little goofy? The Pistons are playing exactly one game on their trip to Texas before returning home to face the 76ers on Friday -- way to save the environment, guys. The ball tips at 8:30 PM on Fox Sports -- give Kevin a big chest-bump for the game preview and leave your thoughts in the comments. -- MW
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By Kevin Sawyer
Spurs: 9-7 (5-4 home)
Margin: +0.6 ppg (+0.1 home)
Last 10: 7-3 (margin +3.3)
Pistons: 10-6 (5-3 away)
Margin: +0.1 ppg (+0.4 away)
Last 10: 6-4 (margin -1.9)
Oppo research:
There is a strong chance that the Spurs dynamic trio will finally be on the court together. Just in time. Fantastic.
That said, if you are going to pick off the Spurs, the early season is the best time to do it. Coach Gregg Popovich has followed a strategy of allowing his team to dwell at the bottom of the playoff standings before making a late-season push.
Other than that, what is there to research? Roger Mason is filling in nicely as the Brent Barry memorial random 4th best player on the team who shoots a lot of three pointers. Bruce Bowen seems to be on the decline. Outside of that, if you stop the Duncan, Parker and Ginobili, you win. If you don’t, you won’t.
Keys for Detroit:
- Run with the ball:
The Spurs want a nice, 88-83 game where they can get Parker back into the groove with half-court sets. The Pistons have three point guards who are capable of making that impossible. Stuckey to Amir should happen more than once tonight.
- Double-down:
This isn’t Boston. The Spurs role players are unlikely to beat you. Keeping the ball out of Duncan’s hands and harassing Manu Ginobili should be the top priority. If Ime Udoka lights us up for 30, it just wasn’t meant to be. And please, please, please no Duncan on Kwame one-on-one. That’s a recipe for a 15-2 deficit before the TV timeout.
- Attack the basket:
This is one matchup where posting up with Rasheed is undesirable. With two hobbled guards and limited shot-blocking, the Spurs are vulnerable to dribble penetration. Again, look for a big night from Stuckey, but Iverson should get his, and we may see some real minutes for Will Bynum.
Question of the game:
Can the Pistons play up to the competition? One of the ostensible benefits of bringing on a (formerly?) prolific scorer like Iverson was to raise our ceiling. We saw our ceiling against the Lakers and Cavs. A win at San Antonio would raise the roof quite nicely.
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Just like the Lakers game, I say we play up to the competition and pull of a victory.
by Garrett on Dec 2, 2008 6:56 PM EST reply actions
We just need to let AI be AI. Every time he has played 40 plus minutes this season the pistons have won(two of those against the cavs and the lakers). he has never had a fatigue problem in his career so there is no need to worry about him fading. Let him get his shots, and things will be OK.
by bill on Dec 2, 2008 7:09 PM EST reply actions
IUPUI’s G George Hill is eating some of the minutes that Bruce Bowen and Michael Finley used to get for the Spurs. I don’t think too many championship teams have a veteran core AND veteran role and energy players so getting Roger Mason and Hill to develop has to be key for Popp. Hill has been playing great in big minutes with Manu and Tony Longoria out so it will be interesting to see if he keeps up the solid play when he gets bumped back to the second unit.
by joejoejoe on Dec 2, 2008 7:26 PM EST reply actions
I have a feeling in my bones about this one. The stars have aligned for me to watch this.
by Laughton on Dec 2, 2008 8:00 PM EST reply actions
@ Kevin S.
Is there a way to get justin.tv to work when it won’t load the video?
by Restructer_It on Dec 2, 2008 8:36 PM EST reply actions
I use Internet Explorer, and it gave me a download I had to use… TVU player or something…
Please tell me we’ll have British broadcasters…
by kevin s. on Dec 2, 2008 8:39 PM EST reply actions
We have a pretty easy schedule this month…let’s get December off to a good start.
by Jim on Dec 2, 2008 8:41 PM EST reply actions
Aw, crap…
I was hoping to here Rah’ee Stu’ee draughs thru the lane ahh? Up wit’ a ba’eh’bawww… Eh draoos de’ faooll.
by kevin s. on Dec 2, 2008 8:42 PM EST reply actions
I wonder if Allen Iverson believes all the hype about his non-defense…
he just doesn’t seem to care
anyone who starts Matt Bonner needs to lose
by Boney on Dec 2, 2008 8:44 PM EST reply actions
The Big Three have 6 points, and Sheed goes to the post. If only they read my research.
by kevin s. on Dec 2, 2008 8:45 PM EST reply actions
Anyone else getting a blue box on the UK TV feed?
by Diablo on Dec 2, 2008 8:46 PM EST reply actions
Ha, it goes to British commentary instead of commercials. I love the UK.
by kevin s. on Dec 2, 2008 8:49 PM EST reply actions
It’s not a blue box. It’s a black man in a blue sweater.
by kevin s. on Dec 2, 2008 8:51 PM EST reply actions
And an albino Spurs fan. TNT better watch out. The Brits have a good studio show.
by joejoejoe on Dec 2, 2008 8:54 PM EST reply actions
“And an albino Spurs fan. TNT better watch out. The Brits have a good studio show.”
Le’Brah ought not’a ta’about goin’ a’ New Yo’ eh? It wa’ maghty bullocks on him’ an’ I a’ bluh’ee dis’respet it’…
by kevin s. on Dec 2, 2008 8:56 PM EST reply actions
I don’t enjoy watching Kwame Brown play basketball.
by Gabe on Dec 2, 2008 8:57 PM EST reply actions
Kwame needs to watch some video of Joel Przybilla’s shot selection and take notes.
by Jim on Dec 2, 2008 8:58 PM EST reply actions
Heres the difference between US and UK studio shows. US = heavy makeup and bling, UK = Albino man.
by Laughton on Dec 2, 2008 8:59 PM EST reply actions
Kwa’eh Broy is batten deh ball ought’a’bounds eh?
by kevin s. on Dec 2, 2008 8:59 PM EST reply actions
Much respect to the gaffer of da Spurs! Of San Antonio, not Tottenham.
by joejoejoe on Dec 2, 2008 9:00 PM EST reply actions
“Heres the difference between US and UK studio shows. US = heavy makeup and bling, UK = Albino man.”
And fewer commercials. In Australia, they just string two episodes of American TV together, and nobody knows the better.
by kevin s. on Dec 2, 2008 9:01 PM EST reply actions
And a guy that looks like he really wants to crack open a beer.
by Laughton on Dec 2, 2008 9:01 PM EST reply actions
But seriously, can’t the dude do something about the blue signal bar?
by kevin s. on Dec 2, 2008 9:04 PM EST reply actions
If you have ever seen some of the local TV shows here, you would understand :)
by Laughton on Dec 2, 2008 9:04 PM EST reply actions
stupid europeans pronounce it “On-ree” instead of Henry
by Boney on Dec 2, 2008 9:05 PM EST reply actions
I got the blue box too, but thanks for the link. Wish we could have scored on that last possession when we got about 6 shots and cut it to three.
by Toledo Joe on Dec 2, 2008 9:05 PM EST reply actions
that’s why foreign countries will never be as good as the US..
silly accents
by Boney on Dec 2, 2008 9:06 PM EST reply actions
This is a game where Kwame can come in handy. He always give Duncan fits.
by Quick Darshan on Dec 2, 2008 9:07 PM EST reply actions
Is the guy who writes TrueHoop On-ree Abbott or Hen-ree Abbott?
by joejoejoe on Dec 2, 2008 9:07 PM EST reply actions
Whoops, Duncan already has 8. I guess Kwame’s not doing too good.
by Quick Darshan on Dec 2, 2008 9:08 PM EST reply actions
Man. The feed is irritating with the blue signal. I cant stand the announcers. They keep bitchin about Detroit and chemistry issues. Blah Blah.
by bubb21 on Dec 2, 2008 9:10 PM EST reply actions
“If you have ever seen some of the local TV shows here, you would understand”
Hey, I love me some Neighbors.
by kevin s. on Dec 2, 2008 9:10 PM EST reply actions
Sean Elliot ‘Im not questioning the foul but… PISTONS SUCK’
by Laughton on Dec 2, 2008 9:14 PM EST reply actions
“Sean Elliot does not love the Pistons.”
Sean Elliot has one kidney.
by kevin s. on Dec 2, 2008 9:14 PM EST reply actions
And the Brits show a random highlight reel from last week.
by kevin s. on Dec 2, 2008 9:16 PM EST reply actions
Something about Dwayne Wade’s socks and shoes makes me think of Bevis and Butthead.
by Michael on Dec 2, 2008 9:16 PM EST reply actions
the pistons are still pretty good even when they suck. this is, i think, good news. at least for now.
by Dash Rick on Dec 2, 2008 9:19 PM EST reply actions
Elliot: “The thing the guys in white have to remember . . . is to play.”
by Toledo Joe on Dec 2, 2008 9:20 PM EST reply actions
Ok, Parker is back. Max please kill him. Serious.
by Laughton on Dec 2, 2008 9:20 PM EST reply actions
You know, I was away all last week without access to Pistons games, so I didn’t see anything. From reading the threads here, you would think that the sky was falling. I think we’re playing hard tonight. It’s going to take a significant number of games for this team to come together. We’re going to have to go through one or both of Cleveland and Boston to get out of the East. I don’t care about seeding, nobody else scares me. We’ll be fine.
Stuckey just had a terrific pass.
And Maxiell with a ridiculous dunk. All your babies are belong to him.
by Other Matt on Dec 2, 2008 9:20 PM EST reply actions
Boy that was a make-up call on Afflalo for palming. I’m kind of okay with it, actually. In the words of Kelser, he jacked Oberto.
by Other Matt on Dec 2, 2008 9:22 PM EST reply actions
That analyst guy just said, “orientated.” One of my big pet peeves.
by Garrett on Dec 2, 2008 9:22 PM EST reply actions
High energy level now. Can Detroit sustain that throughout the game? Am I asking obvious questions?
by Toledo Joe on Dec 2, 2008 9:22 PM EST reply actions
often, and maybe always, we play better when ai is sitting. just sayin’.
by Dash Rick on Dec 2, 2008 9:22 PM EST reply actions
The question is what will Curry do. We obviously bother the Spurs with our second unit. Hmmm.
by Laughton on Dec 2, 2008 9:23 PM EST reply actions
The Pistons are a very good team when they play with a little energy.
by Michael on Dec 2, 2008 9:23 PM EST reply actions
The Bench is totally outplaying the starters again
by Martin on Dec 2, 2008 9:24 PM EST reply actions
It’s good that the Pistons are having a strong 2nd quarter. That’s been a big trouble spot.
by joejoejoe on Dec 2, 2008 9:25 PM EST reply actions
This just in. Danny Granger is f’n awesome.
by Quick Darshan on Dec 2, 2008 9:26 PM EST reply actions
Afflalo is 8. I’m going to start calling him A+lalo.
by joejoejoe on Dec 2, 2008 9:26 PM EST reply actions
I’d love to see Afflalo get 20+ mpg, but we don’t have enough crappy players for that to happen.
by Garrett on Dec 2, 2008 9:27 PM EST reply actions
I think Afflalo could be a starter in this league. I really do.
by Laughton on Dec 2, 2008 9:27 PM EST reply actions
Re Afflalso, that’s the issue for Detroit. Lots and lots of good guards, but it’s not clear how well they match together since none of them are pure point guards.
by Toledo Joe on Dec 2, 2008 9:29 PM EST reply actions
bynum is a pure point guard. and he should be played. seriously.
by Dash Rick on Dec 2, 2008 9:30 PM EST reply actions
AI, you need to do well. Make me believe in magic.
by Laughton on Dec 2, 2008 9:32 PM EST reply actions
Ridiculous ending to the Pacers/Lakers game. Troy Murphy with a tip at the buzzer.
by Quick Darshan on Dec 2, 2008 9:32 PM EST reply actions
Kevin S.:
I’ve been trying at getting it to play for an hour now. I’ve watched stuff on justin.tv before, but for some reason nothing will play right now. I downloaded that tvu player but i couldn’t find the game there. Any help?
by Restructer_It on Dec 2, 2008 9:33 PM EST reply actions
Restructer_It
Have you tried restarting your computer?
by Diablo on Dec 2, 2008 9:34 PM EST reply actions
I hate Bruce Bowen. If I ever saw him on the street, I think I would just follow him wherever he was going and heckle him the whole way. I wouldn’t hit him because I’m not a violent person (and because he’s way bigger than I am), but I’m pretty sure I would be yelling and berating him.
by Other Matt on Dec 2, 2008 9:34 PM EST reply actions
stuckey: dribble fast to the free-throw line. stop. look around. make bad pass. i love the guy, but a point, he ain’t.
by Dash Rick on Dec 2, 2008 9:35 PM EST reply actions
Nice basket by Tay to stop a run. If SA wasn’t 1-11 from three the Pistons would be getting killed.
by joejoejoe on Dec 2, 2008 9:36 PM EST reply actions
Again, Detroit looks as if they have no clear idea of what they want to do on offense. Yes, I know the Spurs are a very good defensive team, but Detroit looks like this against everyone these days.
by Toledo Joe on Dec 2, 2008 9:36 PM EST reply actions
Nice bucket by Tay, but that was an absolutely horrendous ending to the first half.
by Other Matt on Dec 2, 2008 9:38 PM EST reply actions
Its like a mirror of the Portland game, except its NOT SUNDAY.
by Laughton on Dec 2, 2008 9:39 PM EST reply actions
The Pistons should play AI and ’Sheed on the second unit. We could call it the Old Navy instead of the Zoo Crew.
by joejoejoe on Dec 2, 2008 9:43 PM EST reply actions
I know that Detroit is having a rough time since the trade, but from listening to the announcers you’d be shocked that the Pistons are even in this game.
by Michael on Dec 2, 2008 9:46 PM EST reply actions
I’m fast becoming converted to AI off the bench. I just don’t like him and hamilton on the court unless stuckey is out there too.
by Forty on Dec 2, 2008 9:47 PM EST reply actions
This Devin Harris guy, might single-handedly rejuvenate the New Jersey Nets…hmm..
by Diablo on Dec 2, 2008 9:51 PM EST reply actions
@ Michael Curry: Can we agree that Kwame doesn’t play when we get McDyess back? Please? It’s not that he’s terrible. It’s just that he’s worse than the four other bigs we’ll have (plus, you like to go small, so there are even fewer minutes available). When we said we liked the signing, it was b/c he was supposed to have Elden Campbell’s role circa 2004. Not Maxiell’s from last year.
by Forty on Dec 2, 2008 9:53 PM EST reply actions
Last year Flip replaced Amir with Ratliff
This year Curry has replaced Amir with Kwame.
Time to trade Amir to a team that will play him.
Trade Amir now
by Mike on Dec 2, 2008 9:58 PM EST reply actions
Kwame’s badness on offense defies the laws of nature and physics, but we just went on a nice little spurt, so it’s all good.
by Gabe on Dec 2, 2008 10:01 PM EST reply actions
Dont look now, but this lineup is starting to mesh a little.
by Laughton on Dec 2, 2008 10:02 PM EST reply actions
Spurs will be tough to beat with Duncan playing this well.
by Michael on Dec 2, 2008 10:02 PM EST reply actions
I gotta say, Kwame had that one game in LA that sort of vindicated the decision to start him, but man…
and Rasheed is just killing us.
And there’s Rip, melting down, on schedule.
by Keegan on Dec 2, 2008 10:05 PM EST reply actions
Spurs are in trouble now. Sheed will destroy them.
by Laughton on Dec 2, 2008 10:05 PM EST reply actions
The roster management tonight is maddening – why the hell can’t amir get minutes? Kwame has been atrocious.
by Forty on Dec 2, 2008 10:09 PM EST reply actions
Also iverson’s shot selection the last few minutes has been a joke
by Forty on Dec 2, 2008 10:10 PM EST reply actions
what’s up with Sheed and AI? and our shot selection?
by Martin on Dec 2, 2008 10:11 PM EST reply actions
Amir played well in that little spurt too.
What I don’t understand is, Bonner’s there to bomb from long range on offense, period. And nobody could step out on him as fast as Amir. That makes no sense to me. And Rasheed will have to deal with Duncan anyway.
by Keegan on Dec 2, 2008 10:12 PM EST reply actions
I’ll try to put this nicely: AI has been highly inefficient tonight. The meaner version: he has sucked tonight and is killing us. He has a game high -21 plus/minus at the moment. Let’s see if Curry sits him in the fourth for a crappy first 3 quarters, like he sat Tay.
by Gabe on Dec 2, 2008 10:13 PM EST reply actions
Forty…Agreed on AI’s shot selection. Those are shots he can take when the shot clock is winding down, but not with 18 seconds left.
by Jim on Dec 2, 2008 10:13 PM EST reply actions
FreeDarko may be right!?
Sheed plays better after a tech
by Martin on Dec 2, 2008 10:14 PM EST reply actions
Damn. Sheed can be a really great player when he goes all out.
by Gabe on Dec 2, 2008 10:15 PM EST reply actions
I couldn’t even guess why brown has played the entire third quarter. It defies credulity. Maxiell and amir were both great.
by Forty on Dec 2, 2008 10:16 PM EST reply actions
Ugh, I can wait for the jumpshot to come, but Stuckey needs to make layups.
by kevin s. on Dec 2, 2008 10:17 PM EST reply actions
“FreeDarko may be right!?
Sheed plays better after a tech"
And sadly, alot of those times come when it’s a little too late.
by Diablo on Dec 2, 2008 10:17 PM EST reply actions
There’s guh’a be time’oughts ah’e’end..
No crap, Britain…
by kevin s. on Dec 2, 2008 10:20 PM EST reply actions
I always love the over exaggerated reactions and falls when Manu gets fouled, reminds of something you would see while watching pro-wrestling.
by Diablo on Dec 2, 2008 10:27 PM EST reply actions
Hey this amir guy brings a lot of hustle…
Also, afflalo’s man to man d against ginobili and then parker this qtr has been outstanding
by Forty on Dec 2, 2008 10:28 PM EST reply actions
Afflalo + anyone else who can trap = awesome half-court pressure.
by Garrett on Dec 2, 2008 10:28 PM EST reply actions
Is this dude in the Spurs Jersey a Pistons fan? What the hell is wrong with this country? Don’t they get in knife fights over soccer?
by kevin s. on Dec 2, 2008 10:30 PM EST reply actions
I can’t believe we are actually leading in this game, we have played so terrible.
by Diablo on Dec 2, 2008 10:32 PM EST reply actions
I’ve seen more travels called this year than in the last 3 years.
by Garrett on Dec 2, 2008 10:32 PM EST reply actions
If Afflalo played more he would deserve to be on one of the all NBA Defensive teams. He can guard almost any 1, 2, or 3.
by Jim on Dec 2, 2008 10:33 PM EST reply actions
If Stuckey can hit that 17-footer consistently he’ll be really dangerous.
by Garrett on Dec 2, 2008 10:36 PM EST reply actions
Stuckey is playing with poise and confidence. AI has been better but still not good enough.
by Laughton on Dec 2, 2008 10:36 PM EST reply actions
Was 45% the magic number for Pistons shooting percentage?
by Quick Darshan on Dec 2, 2008 10:38 PM EST reply actions
The UK guy in the Spurs jersey is giving more balanced coverage than Sean Elliot.
by joejoejoe on Dec 2, 2008 10:38 PM EST reply actions
Diablo: Actually, they’ve had some pretty good stretches.
by Michael on Dec 2, 2008 10:39 PM EST reply actions
Although I can see how the terribleness of those other stretches could lead you to your memories of the good ones.
by Michael on Dec 2, 2008 10:40 PM EST reply actions
I know Sheed just hit a nice 3, but he was literally CAMPED in that spot the ENTIRE posession. Shouldn’t he at least START on the blocks? Or roam around down there? Or something? Eh.
by Garrett on Dec 2, 2008 10:41 PM EST reply actions
Haha, some dude in the chat on justin.tv just referred to Ginobili as Vaginobili. Good times.
by Garrett on Dec 2, 2008 10:42 PM EST reply actions
I see they’re using the small ball lineup again.
by Quick Darshan on Dec 2, 2008 10:42 PM EST reply actions
Tonight: multiple Piston awesome spurts > multiple Piston awful spurts
by joejoejoe on Dec 2, 2008 10:42 PM EST reply actions
I said Sheed would destroy after that tech and I would like to see his stats after it.
by Laughton on Dec 2, 2008 10:42 PM EST reply actions
Garrett…I would normally agree with you, but we want to keep the lane open since we are running the high pick and roll every play now.
by Jim on Dec 2, 2008 10:43 PM EST reply actions
‘Sheed probably got a lot of free press for Free Darko’s book tonight with his post-T performance.
by joejoejoe on Dec 2, 2008 10:45 PM EST reply actions
Michael: Ya, they had some good stretches, one thing is for sure, it hasn’t been pretty.
Even the announcers noticed Sheed’s production after his techs.
by Diablo on Dec 2, 2008 10:45 PM EST reply actions
Manu just got shot from someone in the upper deck on that foul, it seemed.
by Garrett on Dec 2, 2008 10:46 PM EST reply actions
As a ref u should be embarrassed when u reward that kind of ginobili horseshit
by Forty on Dec 2, 2008 10:46 PM EST reply actions
Tony Parker is guilty of it too but it ain’t as bad as Manu.
by Diablo on Dec 2, 2008 10:47 PM EST reply actions
Hey, I thought the league was going to get tougher on the flopping and faking? Has anyone actually been called/fined for it yet?
by Garrett on Dec 2, 2008 10:48 PM EST reply actions
Congrats to Laughton on finally catching a game and bringing the magic with him!
by Garrett on Dec 2, 2008 10:49 PM EST reply actions
Wow, Denver is beating the sweet piss out of Toronto…
by kevin s. on Dec 2, 2008 10:50 PM EST reply actions
Wow we have one of the best records in the nba and three decisive victories (all post trade) over 3 of bill simmons’ 6 championship contenders. Too bad we are a joke and have a 0pct chance of winning anything.
Bill – just because we aren’t the favorite doesn’t mean you can say utah clearly has a shot and we clearly don’t.
by Forty on Dec 2, 2008 10:50 PM EST reply actions
Matt Watson should interview these British ON2 announcers. I wonder what it’s like to do the studio show in the UK? It’s pretty low key but they are actually pretty good at breaking down what is going on in the game.
by joejoejoe on Dec 2, 2008 10:51 PM EST reply actions
Who hasn’t Denver beaten the living mess out of? Chauncey has completely turned that team around.
by Diablo on Dec 2, 2008 10:52 PM EST reply actions
@Garrett – I did catch the last one, but I choose not to remember and I clearly failed at magic.
by Laughton on Dec 2, 2008 10:53 PM EST reply actions
“Washington having a STINKER of a season…!” +1 to the British dudes.
by Garrett on Dec 2, 2008 10:53 PM EST reply actions
Laughton: Oops, sorry! I thought you kept having to leave halfway through. My wife thinks I’m weird for watching a game online and typing random thoughts in the blog comments.
by Garrett on Dec 2, 2008 10:54 PM EST reply actions
100 points by the end of the third? Chauncey with 24 points and 11 assists. I say well done sir and may you continue to thrive. I hope for a Pistons/Nuggets finals.
by Laughton on Dec 2, 2008 10:56 PM EST reply actions
Once again when AI plays 40 plus minutes the pistons dont lose. AI on the floor with stuck is perfect. starting five should be stuckey, iverson, prince afflalo and wallace. not gunna happen but that seems to be the most effective unit. good win!
by bill on Dec 2, 2008 10:57 PM EST reply actions
Spurs only scored 32 in the second half…a good chunk of that credit goes to Afflalo. Last year we gave up 4 fewer points per 48 minutes when he was on the floor…I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s had an even bigger impact this year.
by Jim on Dec 2, 2008 10:59 PM EST reply actions
Laughton: I usually yell, “You just don’t understand!” and then run from the room, arms and legs flailing, as I slam the door behind me and wipe away my tears.
by Garrett on Dec 2, 2008 11:00 PM EST reply actions
What is the record for +/- in an NBA game? Any ideas?
by joejoejoe on Dec 2, 2008 11:07 PM EST reply actions
Great coaching move by Curry to put Afflalo on Parker. Great overall team effort on both ends of the court. Even Kwame did a good job on Duncan. If Kwame plays solid D, I am willing to accept the dropped passes and missed bunnies.
by Nick T. on Dec 2, 2008 11:15 PM EST reply actions
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Thats all I have to say.
by Kriz on Dec 2, 2008 11:16 PM EST reply actions
Someone give me the Meijer Summary of the Game, and I need Garrett/MP/Forty’s Random Scrub of the Game, too. I also need doom and gloom from ProphecyProjectzzz to complete my night. And yes, I am too lazy to scroll through y’all’s comments.
by Rob G on Dec 2, 2008 11:20 PM EST reply actions
Surprisingly enough, we managed to keep their scrubs in check! No one had a big night!
by Garrett on Dec 2, 2008 11:22 PM EST reply actions
I ‘m glad to see that our boys took my advice. I suggested in a comment a few days ago that a lot of our problems regarding integrating AI, Rip’s issues, Tay v Curry, would be solved by WINNING. They took my advice!
by Rob G on Dec 2, 2008 11:25 PM EST reply actions
All – y’all totally stole my line about magic. AND I FREAKIN’ LOVE YOU FOR IT. I cannot stop laughing.
by Rob G on Dec 2, 2008 11:27 PM EST reply actions
The first half was a bunch of ugly with brief periods of Tay bailing out the team on offense and Afflalo doing the same on D. Overall, the kids were beasts on D (Stuckey, Afflalo, Amir) and ’Sheed went bananas (17 of his 19 points) after he got a tech for touching Matt Bonner with his butt on the blocks. Manu looks like he forgot how to play defense. The AI/Rip telenovela is ongoing. Tay was looked like Tay the All-Star SF not Tay the pissed off PG because Stuckey was awesome running the show. It was a night of magic. The End.
by joejoejoe on Dec 2, 2008 11:31 PM EST reply actions
Billups finished the game with +48. Pretty solid.
by bonzi on Dec 2, 2008 11:35 PM EST reply actions
Fabricio Oberto is Jeffrey Dahmer.
http://www.vorrachias.com/images/players/oberto/oberto3.jpg
http://www.newcriminologist.com/uploads/dahmermug.jpg
Matt Bonner looked a little serial killer-ish as well. The Lumberjack Killer, perhaps…
by TDP on Dec 2, 2008 11:44 PM EST reply actions
I do like that the trade is showing people what a superb player chauncey billups is. Go cb and go nuggets!
by Forty on Dec 3, 2008 12:05 AM EST reply actions
Iverson still needs a couple of practices to run the team like Stuckey. The 2nd unit is good. Also, they’re gonna get McDyess, so they’re fine. The starters are bad though. It’s Allen Iverson’s fault, but that’s only because he needs some more practice with the team to run the team like Stuckey (maybe even better cuz he’s AI). He’s used to being a scorer, and when stuckey plays point and he plays the 2, da pistons are way better. Keep in mind, that was the final lineup that put away the spurs. Iverson is still a great scorer, but he can’t be a point guard, because the offense won’t run the same. That is only cuz he’s not familiar with it yet. When stuckey is point, rip is running around picks and the offense is running. When Iverson is point, they just to work with it. All the pistons need is to work with Iverson and show him how the team runs. He can get some points at point, and most of his when Stuckey runs point. Basically, help AI run offense, and this team will be very nice.
by EntityAbyss on Dec 3, 2008 12:13 AM EST reply actions
By the way, thanks for the game previews kevin. Keep them coming.
by Laughton on Dec 3, 2008 12:18 AM EST reply actions
I know we want to Free Amir, but I’m starting to be won over by Kwame. He’s been playing exceptional defense down low and rebounding well. I can’t ask for more than that.
by Rob G on Dec 3, 2008 12:24 AM EST reply actions
was a good win… mainly because of stuckey’s play… but tay was solid for us, rip kept us in the game with his hot shooting in the beg… and sheed proved that he’s dangerous after that first tech
i didnt like AI’s defense or decision making out there styill, but he did come up with some big plays like steals and a couple big shots… so ill give him props for that… but he’s still frustrating me… thank god we have stuck
by Mannie32 on Dec 3, 2008 12:27 AM EST reply actions
I miss Chauncey 20+ points and 10+ assists < I don’t miss Chauncey’s attitude and complacency, especially come playoff time.
by Mark B. on Dec 3, 2008 12:45 AM EST reply actions
I just saw the Denver Toronto recap, and yeah that Chauncey guy looks really really good. I can’t wait until he starts getting mentioned in the dark horse for MVP comments. Somebody said it earlier, and I agree. I love seeing chauncey show everybody that he IS a finals MVP and superstar in this league. If I’m not mistaken he wasn’t even in the top 50 players currently in the league put together by NBA Fan house over the summer. Matt, where was your influence on that one?
- NBA fastbreak closing statements just now: “Look out for The Pistons in the East. Iverson looked like he was really sharing the ball well” *
by Restructer_It on Dec 3, 2008 1:17 AM EST reply actions
I just finished watching a replay of the game.
Amir did an excellent job on defense and no fouls either.
He has also developed quite an excellent ability on offense to screen out and clear space for out shooters dribble drive, especially Stuckey.
He rushed the one hook shot he took and it looked pretty ugly. LOL
top +/- tonight
Stuckey +16 in 31 minutes
Afflalo +12 in 18 minutes
Amir + 10 in 13 minutes
by Mike on Dec 3, 2008 1:22 AM EST reply actions
@Restructer_It: I had little influence on the Top 50 — that was Tom Ziller’s baby — but Billups wasn’t an omission. In fact, he was No. 15.
by Matt Watson on Dec 3, 2008 1:27 AM EST reply actions
Oh wow, I was mistaken. It was Rip that I was remembering was left out, which he in fact is showing that he deserved. I like Tom’s intuition of putting Chauncey 13 spots better than Iverson. He’s really showing it. We gave three players to Denver for the lesser man…
by Restructer_It on Dec 3, 2008 1:34 AM EST reply actions
One other comment of note regarding Amir.
When he was in the game in the first half (all of 5+ minutes) there was a play in which I believe Afflalo committed the foul. Afflalo and Amir were double teaming someone and the San Antonio announcers just assumed the foul was committed by Amir. I guess he has a reputation already even among the announcers.
Well he finished the game with zero fouls in 13 minutes which was good but truth be told while he was on the floor he was primarily guarding Oberto and Bonner, neither of whom is considered much of a scoring threat except for Bonner being able to make the 3 ball.
But still zero fouls is zero fouls especially on the road.
by Mike on Dec 3, 2008 1:47 AM EST reply actions
Piston or Nugget, I’d do just about anything to see Chauncey Billups be an NBA MVP. It will NEVER happen, but he deserves it…
I tell ya, its exciting as hell to see him play the way he is right now. I’m a Pistons fan first and foremost, but I love that guy. I’ve been thinking about this a lot, but I’m hoping for a standing O when he returns to Detroit when we play the Nuggets at home.
by Mike Payne on Dec 3, 2008 3:15 AM EST reply actions
Garrett,
No one earned the cup last night?
So, update us… who still maintains the cup?
by Boney on Dec 3, 2008 8:57 AM EST reply actions
I didn’t see the game last night, but everything I’ve seen says it was 2 1/2 quarters of bad ball and 1 1/2 quarters of superior ball – with little of the good stuff due to Iverson.
I hate to put a damper on a big win, but I think the Pistons have taken a step back with Iverson. AI is masterful at getting his own shot, but has never really involved his teammates. And no, his assist totals don’t always mean player involvement. Most of his assists are bailouts — drives that he can’t finish, so he dishes. Has Iverson ever actively looked for the hot hand and fed him?
My biggest beef with Iverson throughout his career is that he doesn’t seem to either 1) understand or 2) recognize the value of offensive balance. I don’t mind PGs being big time scorers (I love Chris Paul), but they are the only ones on the court who have to be concerned with when, where and how they score, with respect to others. The Pistons are still struggling to find offensive balance, and last night it seems they were bailed out by Stuckey. I love Stuck and I think he’s a future All-Star PG. He can do that on occasion, but can we expect a second-year player to do that consistently?
Speaking of offensive balance, has anyone noticed how balanced the Denver Nuggets are with Chauncey running the point? That’s why they’re winning now.
At any rate, what I see for the Pistons this year is occasional big-time wins (see Lakers, Cavs), occasional baffling losses (the T-Wolves???), and lots of tension throughout the season. Tension between AI and Rip because AI’s not a facilitator. Tension between Tay and MC (and also between Tay and AI) because Tay is playing out of position. Tension between all the bigs and AI because AI doesn’t (notice I didn’t say can’t) stop dribble penetration. Tension between AI and MC because he doesn’t get the minutes he used to get in Philly or Denver. That sounds to me like a recipe for 48-53 wins, a #4 seed in the playoffs, and a bad second-round loss to the Celts. And that’s a major step back.
by peterock on Dec 3, 2008 10:24 AM EST reply actions
“I didn’t see the game last night, but everything I’ve seen says it was 2 1/2 quarters of bad ball and 1 1/2 quarters of superior ball – with little of the good stuff due to Iverson.”
Looks like fun! Let me play, too:
I am not a doctor, nor have I ever studied medicine, but I believe that Stuckey’s ankle needs surgery.
by Rob G on Dec 3, 2008 10:55 AM EST reply actions
Not quite, Rob G. The difference between my quote and yours? I’m going on what I read on last night’s game and the analysis some folks provided. I recognize it may or may not be right. Your example claims that I made a judgement on the game without having watched it. I didn’t do that.
BTW, I’m a native Detroiter and long-time Pistons fan living in Chicago for the last 21 years; I have no League Pass and usually see the Pistons a few times a year when they’re on ESPN or TNT.
And I stick with my analysis of the Pistons.
by peterock on Dec 3, 2008 11:12 AM EST reply actions
"I didn’t see the game last night, but everything I’ve seen says it was 2 1/2 quarters of bad ball and 1 1/2 quarters of superior ball – with little of the good stuff due to Iverson."<<
We play best overall and our defense when Stuckey, Afflalo and Amir are on the court together either with Rip and Sheed or Tay and Sheed.
by Mike on Dec 3, 2008 11:59 AM EST reply actions
Boney: I think Ramon Sessions is still the reigning champ with his 21 points on us on the 28th. Against Portland on the 30th we kept their scrubs in check! Hooray!
When we play the Sixers on Friday I predict a big game for either Willie Green or Marreese Speights. Catch the fever!
by Garrett on Dec 3, 2008 12:09 PM EST reply actions
peterock
You didnt watch the game yet you say that “little of the good stuff was due to Iverson”. I wonder how you came to that conclusion since as you admitted you didnt watch the game. Iverson made several key steals late in teh game that helped the momentum switch in Detroits favor. Iverson was able to completely break down the Spurs defense and kick the ball out to the open man for an easy uncontested shot. Iversons penetration (along with Stucks) in quarter 4 really helped Detroit pull out the victory.
by Cody B on Dec 3, 2008 4:13 PM EST reply actions
Iverson has a solid fourth quarter, but he was -13 after three quarters. It wasn’t all his fault, but he didn’t help matters. In a game the Pistons won by 12, he was just +1 on the night.
by Matt Watson on Dec 3, 2008 4:18 PM EST reply actions
He was -13 at the end of the 3rd quarter, and then jumped up +14 to finish +1. That is all simply because he doesn’t know the system. They’re still tryna work with him. Iverson didn’t get most his assists before on failed drives that led to bailouts. On Denver, every player knew where to be. Iverson was supposed to drive and draw attention. He draws more than 1 defender on 99% of his drives. It only fails if his teamates don’t know where to be.
On Denver it was fine, cuz everyone knew where to be. That’s what training camp is for. Allen just needs to learn the system and become familiar with it. People who didn’t watch the game, it’ll be harder to understand what I mean. Even on Denver, he wasn’t the point, but would run the point sometimes and run the offense well. He knew what coach karl wanted.
For people who did, notice how the final 5 were stuckey, iverson, hamilton, prince, nd wallace. Iverson succeeded at the 2. That’s because he drove and kicked leading to open shots. That’s what they want at the 2. The pg is supposed to run the offense. It’s very hard to run the offense if you’re not familiar with it. That’s why Rodney Stuckey succeeded at the 1 and AI succeeded at the 2. People who saw the game or atleast the 4th quarter should know what I mean.
On defense, Detroit’s gonna have to teach Iverson the system. He needs more practice to work with their defense. Give it time. Give him time to understand the defense. He came from a team who’s defensive mindset at the time was to let their center block shots.
Last, but not least, people are using denver’s success with Billups to say he’s better than Iverson. There’s a big reason why their succeeding. The media has been so attached to Denver’s bad defense last year, that they didn’t even notice that Denver had a big defensive mindset coming into this year. If you look at the games in the preseason and before Chauncey came, Denver played great defense. They kept a lot of teams below 40%. They would only lose games because they had to deal with how they would get rebounds, and around the time that Billups came, they decided that they would crash the boards with more players. Billups didn’t change the team so much. The team already changed, and Billups fit perfectly with what they wanted. Billups gave them a distinct scorer (Carmelo), but more importantly, they didn’t have a mismatch defensively (allen iverson is a 6’0" shooting guard, so Anthony Carter, a 6’2" point guard was sometimes stuck guarding 6’6" shooting guards). They don’t have mismatches now, because they put Dahntay Jones and JR Smith at the 2. Denver was bound to succeed, as their team was setup to match perfectly with Chauncey.
If you think about it, Chauncey didn’t really replace AI, he replaced Anthony Carter. Chauncey never changed his position, so it was much of a change for denver. They got a better point guard. Allen Iverson was no a point guard on that team. He was replaced by JR Smith, who already knew what was asked of him. Denver was ready for Billups.
Detroit has a harder problem. Unlike Billups, AI is switching positions. AI is plaing for a team, that has a completely different defensive mindset, and a different way of running offense. He has to give up a bit of his scoring mindset and run a team that he hasn’t had enough pratice with to know how. Put him at the 2, and the team will be a little better, and it won’t take much time to fix everything. Put him at the 1, and the team will be way better, but it’ll take a lot more time.
If you don’t believe me, look at yesterday’s game. At the 1 (early in the game), AI didn’t know what everyone wanted to do, and everyone basically just improvised, and they struggled. At the 2 (late in the game), everyone ran their usual offense, cuz Stuckey’s familiar with it, and Iverson succeeded, because his job of getting extra points, and driving to bring in defenders is exactly what Detroit wanted.
Sorry about the essay, but if you read it, you may see things a little differently. My idea is give Allen a little more time to understand the offense and defense, and also wait for McDyess so he can help the second unit, and you’ll see how good this team will be.
by EntityAbyss on Dec 3, 2008 8:33 PM EST reply actions
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