No extensive game summary. No cute recaps. In honor of the Pistons effort on Saturday night in Milwaukee, I’m going to mail this one in. I’m sure we’ll post more reactions to this game tomorrow, but for now, f-it.
We got our wish, Pistons fans. While everyone, including the Boys in Blue, were ready to write off the remainder of the series, the Bucks decided that they hadn’t had their say yet. In retrospect, no one should know the psychological rejuvenation of returning home after two blowout losses better than the Pistons and us fans. (Last year? San Antonio? Work with me here people.) Let’s hope this game has sufficiently stamped out whatever ego allowed this team to half-heartedly walk their way through this game. Tay? Ben? Sheed (after the first quarter)? We’ll need you all on Monday.
I’m sure you guys have more rational thoughts than my own at this point. What did you think? (Sam, Ty, I think we’d all appreciate your take on this one.)
I need a drink.
In closing, I leave you with this haiku:
Bucks: 60%
They threw their best punch tonight.
Dee-troit Basketball?
i’ll be at the game monday so hopefully the boys can get it done and bring it back to detroit!
Ian, you need a hug.
Who exactly is to to blame for Ben’s offensive futility, himself, or Flip and the guards not giving him the ball down low? 10 shots in three games is mind-boggling for any starter in this league let alone Ben. The main reason Ben pulled a Scottie Pippen in Orlando was because Detroit kept playing 4 on 5 basketball at the offensive end, correct? I’m not saying make been the 2nd or 3rd option on the team, but I think Ben can take 8-10 shots per game from here on out without being a negative influence on Detroit’s gameplan.
This problem won’t cost the Pistons in this series, nor likely the next, but 4 on 5 basketball will lose them two games (at least) to the Nets/Heat. Though I trust common sense to take it’s toll in the team’s mind by then.
Seems like Detroit plays better when they are on the court every night or every other night. Two days off between games? Nets/Pacers finished their fourth game before Pistons/Bucks tipped off their third. I am so glad there is only one day off before Game 4- the Bucks won’t even get a chance to feel good before they are facing elimination.
If there’s any consolation about this loss, this brings them back to reality. Every other team in the playoffs is busting there ass to get W’s while the Pistons are scrimmaging wins against the Bucks. So, this is a good wake up call for them. It’s time to bring it everyday from here on in!
Go Pistons gooooooooooooo!!!
Through the third quarter, all I could think is “what’s up with these guys? Where’s the D? When are they gonna start playing?” Then, through the fourth quarter, “do the Bucks know that winning by a big margin might be good now, but is a REALLY bad idea for setting up game 4?” I can’t believe how the Boys mailed this one in, but there is almost no way they lose the next game after an embarrassment like this.
On John’s Post: I thought we were playing 4 on 5 and even 3 on 5 way too often in Game 3. But we have to face it, whether it’s Ben or Dale or Cato, these guys’ offensive efficiency depends on how well the rest of the offense is taking advantage of the defense. As I’m sure you know, when Ben scores, it’s off alley-oops and putbacks. These all happen with dribble penetration and forcing help defense. I know Ben’s working on his skills with the ball, but I don’t think he’s ready to have plays called for him unless they’re backdoor spins for perfectly timed two-handed alley-oop dunks. Go Pistons.
Archpopoy makes a great point. We’ve really got nothing to worry about (unlike Wings fans). Yes the score coulda been closer. A couple of missed opportunities when we were behind 14 towards the end of the 3rd I think sealed our fate. But we have to remember, it is tough to bring an A-game in intensity, concentration, etc to EVERY game. Any droppoff against a playoff team fighting for its life and pride will catch up with you. We have to be confident that this veteran group knows how to draw from their reservoir and pace themselves for a grueling playoff run.
Maybe there’ll be a bright side: ESPN or TNT picking up Game 4. What is this, the NHL?
JustMaz,
Whether its dribble penetration or putbacks, they have to keep the opposing frontcourt honest on the defensive end. Balance is the key so that Ben’s defender won’t stray a little bit closer to Sheed or Dyess in the post ready to double down (since Wallace doesn’t have a mid-range game). His shot attempts are down from 8.8 in 2005 to 5.7 this year. He did shoot 45% last season, so it’s not like his involvement hurt the offense. But like I said, 8-10 shots is all I ask, and I think that’s all the Pistons need.
Also: Play Tayshaun 34-37 mins. from now on. He averaged 36 in the ‘04 playoffs, which was his big breakthrough. He averaged 40 last year, and was M.I.A. in the Finals likely because of fatigue taking its toll. I know I’m doing a lot b*tching about a 64 win team, but these are the only two concerns I have in the early going.
Games like this are what make me doubt this team is as good as the ‘89 and ‘90 Pistons. They came out after half time and just quit playing.
“Maybe there’ll be a bright side: ESPN or TNT picking up Game 4. What is this, the NHL?”
Thank you!
I can’t believe this topic hasn’t gotten more attention. How can the team generally accepted as the best in the league be relegated to a premium/pay channel?
John,
You’re absolutely right. And now that I think of it, I’ve seen games where Ben hit a couple of 14-18 footers and was a lot more involved in the set offense. Now he doesn’t even attempt those shots when it counts. Maybe it’s a Flip consequence. But I really think it boils down to confidence. His defense and hustle have been immortalized. In the process, have his offensive skills been trivialiazed? Has this gotten to his head? What was the late season outburst really all about? I think on some level, it was frustration over lack of offensive involvement. And remember LeBron goofing off after Ben airballed a FT in the AllStar game? That kind of stuff and stuff in the paper and TV feed this.
I think Ben can become a better offensive player. He certainly has the physical skills. He has good form on his shot, he could improve his ball handling a bit, but there’s no reason why he couldn’t be a consistent scoring threat. It’s all mental. He’s already a great finisher, he just needs to be able to do it after making a move or two. Taking and drilling open mid-rangers is a good start. Look what it’s done for Dice.
There is no denying your point that his current innefectiveness is hurting us. I have no problems with Ben taking 8-10 shots a night. I wouldn’t mind more. I think it’s all up to him.
On Last Night: We’re all upset, maybe not so much because of the loss but because of the margin. But the Bucks were *really* hot and apart from a stretch very early, we shot bricks. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many Rip shots that were that off. That combination probably won’t reoccur. That doesn’t mean the next two games won’t be tight. Bottom line, we’re better. The only result I can fathom is an awakening and revitilization that produces two straight victories. Go Pistons.
LA Mike,
You can call me NY JustMaz. And like you probably, I’m forced to watch NBA TV games drinking brews and eating wings. (I know, twist my arm.) But it still all boils downt to biz mostly:
1. NBA TV is trying to make a push.
2. Pistons ball still considered kinda boring and Bucks such underdogs. (ratings)
3. Local station telecasts compete with TNT/ESPN/ABC feed.
4. Multiple simultaneous games per slot.
Let’s just hope NBA TV is relegated to highlights come 2nd round.
It also doesn’t help that the Pistons/Bucks series rivals the Mavs/Grizz as the least intriguing of the first round (and thus far has lived down to expectations). I live in D.C., and were it not for my League Pass subscription, I’d be relying up on you guys and Matt for your takes on the game.
On Ben, that ship has sailed. Ben needs to know his role on this team; it isn’t as a scorer, and his defensive intensity shouldn’t hinge on his involvement on offense. If Ben wants more offense, he needs to be more active on the offensive boards. 10 shots a game from Ben — especially of the “grazing the front iron” variety — would be akin to 8-9 turnovers (due to the combination of missed shots and turnovers resulting).
Overall, I’m over Game 3. I would have liked to see a sweep, if only because I talked so much trash prior to the series. But a beatdown like this may actually convince these guys that they’re in the playoffs now and that they aren’t entitled to advancing out of any round.
Perhaps time has clouded my memory, but can you ever recall an Isiah-led team putting forth such a poor playoff effort?
Well, if you really want, you can come to Milwaukee and make the Bradley Center a run-down Palace, because tickets are still in great supply for Monday. I found them going from $10 to $110, so any price range will fit.
On a game note, you guys can rest assured that the Bucks played about as perfect as any team that has ever played the Pistons this year, and that they will neever play like that again. T.J. turned back into “rookie, pass-first T.J.” and left his jumper in the locker room. If he does that again, the Bucks have a great chance to even the series.
But Toni Kukoc will probably turn back into a 37 year-old man on Monday and Mo will not go 9-10 again. You might as well give the ball to Sheed on every play because no one can stop him except himself, which he did yesterday.
Does Flip ever take a timeout at the right time? I remember when Carlisle and Brown would take timeouts the instant they felt we were slipping. Flip can’t coach us to win games coming from behind. I blame that horrible loss on Flip and the coaching staff. Period.
Fadel: Do you blame the loss on Flip & the coaching staff if the guys didn’t show up to play because they might have been a little over-confident?
We all know you can have a great coach & if the playas don’t show up the team ain’t entitled to the win, it’s not like having Larry Brown has made the knicks a winning club.
just like Ian said,”can you ever recall an Isiah led team putting up such a poor effort?”
There were times when I just threw my Prince-bobblehead at the TV in disgust because they should’ve taken timeouts when they didn’t. For example, when Redd made 3 or 4 consecutive baskets , I thought we should’ve taken a T.O. after his 2nd shot. We didn’t even bother doubling Redd at all.
I think taking timeouts at the right time might be the difference in winning or losing a game. We lost it because neither the coaching staff nor the team showed up last night.
Well I hope our boys are mad and ready to take care of business the next two games. We need to end this in 5 because we need the extra time for Rip to heal. We will be ok because Mo Williams had the game of his life which will never happen again. Plus the Bucks shot 60% from the floor.I am sure that will never happen again. Plus if and when we meet the Heat when can’t take games off like this. Even if Wade is run down. Has anyone notice how many mins. Wade has been playing. Game 1 44mins Game 2 44mins Game 3 41mins Game 4 45mins. By the time the Heat meets us Wade will not have any legs to play superman which they will need to beat us. Its in the stars all we have to do is take care business!
Love This Site! Later
Carey
carey> that’s IF Wade and MIA even gets there! They seem to have some trouble in paradise amongst themselves! Classic GP! I think it’s destined for him to never win an NBA championship! 1st LA, 2nd MIA last season? and MIA this season. Cmon GP, time to call it a day and never ever in your wildest dreams join Deeetroit! HAHA…
Btw, did u guys see Kobe and the Lakers today? Maginifico. It would be great if they could eliminate PHX and somehow get SA & DAL to kill each other along the way haha
go Pistons goooooooooooooooooooooooo
aRChPoPoY > you maybe right about miami not making it, however I don’t see the baby bulls beating them two more games. Miami in 7. Look for Shaquille O’Neal to have a big game when they get back to miami. Plus the bulls lost T. Chandler so they may hurt them. Anyway we cant worry about them right now. We need to kill the Bucks and get ready for the round. Sorry guys but I am a little worried with all thats been going on, but we will be ok!
Ian- 1990 Zeke led the Pistons to a 91-109 loss to the Bulls in game 6 of the Conference finals (they were up 3-2 prior to that game)- you said wanted to know if your memory is clouded…but i’m sure jordan had a lot to do with that.
Let’s see, 1990 Bulls v. 2006 Bucks…
Something tells me that loss wasn’t so much effort-related. That was a legit 7 game series against the team that won the championship the next year (much to my chagrin).