If we need to lose games but in return give the youngsters some playing time and experience then in the end we will be even better

I would like to see Hayes sit for a while and see what Herrmann can do defensively

Over the last 11 games I think that if Lindsey plays in place of Stuckey we win several games. I prefer that Stuckey learns under fire — even if he makes mistakes and errors — and even if it means we lose some games.

The answer == defense - or lack of it

Orlando shot over 50%!!!

How many came off turnovers?

Normally, losing a nailbiter to a good team on the road wouldn’t be that worrying. Losing three in a row is a bit more annoying, and being 5-6 in the last 11 — well, we’ll see if it’s just January doldrums or something else. But Detroit WILL need more production from its bench if it wants to go further this year than in the last two.

To give credit where it is due, I have Hedo T. on my fantasy basketball team, and I can vouch for the fact that he’s having a really good year.

and also re: Chauncey pre-90 seconds, I meant that pertaining to his general trend of play, not specifically tonight where he was great. That may be easily misconstrued. And even if I contend Chauncey is no Mr. Big Shot (or Mr. BS, as I like to think of the people who think he deserves that nickname), he’s playing great basketball, and I got no problems with his play.

As for the team, the Pistons’ defense was abysmal for much of the until the very last few possessions when it got miraculously hard-nosed and efficient. I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but I smell complacency at the moment on the defensive end. While Dice and Tay had very good offensive games, they were pathetic on defense. Turkoglu was torching Tay and Dice was late a lot, leading in some cases to very silly fouls. While I’m a big fan of Turkoglu, there’s no excuse for Tayshaun just getting repeatedly torched off the dribble. Stuckey was also awful and though it was only one game, his penchant for stupid passes worries me in terms of his decision making skills.

Sheed, Rip (especially on defense), and for the most part Chauncey played great games. Chauncey turned it over a bit much, but these three definitely held it down on defense (along with Afflalo for the short time he was in) when no one else who played significant minutes really did. Maxiell did all right (especially on offense), but he (like Dice) fouled way too much. The problem tonight was not offense as it seems to have been in recent games, but defense. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

While I want to make it clear that I am not panicked or worried in any way, I am frustrated and finding it difficult to watch games in their entirety. I used to take great joy in this earlier in the season. As of late, watching the Pistons in their entirety has turned into a great hardship for me because they can’t seem to put all of it together these days.

I guess clutch and Detroit aren’t mutual these days.

And the Pistons didn’t? Really, with a 3 game losing steak now complete, it’s time for these guys to get their heads back on straight, make some free throws, and win games. Come one Sheed, 2-6 from the line. The stripe is a good indicator as to what type of mindstate a player is in. As of late, the Pistons haven’t been focused. Before you know it the Cavs will only be a few games back with half the season left to play. Giving up the cushion they had is inexcusable, and don’t give me any of that they’re not good with cushions crap!

Stuckey had a nice driving layup in the second half and should have had an assist that Maxiell couldn’t finish.

Watch them struggle against Philly….