Andre Iguodala has shot just 5-for-24 from the field and averaged half of his 19.9 points per game in the first two games of the season, but I’m convinced that at some point before this series is over he’ll have his breakout game. Tayshaun Prince is ready for the challenge:
Prince wasn’t about to give away any secrets about how he has kept 76ers leading scorer Andre Iguodala relatively quiet the first two games of this first-round series.
“I really don’t know,” he said Thursday when asked what he expected the 76ers to do to get Iguodala going. “Whatever it is, I just have to be ready for it.”
Conventional wisdom suggests that the Sixers will try to jumpstart Iggy by getting back to what they did for most of the year: running in the open court. From Marc Narducci of the Philadelphia Inquirer:
Coach Maurice Cheeks has emphasized the importance of getting easy baskets in transition. Yet Detroit rarely allows easy baskets. In the opening 90-86 win, the Sixers earned 16 fastbreak points. For a Pistons team that allowed 9.6 fastbreak points per game during the regular season, that was good production for the Sixers.
Without those easy baskets, Andre Iguodala has been struggling, relying too much on his jumper. He has had to shoot the jumper over the long-armed Tayshaun Prince and the results haven’t been pleasant. Iguodala is shooting 5 for 24 and he remains the key in this series. Yes, the Pistons did a good job of slowing down Andre Miller with a variety of traps in Game 2, but the biggest key is for Iguodala to get untracked on offense.
Now the Sixers have to adjust, which means Iguodala could be handling the ball more in the open court. And if he could get a few easy baskets early in transition, that would give the Sixers some needed momentum.
Can they succeed? That’s why they play the games. The ball’s about to tip on ESPN2 — leave your thoughts in the comments.
We look pretty disinterested on defense to start. That’s all I’m going to say.
“disinterested” or do you mean, they’re not hustling… there’s a difference between not wanting to play, and being outplayed.
Oh come on Detroit
Not hustling. And I’ve been a “let’s wait it out before we start calling for Flip’s head” person, but color me confused about the substitution pattern so far.
Also, I don’t think we could’ve played much worse in the 1st quarter, and I don’t think the Sixers could have played much better, and it was tied. That is why this is the most frustrating team to follow, ever.
And Rattler with 2 jams. I guess I don’t know what I’m talking about.
Pretty quiet here tonight… If we keep shooting like this, and get Maxiell more involved on defense, we’re going to come out with a nice W.
Mike - are you in Philly right now?
Looks like Rip is on, which is a good sign…
Okay, how many turnovers in a row is Flip going to let this go on now, four in a row, lol.
10 turnovers already?!? you couldn’t be playing into philly’s hands any more.
Am I the only one watching this game wondering what in the hell is happening? I know we’re shooting something close to 243% from the field, but we can’t be playing much worse, can we?
I’ll give Philly MAYBE half of those turnovers because of their D. The others, just flat out playing dumb.
11 Turnovers???????
Why doesn’t Flip stick with the same type of rotation as game two. Wher’s Amir, Afflalo.
Too many God Damn Turnovers!!!!!
Rob G– no, I meant here on DBB.
yeah, we’re just playing silly on the TOs. I imagine we’ll ratchet that out by quarter three. Thank god for Rip, otherwise we’d be in a hell of a lot of trouble.
Hopefully those calling for Rip to be traded will be singing a different tune by the end of this game.
I was wondering what to have for dessert tonight, and I guess the Pistons answered it for me:
turnovers.
Philly in 5
Mike Payne,
I don’t care if Rip breaks the all time playoff scoring record, I still want him gone. Perhaps if he does break the all time scoring record, it’ll increase his value!
tayshaun is taking cash right out of iguodala’s pocket. when he comes asking for that big contract this summer, management’s going to look at him and say “you shot 20% in the playoffs and you want how much money?”
Yeah they will change to “Trade Chauncey” or something
I hate this game. There better be a brand f-ing new team on the floor in the 2nd half or I’m going to be seriously pissed.
Chauncey Missing Fts= Good night
we’ve already missed 5 free throws? there are not a lot of good signs in the box score for this game.
lol detroit’s playing like garbage and it’s a 4 point game
We are the Spurs of the Eastern.
what’s our FT% right now?
c’mon, what is it?
it’s a joke, right? right?
If only I could trade you, Boney.
yeah, to go into the half only down two scores is some lucky s***. silly, silly play.
hey, did you guys know that Tyler Hansbrough is staying at UNC for his senior season?
25% ft
Boney, you’re SO wrong.
Philly in six.
Yeah, Boney, T-Hands is fixing to make himself the Kenyon Martin of the 2009 NBA Draft.
I would love to see how Amir handles Reggie Evans. Might we see some of that in the third quarter?
oh Mike Payne I’m sorry… I didn’t know you were in charge of changing Richard Hamilton’s tampon. My bad dude. you’re right, he’s the best!
No, Amir produces too much. If we still had Dale Davis, though, I’m sure he’d be in there.
Philly in 9.
haha Keegan… I was hoping that Prophecy_Projektz or whatever would see that I said 6ers in 5. only because he offered up a Bill Walton-esque “I have the 76ers winning in 6″ prediction
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-32-118/Liveblogging-Sixers-vs–Pistons.html
“This is the time of year when coaches are up all night, and up all day, and they’re watching film all the time, preparing every little detail. This is not a time when coaches have nice tans. Right? Well check out Flip Saunders. He’s pretty tan!”
Have fun, Flip! Slap on that bronzing lotion!
Boney: so you’re suggesting Rip has a vagina? …might begin to explain why you hate him so much.
Keegan: very good point. if only we had motumbo…
sure does Mike Payne! change that tampon!
I know it was baiting, but I’m so tired of watching this team’s c rap.
I still care and all, and there’s several players I love, but the”Going to Work” mantra is clearly inapplicable to this team. That’s why people like Amir, Stuckey and Afflalo so much, which people like McCosky never understand. They’re the only thing that’s reminiscent of that era. They might do something boneheaded, but they’re trying their asses off.
I used to get so emotional about it, but now I just watch the house burn down from afar.
I’ll have to wait until he stops scoring so much, Boney. You want me to mail it to you when I’m done? Sauce keeps telling me you’re into that!
Chris McCosky on TV 20 halftime with Kelser and Blaha:
Pistons are playing hard, but not smart. He wants to see Detroit play Pistons basketball more than one game in a row.
Boy, don’t we all.
sure, whatever floats your boat!
If Detroit does not win it this year, Rip will be gone.
Perhaps, Boney. But 1) that’s no reason to turn our backs on him now, especially with the way he’s playing tonight. 2) what do you think we could get for Rip that would honestly be an improvement at the 2 guard?
Can I guess the content of the insightful McCosky segment?
“They really need Ratliff’s experience. Dixon will really come in handy in the playoffs. Lindsey is like a coach on the floor. The youngsters aren’t meant for playoff action, just so the starters are rested for the playoffs. Fresh legs, fresh legs, fresh legs. Amir will NEVER develop a jump-shot.”
You missed a sentence Keegan: “oh yeah, and f#2k the bloggers.”
lol how the hell did Detroit shoot 61 percent for the half - is that a TV 20 typo?
lol McCosky failed to say all that, he was mostly saying matter-of-fact stuff like Boston’s killing Atlanta and whatnot.
I already said I’d take a complimentary player, and a lottery pick for Rip… several posts ago. There’s no arguing he does what he does well, there is arguing that he plays with the team in mind when he dribbles and goes one on one and plays outside of himself.
NICE series by Detroit - Tayshuan buzzer beat J, later a Rip 3 ball, then a Tayshaun charge-take on the other end.
Meanwhile, Billups is undoing EVERYTHING and getting humiliated by Miller.
Rip?!?!?! palming the ball?!?!?!?! NO! that NEVER happens!
9 steals on a half?
Did Philly start 5 Stocktons?
I mean, I know D will win the series and all, but…
Man, Billups and McDyess. Race to choke harder between the two of them.
He’s like Flip’s mouthpiece. (Sarcasm, not an idiotic conspiracy theorist comment).
Ooooh…back within 2. But let’s not live and die by the three, please guys?
There’s a Miller layup, that’s more like it.
and is this like the 5th palming violation we’ve had called against us this series? Is 2008 the year of the YMCABA?
sound the feasting horn!
Mike Payne, I’m a huge Rip fan, he’s probably my favorite out of the core 4, and I think he’s gone (along with Flip) if we don’t go down playing some good basketball. It’s nothing personal, I think he’s the one with the most value. We’d never get rid of Billups, good PGs are too hard to find and he has a really reasonable contract. I think the answer is to trade Rip for a late lottery or mid round pick and a vet, and plug Stuckey in at the 2. Stuckey is going to be that good. Even Rasheed could go, he’s a massive expiring contract that could bring a lot in return, but we have nobody to back fill for him (save the Amir talk, I love him as much as the rest of you, but there is no replacement for Sheed).
I don’t like it, but if this team doesn’t respond this year, that’s it for this version of the Pistons. And rightfully so. This team has woefully underachieved the last 2 years.
Typical playoff effort by Chauncey, by which I mean, none so far as I can see.
“Waiting for them to flips the switch”
Even if they could find the switch I don’t think they could keep their hands on it long enough to flip it.
Channeling Sauce:
YEEEAH CHAUNCEY!!! WAY TO GO 0-4 FROM DOWNTOWN!!!
Oh shit that’s a gusher on Dice.
‘Sheed has sleepbugs in his eyes. I just saw it.
3:16 drought for scoring from Detroit, and counting.
that’s what I like to see… 1 on 1 basketball with Richard Hamilton dribbling worse than Flip Murray. NICE!
McDyess has a broken nose, according to Zaret.
Thaddeus just got a matcher.
Take Hamilton out of the game, force this team to move the god damn ball and spread the wealth on offense. This is bullshit basketball
Pretty depressing knowing thats what it took to get Max in the game.
Good job Maxy!!! Way to get out-hustled by the 19-year-old you have 50 pounds on!!
12 steals. 12 steals. Gowwdang, i’m-a start rooting for philly not to win, but at least to break 50 and get some kind of Mortal Kombat-styled fatality reward.
c’mon detroit. find something.
lol@ dude on ESPN
“Maybe its time for Flip Sauders to go the bench”
Captain Obvious FTW!
BENCH. Try it, Flip. It’s just not working now.
that shot of flip said it best: he had nothing to say, why are they not moving the damn ball?
thirteen.
a good Big Star song, but, in this case…
and prince shooting like 112%.
I think its simply adorable that the Pistons are paying tribute to the 50th anniversary with the same amount of turnovers in this game.Surely, thats what there going for right? What’s that you say? A game to win? Playoffs? pffft nevermind that.
have a seat bitch.
Rip’s gonna say fuggit and just foul out.
W/ frustration comes the T. Surprised it took this long.
HAYES FOR THREE!!! GREAT DECISION-MAKING!!!!
Locker room footage during halftime said it all. Flip’s lost this team. They’ve tuned him out.
lol, Reggie Evans is soooooooooooo gonna be the next Jerome James.
Jarvis Hayes?
With the Sixers getting out on the break now, this is a carbon copy of Mavs/Warriors, right down to style of play.
and hayes goes 17 whole seconds before hoisting up a miss. bravo!
@ G - That’s saying at one time that he ‘had’ them. Which is suspect.
lol that’s a bullshit call for Evans.
And that’s what happens when you don’t play bright and with enough energy.
fuck this team. Reggie fucking Evans? Where the fuck is Rasheed? Where the fuck is the heart?
This is disgraceful. I’d like to officially declare myself for the “Fire Flip” camp. A good coach does not have his team this under prepared. We are getting embarrassed by a sub .500 team in the playoffs. There’s no offensive flow to this game. There’s no substitution pattern. Now we have to go to the bench and they’re playing tight because they know their coach is afraid to play them in the playoffs. There’s no boxing out. We literally have no answers.
Detroit, if they lose this, will absolutely be that lack of brains and energy team, getting the tag “they didn’t want it enough.”
the series and season is over
I swear to god if Chauncey says after the game they have nothing to lose and they are still the better team, I am going to personally go down to Philly and punch horse boy in the mouth….
We can absolutely lose this series, and I think that’s an even money proposition right now. They have become the antithesis of what got them a ring. We have somehow become what we defeated in 04.
Philly on a 16-4 run.
Nice one Maxiell.
Race you, Prophecy.
The Series/season isn’t over but it’s going to go 7 which is 2 games longer than it needed to be. Plus, as a result of frustration and messy playing, we’ll be more banged up than we should be.
I am not watching any more. Tell the Philly fans trolling this site that I am out drinking. Again.
This is much worse than that Game 1, regardless of us being away for this game. Game 1 was inexcusable to lose, but the play in this game is much more disheartening than that of Game 1.
I’m a little mad, but the backlash from the fans after this loss is gonna be stupendous! I can’t wait, it’s like Christmas Eve.
What Philly fans? Even trolls dont even come here cause they expect this from us.
I hate my life
How come we run a nice offensive continuity with a 10 point lead but only work mistmatches once we are behind? Clearly the best option with this lineup is to iso Prince everytime right?
I hate Flip.
I would like to call out the jerks who would freak out everytime someone on this board complained about effort or coaching or whatever. Do we look like champion contenders tonight? How good of a coach do you think flip is now? One game… er Two games doesnt mean squat… but still what will it take for some of you to wake up to some of our flaws? I still think we win this series… philly is that bad… but what does that say about us that their giving us such a good what for.
Flip will put Orlando Woolridge in before Amir.
Again let me restate: This is beyond Flip’s fault
lol at any given time, Detroit’s employing a 3-man-standing-around strategy. There is absolutely no desire from the team to play the motion offense. And Billups is not providing a hell of a lot of leadership.
It’s like Detroit is dumbing down to this level of scrap ball, and they can’t play that way because it’s not them.
This is horrible. How can Detroit have no solutions to offer when the problem is so clear? Frankly, I think Billups´s play is a major part of this mess. He is being ouplayed consistently by Miller, who is good, but no match to a motivated, humble Chauncey. How can Tayshaun have the same amount of shots as Chauncey? Flip, get a clue and be forceful in the face of such shit. Can you?
I’d love to be inside Joe D’s head right now. I’m sure he sees himself in a headlock w/ Chauncy grinning that stupid ‘we’re still better’ grin of his counting $$$.
And here’s the ringer, if we do come back? People will be all about that instead of the reason we needed the heroics in the first place.
I’m ill.
That was a brutal, BRUTAL, third quarter.
mwhyte72, I think the 2 quarters in the 1st game and the first 3 quarters of this game are not going to be forgotten. I know I won’t forget it.
The Pistons can come back and possibly win, and everyone will cheer, but nobody in their right mind will take away an air of dominance out of this Detroit Soft Boys team.
I think it is becoming more clear every minute that this is the last run of this core. Even IF we win this series, the statement is being made that this group has no more answers to playoff situations. Philly is possibly the worst team in the playoffs! Not that this organization can’t continue to contend but this story with this group has gotten so old. I can’t wait for the post game comments about “hey, we’ve been here before…..” Like a broken record.
I really hate following the Pistons, the last few years this team has sucked the fun out of being a fan. I almost give them a pass for the Miami series in light of the way the games were called in the Finals. Last year was like a personal insult the way we just f-ing gave up against Cleveland, and now it’s happening all over again. This team has quit on its coach, on its general manager, and on its fans.
Keegan, if Amir doesn’t get any playing time tonight the only people that will be happy are Flip and Sauce
Last 10:41 of 3rd quarter = 0 field goals by Detroit.
19 turnovers in the game.
Half of it’s Philly. The other half is “we’re the better team.”
I’m gonna throw this out there, are the Pistons shaving points? I mean, this effort is so pathetic, so unashamedly bad, that I have to ask the question.
Well said Other Matt. That’s what it feels like the last 3 years in the post season. A whole lotta talk and even more BAD post=season basketball.
Since when can’t we bull into the paint? Theo had a good post-up there. Wow, got an 8-on-5. Maybe Mr. Smooth Choke and Tanny Flip Nodder will realize how you can get beat by Cleveland AND Philly doing what they’re doing. Wait, that would mean that both those guys can see the big picture. They can’t.
Sad that it takes a goal tend to score.
This game is over, why is Theo in and not Amir?
I’m actually looking forward now to the one time that Philly finally drives hard (w/out getting fouled) and jams. If for no other reason than to embarrass us further.
Give it to me.
sit down bitch
We would have to be pretty obtuse to make a worse use of the bench than Flip. Not just in this series, either. The bench is deep enough that if 2 o 3 guys don´t have it on a particular game, you can turn to other players who will bring positive things to the table. Hustle and heart, for one! Look, Flip, maybe you can´t understand it, maybe you can´t give rational reasons for it, but the young ones make good things happen. Maybe you wish it wasn´t the case, but guess what? Amir and Afflalo can and often help this team.9 minutes left, 5 points from the bench…
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! There were like 4 fouls on that possession and now they’re in the bonus for the rest of the game.
Flip absolutely had to get T’d up there (I’ve long had that complaint about him, not nearly firey enough). Pathetic.
57-78…I say we’re screwed. What the hell is wrong with these Pistons.
You know, Billups should think about keeping quiet about being down 3-1, 3-0, and it doesn’t matter to him. Because what is he going to do about his better team if they’re down 4-1?
Pitiful.
This is so pathetic.
Where´s the rebounding? One of the most worrying trends of all…
If it ain’t rough, it ain’t right. Or very good.
Pass until you’re so frantic that you’re facing the clock and then turn it over because nobody is willing to go inside.
Nice.
Scrubs.
There is no defense for why this team drops 2 games if not the series to Philly. None. Even all of the reluctant, panic button pushers have to be nervous. We are seeing the same flaws that we displayed all season long be exposed.
I’m still watching to see a fight break out between Hamilton and someone.
Antonio’s the rebounding. But Antonio’s a no-win player. Rebounds, but average defense and a spotty shot that everyone encourages him to shoot out of when it doesn’t fall. Turnover machine - pure pop-shot player. But we need him as the other post said, specifically, due to the fact that rebounding is really streaky without him.
really? is this really going down? Does anyone on our squad have any sense of pride?
Detroit: where fucking up “the real season” becomes a way of life.
Rasheed doesn’t even care. That was like the third lob to Dalembert in a row. You know if he was thinking about the game, he’d be looking for it. But he doesn’t even care. At least Hayes contested it.
This is such an unlikeable team, wow. Flip has to be gone, even if we get to ECFs right?
We can’t beat the 7th seed how could we ever beat Boston?
I’ve never jumped on this bandwagon before, but I feel the need. Flip Saunders just doesn’t have it together. He doesn’t know what the f*ck to do. We’re deep… use what you have! WHY is Juan Dixon in street clothes?
Either that or none of these guys give a care about what plays he calls or what he says. They do whatever they want, and shame on them.
I’ve watched, like most of us this entire season. And I’m by no means a hater or fair weather, but I’ve seen this before from this team. And I’m scared I’m gonna see it again.
We’ll get out of this round. But 7 games? Pretty weak. And the rest of the playoffs. I cringe.
the whole bench is playing…what the fuck?
Now flip puts amir and afllalo in? what a piece of crap. You didnt think they deserved a shot at earlier even though half of our squad decided to skip showing up to the arena today?
This game is on the players. Flip didn’t turn the ball over 20 million times.
The only thing I can think of is that it was really ugly bloody scene in the lockerroom trying to stop the bleeding in McDyess’s nose and everybody was really concerned with his health. Other than that, they laid the biggest egg I’ve seen in a LONG time in an important game.
I was urging calm after game 1, I am in full blown PANIC mode now. This is unforgivable to me and I may not come back full time watching every game and following everything unless there is a major change because I’m done being invested in this pile of shit.
Hey Chauncey, are you going to consider game 4 as a “must win” now?
okay, now im convince that complacency exist in the blood of these pistons players, especially the starters! so to all the people who said there isn’t any complacency in this team such as keith langlois, matt watson, and to others, obviously they were in complete in denial and wanted to make the pistons in disbelief.
I can only hope that public outcry now will be so loud that front office can’t avoid it any longer.
I’ve been on the fence all season with Flip. I’ve even given Flip the benefit of the doubt, that he has changed this team, but a 20 or more point lead through-out the whole 4th quarter is ridiculous. This should not be happening, especially, if you are suppose to make adjustments during half-time. And things have gotten even worst. I’m not happy at all about the performances of Chauncey and the coaching of Flip. Something needs to be done, seriously.
-Starts to climb over the “Fire Flip” side of the fence-
Flip: “Just so people don´t come after me for not playing the young ones, I´m going to put them in when the game is hopelessly lost. Maybe no one will notice if the box-score says they played…”
Keep dreaming, Flip. Why not when the game is on the line? Because we could lose? Oops…
camera on Billups has him not even caring. WTF? Time to take it serious Pistons.
no flip didnt turn the ball over 20 million times. He wasnt missing wide open shots and he wasnt missing free throws. He also wasnt coaching. What do you think a coach is? just a cheerleader? You don’t think the lack of focus has anything to do with the head coach? You don’t think flip could have done something to slow down the bleeding?
Kelser:
What was missing - Rasheed’s play inside.
Rasheed and Antonio, 4 points combined.
Kelser just compared Philly to Golden State. Anyone nervous now?
Another team Pistons fail for the national media to lap up and run with . . . . thanks Billups, Detroit could be down any number of games and you’re the better team, I know what you mean man, no honest, I’m sorry I’m chuckling, I can’t help it . . .
and by the way whoever is gna say or keep using “they (pistons) been there” F*** THAT!!!! THAT IS WHAT’S MAKING THEM LOSE GAMES, WHENEVER THEY THINK THAT WAY!!!
Frustrating..embarrasing..disgraceful..
I could only imagine if San Antonio played like this. Popovich would light em up in the locker room. What do you think the odds are of Flip getting fiery and telling them this is unacceptable? It’s staggering how little control he has over this team.
Game 1 I was on Flip, Game 3 I am on the team for losing. I think Joe Dumar should coach the Piston starting Game 4 this Sunday.
Andre Miller didn’t just burn Billups bad . . . Flip took him off Andre at times. Andre tore up Stuckey, too.
So how many times are we going to watch a point guard slash and burn our defense before it becomes a sitcom?
I have officially switched to the Hornets v. Mavericks game now. Anyone care to join me?
Apparently we have to be up by 20 or down by 20 for Amir to get on the floor.
If we drop another game in this series, I’d be ready go get behind firing Flip during the playoffs.
This sucks.
joejoejoe… that’s bullshit and you know it bro. Flip doesn’t wear shorts and sneakers either, so the entire blame falls on those that do? Game 3 has always been a problem for Detroit, whether on their home court or on the road. They always play complacent, bullshit basketball in Game 3.
If I can see it, then why can’t a coach who is getting paid millions can’t see it?
I’m with you “Mr Monday” At least Dallas and Hornets are playing their hearts out.
joejoejoe, laying a major egg in a really important game isn’t on the coach? Not even a little bit? Read my post from above about there’s been no adjustments. Our game plan is “stop Iguodala”. There’s no substitution pattern and when we get in foul trouble and injured and absolutely must go to the bench they’re tight because they haven’t played and the rotation is all f-ed up.
I’m already joined the Fire Flip movement tonight because this was disgraceful. I’m seriously contemplating joining the “Trade Everybody” movement because you’re right, it is on the players. Nothing has changed since 2005. We’re living on one title and one-almost-title when we’ve come up empty two straight times (three overall). This team buys it’s own hype and the only way to change that is to change the makeup of the team.
wow…Larry Brown resigned as vice president of the Sixers. Looks like Brown is going back to Detroit is Joe Dumar has anything to say about it.
I also hate how Flip is so careful to “coach beyond reproach.” If he were to sit Dice for a while this game and play Amir and we lose by 2, what happens? Chris McCosky scream bloody murder, talks about how great Dice was in Game 2, how Amir is too young, etc. But what colunist is going to criticize him for playing Ratliff or Hunter? Hey they’re wily veterans!
I wonder if Thad Young was intimidated by Ratliff’s age?
And you know what was really great coaching? The line 1/line 2 hockey bullshit rotation we had at the end of the year. Because clearly the way to build a bench is to play them exclusively as a 5-man unit when you have no intention of ever using said combination of players in a playoff game.
Philly is beating us the same way we used to beat teams back in the early 2000s: Playing hardnoise defense and causing turnovers. How ironic…
I’ve been a big “Fire Flip” guy for the past season and a half but this goes beyond Flip. This group thinks they are better than they are. When they won that title in ‘04 they were OVERACHIEVERS. Ever since Big Shot Bob broke our hearts this team has been fatally flawed and transformed into a group of UNDERACHIEVERS. I love the Pistons but it gets harder and harder to get behind this group when the same things occurs over and over.
I can wonder if Philly paid for every secret Larry Brown could conjure for notes on the Pistons.
Following the game through the internet at work. This series could always build character like being down to Orlando 3-1, Nets 3-2, Heat 3-2, and Spus 2-0…or it could turn out like Cleveland last season. Right now it’s even money that they could lose this series, or make it back to the Conference Finals (I still think both Orlando and Toronto matchup pretty poorly against Detroit) But I have a hard time envisioning them beating Boston. They appear way more focused than Detroit. I do think Atlanta is good for a game in that series though.
Welcome to the ‘trade everybody’ camp, Other Matt. Too bad we can’t dish Chauncy w/ that contract. With Rip’s becoming more and more erratic (playing and attitude) his value is up/down all the time, Dyess will retire and ‘Sheed will… I don’t know what he’ll do.
I mean really, where do you start and what’s available to you in way of coach or players?
It’s ugly. No way around it.
Wow. I’m numb. That’s just……….pitiful. For a professional basketball team. Wow.
I think the team needs to be shaken up, much like when Joe D traded Stackhouse for Rip. Bring in a guy like Josh Smith from Atlanta, who can get his own buckets off hustle plays and also help Sheed on D.
“Sauce1977″ you know I have never thought of that.
This game was an absolute failure across the board. Tay-tay is on fire? “Why give him the ball?” Chauncey can´t make a 3-pointer? “Let´s keep trying, we are taking such good care of the ball we can waste possessions!” We are getting killed on the boards? “Who needs Amir?”
“This series could always build character like being down to Orlando 3-1, Nets 3-2, Heat 3-2, and Spus 2-0…or it could turn out like Cleveland last season.”
The biggest problem with that statement is that this series shouldn’t be a character-building series. It should be a take-a-steaming-dump-on-Philly-and-their-fans series where Detroit lays a beat down on them and doesn’t look back.
oh and by the way…whoevers gonna blame flip saunders for this is a f****** complete idiot!!!! flip doesn’t need to have control and tell them what they need to do with double digit turnover after the half (even though he should) the f***** players should know already on what to do!!!!!
probably shouldn’t have watched the 2004 championship video last night. sigh.
“mwhyte72″ I’ll tell you what Sheed will do. If the Pistons get eliminated he’ll probably kill everyone on the team. Either that or he’ll just go straight to his car and drive home without changing.
Oh “ric” I am so not on the “Fire Flip” bandwagon anymore. The starters were all to blame for this shitty display. Joe Dumar has to be flipping at this very moment.
im still with our pistons win or lose in this series coz im a true fan, but joe needs to start thinking about the trading 1-2 starter for next season. dyes, sheed, prince, rip and billups. 1-2 of these players has this complacency and this contagious!!!!
mwhyte, I’m not quite there yet. But I feel the same way UTEP2STEP does. This team has been fatally flawed. They are certainly talented enough to win another title (or two), but they’re physically incapable of focusing long enough and playing hard enough over the course of a 7 game series against a good team to do so.
I find it interesting that those of us who have been cautious about Flip are moving into the “Fire Flip” camp and those who were already there are moving into the “Trade Everybody” camp.
-Starting to get flashbacks of last year’s ECF and the year before-
I feel sick.