It’s funny, but tonight’s game is the difference between this series being just a small speed bump in the Pistons’ legacy or the catalyst for the end of an era. Seriously, that’s the difference between 2-2 and 3-1.
In any case, McDyess will play but will not start. From A. Sherrod Blakely:
Antonio McDyess will play tonight, but he won’t be in the starting lineup. Pistons coach Flip Saunders wouldn’t say who would replace him in the starting lineup, but it’s going to be Jason Maxiell.
I just spoke with Maxiell a few minutes ago about being in the starting lineup.
“With myself, it’s all about energy,” Maxiell said. “What I’ll try to do is bring energy the first quarter, with the starters.”
Also, there’s this from Chris McCosky:
In other news from shoot-around, Flip Saunders hinted that he may use some of his younger, quicker players more to offset the 76ers’ athleticism and quickness. That could mean more Amir Johnson and Arron Afflalo.
Godspeed, Zoo Crew. Ball tips at 7pm on TV20 locally and TNT nationally.
Leave your thoughts in the comments.
I’m hoping for a strong showing and I think that the first 10 minutes will be the most telling. I pray they find it in themselves to come out swinging.
Aspirin is close by just in case.
Let’s do this boys. Don’t let us down tonight. Play like you need it.
what a terrible start, the offense looks stagnant
god i hate evans. and he hasnt even played yet.
At least we’re *trying* get inside this time around. Chauncy clearly looks off though.
Fking chauncey…
Anyone wanna start Flip Saunders/Pistons i-pod playlist?
Mobb Deep-Shook Ones Part 2
Jay-Z- Fallin
Busta Rhymes-Legends of the Fall Offs
Add on….
We look a little tentative to me. What I can’t figure out is why Billups is being booed every time he touches the ball. I think there’s guys who are much easier to hate on our team than him.
Color me nervous after the first 8 minutes.
“Sloppy” by DEVO comes to mind…
Its Philly, they booed Santa for god’s sakes.
Duly noted mwhyte…
Nas-Drunk by Myself
Kanye West- When it all falls down
They should be applauding Billups—he is giving them this series so far.
Is that….Van Wilder sitting courtside
WTF?
This is so difficult to watch…
Wu-tang clan - Dog s**t.
For what its worth:
The last time a starter was force to wear a mask, they won a title that year.
The reality:
THIS AINT ‘04!!!!
Their jump shots look so calm, effortless. I guess that’s what happens when you don’t press them… at all.
stuckey’s gotta start finishing that.
lol
All this Detroit mockery is killing me inside…:(
Why didnt they try and set the tone and make a statement by doing full court presses on them like in game 2 and last year’s Chicago series? (first 2 games).
wtf is wrong with chaunce
lol@ Flip
Will you make defensive adjustments?
*croacky-kid-just-hitting-puberty-voice*
“Well there’s some…”
plenty of room still on the fire flip bandwagon!
so much for the good start
What a mess.
wtf. this is ridiculous.
This isn’t looking good. Detroit doesn’t play good against a good crowd and a young, hyped-up team (Philly, Cleveland, Miami)
I actually braced myself for this to happen, so Im not too piss.
But on the other hand, I have to live with this douche known as myself for predicting this would happen…
We didn’t convert but there was more energy in the last 10 seconds than I’ve seen from us in the whole last game.
“B-b-but we play well in hostile arenas”
Dyess has been the catalyst for some hope in the 2nd.
jarvis hayes is absolute garbage.
Nothing like giving the crowd something to cheer about. We have no answer for the energy of Philly.
its over
we do, mywhyte72– flip just doesn’t want to play him. i swear to god, if i see theo ratliff hit the floor before Amir, I’m going to turn the TV off.
I don’t think we can win this series. Flip Saunders is getting worked like a speed bag by Mo Cheeks. Philly is collapsing on any drives with a weak side defender. We need to start combating that by fading down towards the baseline, that’s where the space is with this defensive set. We’re either kicking it back up top and getting all bogged down or we’re just going right into their pressure and getting turned over. This is not hard. We still have no answer for a team trapping Chauncey off the pick and roll. Credit Mo Cheeks, he’s using the Mike Brown playbook from last year. We have no answers.
The youngins are struggling because their leader looks like warmed-over death.
The NBA: Where “Who the hell is Jason Smith???!!!???” Happens…
somebody should have punched dyess in the face a long time ago.
Mike, if by “Jarvis Hayes” you mean “Chauncey Billups”, I agree. Nice passing, bit*h!
Maybe there just better than us and this is exactly like Dallas-GS where its a match up thing. I mean the rotation is in there (Although Affalo should be in there before Jarvis Hayes) but maybe they just match up better..
Flip, “we’re beating ourselves right now, you just have to run your stuff, that’s all we have to do.”
I rest my case, Fire Flip.
we had a good run. five conference finals in a row is amazing. but i think it’s clear that whether or not we win this series, the run is over. it’s a shame flip threw away some seasons where we could have contended. and it’s a shame robert horry hit that three in game 5 in ‘05 and cost this unit a second title.
i’ll always remember these guys fondly.
It’s bigger than that, Prophecy. This team, as they currently play from the half-time of Game 1, couldn’t even beat Miami right now.
Was that Flip asserting authority?
@Other Matt - I heard him say that and thought, ‘that’s all you’ve got to say? Run your stuff?’ Pathetic.
The Zone? There not Chicago Detroit!
This is starting to feel like 1992 against the Knicks in the first round, which officially closed the Bad boys chapter of Pistons history. The bench showed at the end of the year they could be playoff teams, so trade all the starters except Prince, can Flip, and let’s prepare for 2018!
I don’t understand how you can have watched the first half of this game, Game 1, and Game 3 and think “we’re beating ourselves”, and “you just have to run your stuff.” They are flat out beating us. This is a good old fashioned ass kicking, they know exactly what we’re going to do and how to stop it. And they know we’re not going to change. We’re firmly entrenched in Michigan Football mode, “eff you try to stop this, oops you did let’s punt.” I hate myself for being fans of these teams.
bonzi- i’m not ready to concede chauncey yet, although the last two series he’s played in he’s been garbage. Jarvis has given me very little to be happy about all season, and I’ve finally given up on him today. I was skeptical, now I’ve given up. He’s garbage, IMO.
…that’s not to say i’m blaming this on Jarvis though.
At this point? Come out of the time-out playing nothing but bench, try something different.
i remember another team that had a bunch of veterans who looked terrific on paper. everyone picked them to win. and a young, athletic, hungry team knocked them off. the 2004 lakers. teams just get old quickly. we’re not beating ourselves. we’re a step slower than they are, and it shows.
Well, we’re done everybody. The Piston core 5 is dead. The way they’ve been playing aint no way they are going to win this game or the series. What the fuck is wrong with Wallace? He’s not even moving on offense. There is not aggressiveness like the Suns was today. I think Flip Saunder has failed as a coach. Time for Joe D to move on to someone else.
Man, my buddy who by no means follows sports religiously just checked in and said, “the weird thing is that the vibe of the sixers is the same as four years or so ago for us.”
Even people who only watch 5-10 games a year can see it. I want to shoot myself in the face.
Why did they de-activate Hermann?
they’re playing tight. it’s not just that their season is on the line. it’s whether or not it’s the end of an era. joe will blow this starting 5 up. flip will be fired. that’s ALOT of pressure. and they’re playing like they’re feeling it.
how about a back door cut? tired of these pathetic jumpshots.
We should press the issue and force are way to the hole. Philly is getting helped from touch calls, no reason for us not to do the same.
Off Topic:
LOL@ Jamal from City Guys doing Foot Locker Commercials.
Mike, I’m not saying Jarvis is great, but his contract expires after this season. “Mr. Big Shot” has a max contract running for 4 more years, if I’m not mistaken. You can’t get rid of his fat ass.
at least dice is playing with some heart, the rest don’t seem like they want to win another championship
our*
@ bonzi, false on the max contract for Chauncey. He’s signed for 3 more seasons after this for $12 million per with a team option for a 4th year.
Wow, the real Pistons just appeared out of thin air with hustle and movement and crashing the boards.
Question, does Joe D go talk to them at the half?
oh mr. big regular season
$12 millions for Billups playing like this in the Playoff?
Twice in less than one game minute we have to hear about how good Philly is at flopping.
Thank you for getting that technical Sheed. Next time get it earlier.
wow great tech, just what we needed
There goes the T. Incredible. I guess when you’ve got nothing else…
That the problem with the perception of the current pistons…..they do not have a legacy
i’m actually yelling at tay to just take it himself. hamilton and billups are missing wide open guys under the basket.
ah, the cherry on top. sheed gets a t.
Cant they put in Affalo for Rip?
My bad then. But he still sucks
McDyess and Tayshaun are single handedly keeping us from getting blown the f out.
You better believe that Sheed just earned that charge. These pissants werent going to send a call our direction without it.
GOD DAMIN IT HAMILTON FOR STEPPING OUT OF BOUNCE.
They just won one championship….Yes they have been to the eastern conference finals, but just one championship……the spurs have a legacy.
Yeah, bonzi, I think for a player with Chauncey’s service, a max deal is somewhere around $18 million, but I could be wrong. There’s probably a salary cap geek among us that could better answer that. That’s a big difference.
Chauncey for Chris Paul. Hell, Chauncey for Ron Paul, or even Ru Paul, would be something I’d green light right about now.
Even Jesus Christ can’t saves the Pistons. I’m turning to NBC to watch Monk rather than the half time analysis. Who’s with me?
FItting that the last shot TNT shows before commerical is Flip wiping his brow.
You know what the sad thing is?
Just like the Warriors last year or the Heat two years ago, its not like this Philly team will aspire to conention or be competitive next year. This is all a case of Detroit allowing a young team to be confident only within the context of one series and the Pistons basically losing that Playoff swagger…
that’s unfair to say we don’t have a legacy. won’t you always remember the stockton-malone jazz or the payton-kemp sonics? it’s rare to contend for as many years as we have; we’ve had a terrific run. most teams don’t rattle off title after title.
I’m not turning it. We’re going to win this game. Highlight my post with a white background. We have shot terrible, played terrible, and been given a “terrible” boost from the refs as usual. This is when it happens, enough is enough. We’re taking this game and I’m fired up about it.
I am switching shirts though. Less for luck, more for thanking Rasheed for not being afraid to tell it how it is.
HB
Apr 27th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Even Jesus Christ can’t saves the Pistons. I’m turning to NBC to watch Monk rather than the half time analysis. Who’s with me?
Oh I dont know, seeing C-Webb talk about the Pistons and Sixers should be priceless all things considered…
Long time sine I’ve heard of the name Sean Kemp…what the hell is he been up to these days?
I just don’t understand how this squad could have won 59 games this year. They are playing horrific basketball right now. I would have understood had they bowed out in the ECF against the Celtics or even the Cavs, but a first round 5 game sweep to a sub .500 team? (I don’t think they will win game 5, since they’ve already had their annual postseason melt down.)
That was nice from Dice
man, if that 3-ball had been good, that would have been a nasty blow to end the half.
what odds would you put on the Pistons surviving this game? This series?
“No disrespect to Flip, but it doesn’t matter what he says.”
-Chris Webber
FIRE FLIP.
ouch burn on Flip
Christ Webber got some bridges to burn with Flip.
“It doesn’t matter what Flip says” - C. Webb
Thanks for making public what we all have known forever now.
I’m having that sick feeling the collectively the Pistons want Saunders gone which is why they’ve been playing so badly.
chris webber just said joe is gonna threaten to trade all of them
I guess I was right, Joe D is going to go talk to them at the half.
Well, at least people can put the old “who is better” argument about the 89-90 squad vs. the current team to bed.
It’s sad seeing this kind of basketball tonight while watching all these great historical clips (not on TNT).
@HB - I’d love to get behind that, if for no other reason than to have an answer as to why they are playing *this* bad, but I don’t think so. They are just getting outplayed and outcoached.
I have to tell you, if they lose this series, there will be more change than just Flip getting fired. You can’t lose in the first round to a sub-500 team and bring back the same cast of characters for next year.
We can absolutely win this series if the right adjustments are made. I just don’t have any faith in Flip to make the adjustments that are needed.
I’m betting that there’s a 99.9 percent chance that Flip Saunders isn’t going to be back next year even if the Pistons by some miracle wins this series or the Finals.
doggdetroit
Apr 27th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
I just don’t understand how this squad could have won 59 games this year. They are playing horrific basketball right now. I would have understood had they bowed out in the ECF against the Celtics or even the Cavs, but a first round 5 game sweep to a sub .500 team? (I don’t think they will win game 5, since they’ve already had their annual postseason melt down.)
I saw signs. They were still games where they didnt play hard and played to the level of there opponents, some who were sub.500. They didnt play D a lot in some games too. Hence why I was always pessimistic despite the record.
I reckon they will win Game 5 but this thing is done in Philly in Game 6.
c-webb just said at the half:
ernie: “you’ve been in that locker room with flip saunders at halftime, what’s the mood in there right now?”
cwebb: “truthfully, no disrepect to flip, but it doesn’t matter what flip says….”
3 years wasted with saunders. it’s like having norv turner run your team. it’s a postseason death wish.
oh, you guys saw that too.
“Other Matt” no question that Joe D will be making changes after this season is over. Sheed is 99 % will be gone from Detroit and Rip is 50/50 of staying. I don’t know about Prince. My money is he’ll be gone as well.
I can’t believe it’s the half already. TIme flies when you’re BEING STOMPED.
Flip has to be gone next year no matter what happens now. That was awesome hearing CWebb air the dirty laundry.
The Pistons look like a bunch of Darkos.
if only amir was in.. amir lekobe johnson! my savior!
Well I remember a report (cant remember the source) where it stated Webber gave Flip an earful after Game 6 of the ECF last year for his lack of adjustments and not getting across to the players. So no suprise.
om- complete agreement. it’s going to be bye bye flip, and i would think it’ll be bye bye rip. at least. this team needs a wake up call.
Sheed cant leave after this season. I move to A2 from TX this summer and get to see my first Pistons home game next season. I’ll go beserk if Sheed isnt there.
Next season the Pistons will looks very different from the top to bottom aside from Joe D still there of course. May it be written, may it be done.
remember that column where bill simmons said phoenix should trade stat for sheed? hahahahaha.
HB, I don’t think we get rid of Prince. I think he’s the only one who’s played well this entire series. He can play Point Forward, which is ridiculously useful. Truth be told, if you asked me whether I wanted to keep him or Chauncey, I’d rather keep Tayshaun.
The question to me is what can we get for our pieces? I’d love to be able to say we can get Amare for Rasheed, and that deal makes a whole lot of sense for both teams, but that’s pending first round flame outs by both us and Phoenix. I also don’t think that Sheed’s value is that high anymore. I have no idea what we could get for Rip, probably a late lottery pick and a bench player. If we could get anything of value for Chauncey, I think you’d have to seriously think about it if he doesn’t get it turned around, because he’s been seriously dreadful in our last couple of playoff series.
I’m not endorsing any of these moves, I’m more or less thinking out loud.
Man, it’s a good thing there isn’t a single channel up here in Canada that’s showing a basketball game, let alone the Pistons. Sounds pretty rough.
The game is back on. Oh god why do I have to keep watching this train wreck.
The question is, who replaces Flip?
And will the Pistons core (whoever remains, which is a question within itself) will even listen to the new coach? As bad as Flip is, why couldnt they motivate and encourage each other?
So many questions. Intresting that Webb says Joe D has come to the locker at the half in the past.
“And will that get them going?”
Even the announcers have no answers as to why things are so bad w/ us.
What occurs to me, especially as I watch Dave Cowens with comments akin to brushing off Eli Zaret’s shoulder for him . . .
When you screw up and marry the wrong person, it starts with “I want a divorce.” THEN you’re still married to them.
Get prepared for a whole lot of sick. At least we aren’t the lousiest team in the league.
It’s more than him, Prophecy. I sincerely hope that If Joe shops for another coach he’ll shop for a couple of players who might listen, too.
Hey! We look alive here! Don’t sign the death certificate yet!
Cant Joe Dumars just make himself the coach?
It’s an embarrassing time to be a fan of this “professional” organization. Ugh.
one point game! There may be life in this team yet…
In the words of John Popper….I’m not dead.
Even if Detroit wins the series, and the next, the next, then the championship, it is going to change. There will be gut-wrenchers. We will feel angry. Maybe we can win, but it won’t be as sweet as looking like the goliath we should be.
mwhyte72 - You cant really expect a bunch of accomplished players to welcome change from an unaccomplished coach.
i think mike dunleavy just said webber was full of s*** about his “joe will come down to the locker room” story.
i think rip’s gone. tay is too perfect of a working part to be let go. he fits in defensively and offensively too well. i think joe like sheed too much. chauncey wouldn’t be a bad dump since we owe him a lot of money.
btw, we seem to be playing defense.
Will that get them in it?
“Other Matt” easy solution for Chauncey is to trade him for Agent 0 from the Wizard. Amare for Sheed is a fair trade IMO. As for Rip? My dream trade would be for TMac from Houston or even Camelo from Denver. Camelo sounds like he wants out after last night’s game.
Garrett - This is a Pistons blog, not a Lions one. I recently saw an ESPN examination that used some really bogus (how else do you come up with rankings across all sports) stats to produce a list of the happiest fans across all sports. Detroit was 8. I think the only NBA team ahead of us was San Antonio.
Sauce, are you kidding? Winning one more title would be the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had as a fan. These guys gave me my first and it was quite unexpected. Then we’ve spent the last 4 years trying desperately to get back but coming up short. To get the long awaited second ring for these guys would be sweet no matter how it happened.
look at these slackass philly fans just getting back to their seats in time for a 9-0 run.
chauncey’s got a terrific contract. he finished top 10 in PER and only gets 12MM. he’s a monster. not the guy you dump. i don’t care if he’s played bad in two consecutive playoff series.
it’s more fun when we make shots
http://www.justin.tv/psn_tr3s
Not the best quality, but…
Your sarcasm is duly noted HB
Anyone else watching the 76ers squirm at not getting the help calls when they miss jumpers?
Thank Sheed for that.
Lucas - well you can rank me a -5. I like to see my guys play with effort.
Yes “Lucas” Joe D can absolutely do that. Hell he can get someone from the Detroit Bad Boys to coach. I would love to see Laimbeer coaching. That would be my last dying wish if I were to die today.
back on top
if we manage to win this game, that’s GOTTA hurt for Philly
Holy shit, the good Pistons have showed up! Ball movement, assists, rotations on D, energy, hustle, what happened!?
Bonzi - thanks for the link!
yeah whatever flip saunders didn’t say worked
“Prophecy_Projectz” sarcasm? I’m speaking the truth of how I am feeling.
@Other Matt - Hopefully ‘pride’ happened. They are trapping well.
I ridicule the Cowboys fans that Im surrounded by for Jerry Jones’ coaching actions and to a lesser extent Mark Cuban’s. But I really dont trust Flip, and I really do trust Dumars.
And people like you were probably included, Garrett. We’ve had a lot of success though, and apparently the palace is a great place to watch a game (only been to home games in TX).
Why does this team toy with us, there fans like this? Where is the consistency?
every time rip has been cutting to the cup there’s been somebody wide open under the basket. FINALLY he friggin’ found someone.
Lucas - the Palace is an awesome venue for games! Especially when teh Pistons play like they’re capable.
Players diving on the floor! Yesssss!
we’d be leading if amir was in.
Thats what I drew from watching the games, I cant wait. The first thing I told the gf when I got my letter of acceptance to U of M Law school was “were going to see the Pistons!” (she has grown into a huge Tayshaun fan)
And there is the effort on our team, it comes from a young Mr. Maxiell.
Shits…Pistons is leading. About dame time. Maybe Webber was right. What ever Flip say it doesn’t matter. Let’s hope he doesn’t do anything stupid like subbing Hunter for someone now.
they are running no matter what. they are desperate to change the tempo back to run’n'gun.
so many loose balls finding their way into sixer hands. you feel like the pistons are on the verge….
JMAX!!!!!!!!!
Yeah, Other_Matt, I’m not kidding. Kelser just called Dave Cowens a prophet, but of what? Detroit would make it close, only to take the foot off the gas? At this point it’s shameful to watch this. Whatever the Pistons have done, they better do it, and keep doing it.
If good for nothing else in the playoffs, Walter Herrmann sure does look stylish on the bench. Anyone else notice?
again, what a shocker. guy is open under the basket. finally chauncey makes the pass on the drive.
Chauncy actually driving *and* scoring? Am I seeing things? I’d love to know what was said in that locker room.
“JackDutch” don’t jinx it. Flip can always fuck up at this point on.
This is why I wonder why people say Detroit is boring….its an emotional rollercoaster supporting this team
Lucas, congrats on the law school acceptance. I just graduated from UMLS in 2007.
yeah i noticed herrmann. There are some diminutive herrmann look alikes in the league too. if amir was in our lead would be 20.
We appear to have found the switch.
“Lucas” stylish? someone is having their first mancrush confession?
ok, enough with the sarcastic amir talk. the boys are back in front, and rallying to catch the 6ers like this has got to be demoralizing for Philly.
“Other Matt” the dragon has finally awaken. Now if only Sheed can get a technical foul at the first minute in each game from now on then we should win the Championship.
Maybe Sheed said something.
In one of the best locker room speeches that I’ve ever heard in person, our always quiet senior captain stood up in the middle of our coach’s speech, starting yelling incoherent cusswords mixed in with a few “us”’s and “them”’s, kicked over a 4′ fan, threw his helmet and walked out.
It was a game changer.
I want another 4 points or so in the paint before I say we’ve found the switch.
Herrmann looks kind of like when Justin Timberlake portrayed Robin Gibb on SNL (for the Barry Gibb talk show, one of my all time favorite sketches).
Lucas, congrats on getting accepted to U of M law school. As an alum (not of the law school), you’re gonna love Ann ArborI miss it very much. Although it’s not too close to the Palace. Count on an hour and a half with traffic.
I’m going to channel Hubie Brown here, but if I’m Philly, I’m thinking, “Now it’s a game. Now it’s a series. Detroit has come to play, and we better watch out.”
turnaround has been about aggressive defense and about guard play. rip and billups are finally making great decisions with the ball.
okay J, was just looking for someone to recognize the sarcastic amir talk. it cracks me up how predictable it is after a loss - fire flip, put in amir. I don’t give a %$^ i just want them to win, and I don’t think its on any one player, good or bad.
lets go stones!
Lucas — be sure to check out Big 10 Burrito (or BTB or whatever they’re calling themselves these days). They’re near the law school & make a killer burrito.
HB - No man crush here. I had to go buy my first suit recently. My family was pretty poor growing up so I never really saw anyone in a suit. After shopping for one, I’ve really began to notice some good and bad styles. Before my shopping experience, the only thing I noticed was that horrific tie at the all-star game (one of the reporters).
J - Thanks and congrats to you for graduating. Its nice to find more UMLS sports fans. At admitted students weekend it seemed as if we comprised maybe a 5% minority.
This looks like the first quarter that Billups has looked awake and in the moment, ALL SERIES. Can I trust it? Are you sure? Are you REALLY sure?
And, if all of the above as yes, then WHY was Billups playing much like Tyronn Lue the last 14 quarters?
@Lucas - Get some NYPD pizza, too.
GOD damn it Flip. Why are you subbing Stuckey for Hamilton?
Please man, no clavicle break, no Tay no.
1 for 13 in a pivotal game 4 isn’t going to make joe dumars want to keep you, rip.
Outscoring the Sixers 34-16 in the third quarter is pretty sweet!
Nice quarter, guys. There’s hope.
@ Everyone - Thank you, and thanks for the suggestions. I visited Ann Arbor briefly, but spent the majority of my time at the law school or looking for an apartment.
I was impressed with Red Hot Weiners (I think…its the hot dog place by campus). The gf fell in love with Big Boys (she is a cheap date and loved the idea that a place with a fattening overnight buffet had a Tayshaun Prince cutout).
We tried to find Zingerman’s deli after several suggestions but we were in a hurry and missed it.
Having Flip mic’ed up only serves to make me angry.
As much as the Pistons drive us crazy, Philly wouldn’t even be in this game here at the end of the third quarter if it weren’t for the refs. Credit where credit due. Great quarter Pistons. Now finish hard.
You should visit Canada! We don’t have Pistons but we have……..um………hockey. And poutine.
flip sounds pathetic in the huddle.
“you guys having fun yet”
it sounds like if I was magically transported there and told to motivate them
Maybe the problem was that Detroit respected Philly TOO much.
lol@ Flip sounding like a camp counseler in the huddle…
lol@ Pistons responding like a lethargic senior class
maxiell just ate reggie evans baby.