- Rasheed Wallace was fined 25 large for his profanity-laced tirade. Over at FanHouse, I revealed what I think to be a pretty ingenious solution to future fines.
- Speaking of bleeps, Michael Rosenberg writes for the Free Press:
As he stood in the Pistons locker room Wednesday night, after a painful Game 5 loss to Boston, Wallace told the media to start asking questions so he could “get rid of you (bleepers).”
This is hard to explain, since I was standing next to Wallace at the time and was therefore the lead bleeper, but I took no offense. Maybe I’ve been around him too much. But he was clearly mad about the game, not the reporters.
Two minutes later, I asked Wallace if the Pistons’ fourth-quarter comeback would stick in the Celtics’ heads if tonight’s Game 6 or a Game 7 is tight down the stretch. He didn’t even pretend to answer it. He just went off on Mauer and Callahan.
There is a lesson in there somewhere. As Abe Lincoln famously said: You can call all the men bleepers all of the time, but some of them cats don’t like it.
- There’s not much news on Rip Hamilton. Flip Saunders spoke to reporters yesterday morning before having a chance to check in on Rip’s progress, but Keith Langlois did get this:
“He’s going to be sore today,” Saunders said. “If we had to play today, I don’t think he’d play. It’d be different if it was his left arm, but it’s his right arm – his shooting arm. You know, the golden arm. So I think that he’s going to need to get it polished up a little bit before he can play.”
If Hamilton can’t play, Saunders said “more than likely (Rodney) Stuckey” would start in his place. Juan Dixon would be the likely candidate to come off the inactive list and get minutes behind Stuckey at shooting guard with Jarvis Hayes and Arron Afflalo also in the mix.
- This didn’t get too much play, but apparently Lindsey Hunter was “furious” at Flip Saunders immediately after being replaced with Chauncey Billups in the fourth quarter in Game 5. Hunter was providing a nice spark, but it turned out to be the right move as Billups went on to score nine straight. From the same Langlois link as above, Saunders emphasized that he had no problem with Hunter’s reaction:
Saunders brushed off any deeper meaning over suggestions that Lindsey Hunter and his teammates were upset when he sent Billups back in the game for the stretch run.
“I told (Hunter) after the game, I want my guys to play. When he’s out there, he’s a competitor. But as I said after the game, as coaches we make decisions that players question, you guys question, everyone questions. And not ’til it plays out do you find out if it’s good or bad or whatever. … The other thing you have to understand, too, is if it’s close and you don’t play (Billups), then the question is, ‘Why didn’t you play him?’ Because he’s Mr. Big Shot. So there’s never any easy decision.”
- Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton are big in the U.K.
- James “Buddha” Edwards played for eight teams over 19 seasons in the NBA, but I’ve always thought of him as a Piston. Turns out, he feels the same way: “I’m a Piston for life.” Fans of the original Bad Boys will appreciate the entire Q&A.
- Jeff from CelticsBlog respectfully disregards my optimism for Game 6:
Like it or not Pistons fans, your team lost. It doesn’t matter how the last game finished because the score is 0-0 to start the next game. We’ve seen the Celtics win in the Palace already. It was an important game then too. And a game after a supposed momentum shifting win by the Pistons.
If the Pistons think they can lean on experience to help them win, fine. I’ll just point out that their experience has only gotten them a 2-3 record in Eastern Conference Finals and a 2-3 deficit in this one.
Maybe this team has had to fight for every inch they’ve crawled in this post season, but they are still moving forward. All those games means a whole lot of experience of our own. It feels like we’ve had a whole second season playing together, and that should count for something.
Bottom line, we only need one win to move on to the Finals. They need two. Let the Pistons and their fans be encouraged by a moral victory. I’ll be encouraged by a victory.
He’s right, of course. Both sides have reason to feel optimistic, but only one will have champagne on ice waiting just in case they win. I wish I could counter by pointing out that Chauncey Billups is healthier now than he was when the Celtics won at the Palace in Game 3, but Rip Hamilton’s injury kind of makes that a moot point. But (cliche warning!) that’s why they play the games. This should be a good one.
Last but not least, here’s surprisingly sane conversation between Stephen A. and Lindsey Hunter, swiped from PistonsNation. The good stuff is at the end — seems Hunter and Rip aren’t too happy with Rasheed being so friendly with Garnett:
In game 5 the refs were horrible they called nothing. But when they did blow their wistle it seemed a if the call was always on the pistons.
In the game yes the refs were bad but rasheed didn’t have to blow up and get a “T” now one more and if their is a game seven he could be suspended.
Then after the game he blew up to reporters about the refs and got fied. What i am trying to say is was it worth blowing up just to get a “T” and fined. He has to think before he does things people look to him as a role model becasue he is a pro athlete. Weather he thinks so or not.
Just play hard and smart and we will be fine.
I love how LB has become so well known on other teams blogs. Here’s hoping that Rip’s arm is good for tonight. Does anyone else believe that Shuttlesworth and Perkins’ facial hair will both have miracle games again? Doubtful. Keep the pressure on pp and kg, let rondo shoot, and go at Raylene and perky on the offensive end. Somebody tell Roscoe that he needs to start talking sh*t to kg and hugging the refs. No more airballs for Hayes, he needs to produce something for us. I think it’s a close one tonight, followed by a comfortable win on sunday. Somebody warn the women at the local hotels, Mamba is coming to town.
Game 6 might be a comfortable win, but I dont think Game 7 will be comfortable……or even a win.
What’s Rip’s status?
LMFAO @ Craig’s comment: “Somebody tell Roscoe that he needs to start talking sh*t to kg and hugging the refs.”
That would be a sight to see, I think the refs would think Sheed’s obviously gone insane and may fear to give him another T.
Mutant/Devil/Slightly Retarded looking “KP43″ will NOT have a big impact in this game, and I wouldn’t expect Ray to drop another 29 on us either. Even without Rip, we will win Game 6. Bring it on, Potatoheads!
“Game 6 might be a comfortable win, but I dont think Game 7 will be comfortable……or even a win.”
Its a good thing they actually play the games then, right?
How can you be a fan of a team that you have absolutely no confidence or faith in?
the lindsey hunter was the only person in america wondering why in the world flip was subbing chauncey for him in the 4th quarter. you’re going to do a helluva job as a coach, lindsey.
*remove “the”
Jesse - I didn’t find an issue with his comment, as I’m sure he’s a true fan. I also am I true Pistons fan, and as I’d love to see them get to the Finals, the ‘Stones have let us down before two years in a row - to teams that were of a lesser caliber than Boston. Our team has gotten better as well, but still. As far as I’m concerned, 6 is going to be a W for the Pistons, with or without Rip. Game 7 is going to be much, much more difficult. I’m not so sure, so I won’t get over-confident.
Jesse
May 30th, 2008 at 11:50 am
“Game 6 might be a comfortable win, but I dont think Game 7 will be comfortable……or even a win.”
Its a good thing they actually play the games then, right?
How can you be a fan of a team that you have absolutely no confidence or faith in?
Because I like the team. But at the same time Im a fan of the game and when you’ve seen enough playoffs games in general you kinda get a grasp on how things will pan out. Im a realist, but look what I think might happen and what I hope might happen are two different things. So when the games start, best believe Im hoping and cheering them on.
RE: the comments of Jeff from CelticsBlog
I’m sure no one saw this coming BUT it looks like Boston fans are starting to be real arrogant about their team! Say it isn’t so!!
Tonight will be the last we see of this group together, so set your DVRs.
@ Brandon - Athletes as role models? What year is this?
Jeff also wrote in that same column:
You have to hand it to Detroit fans, they have taken on the personality of their team. You can’t blame them really. We have certainly taken on the bi-polar personality of our team. I have the utmost respect for Matt Watson and most of the other Pistons bloggers. If I was in their shoes, I’d have the same attitude. As I noted after the game, there is plenty for us to be concerned about. That means there’s every reason in the world for the Pistons and their fans to be encouraged.
Honestly, do you feel comfortable with the way the team played down the stretch? Are you at peace with the way the team has had to fight, scrape, and claw for every inch of these playoffs? Would anyone be surprised at all if this game went to a game 7? Not the Pistons fans.”
So…Maybe read the whole story before calling us arrogant. At least we haven’t dismissed any game as a “win.”
DD, This Boston team is no where near as good as the Miami team Detroit lost to two years back. Shaq and Wade was better than the Big 3 is. Williams is better than Rondo. Haslem and Posey are great role players. And that team didn’t tighten up the way this Boston team does.
Detroit in 7 you fucksticks.
Book it. right it down, take a picture, tell your mama, take it to the bank, etc
Detroit in 7. Sheed will get T’d up in Game 7, and we win. He misses Game 1 in Detroit of the Finals, and we win.
Detroit in 7.
Rip playing give you guys more confidence or didn’t matter either way?
Boney: Damnit! You said that about Game 1 of this series, you knucklehead! Way to jinx it if I believed in jinxes! Ya know Boney, again nothing personal (I swear) but after the Game 1 “book it” wouldn’t you want to at least wait a full series to bust out another Guaransheed? I’m with you though. Pistons in seven because this “core 4″ has won a lot of Game 7s after going down 3-2, kids (3 in the 4 previous seasons to be precise).
Cheer up those of you pinning our hopes for no reason tonight on Rip playing:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Akk32seI.5S9KpQXlbgggWk5nYcB?slug=ap-pistons-hamilton&prov=ap&type=lgns
Tim: Rip could be out for Game 7 for all I care. If it ain’t rough; it ain’t right. Pistons in 7.
Boney
May 30th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Detroit in 7 you fucksticks.
Book it. right it down, take a picture, tell your mama, take it to the bank, etc
Detroit in 7. Sheed will get T’d up in Game 7, and we win. He misses Game 1 in Detroit of the Finals, and we win.
Detroit in 7.
——
Seconded. Just like I said after the first minutes of game 4, Team NBA is going to need a lot of help to stay close tonight.
Speaking for myself, the reason I’m encouraged by a moral victory is because the Pistons fought hard and played mostly the way I expect them to play in Game 5. They outplayed the Celts, and Boston played a good game. Compare that to the Conference Finals last year where, even though they played better ball than the Cavs, the Pistons played like garbage.
The Pistons players only control their bodys and their minds, not the other team, not the refs, not fate. When they do that with intensity and to the best of their ability, I am a happy fan.
Also, it really does feel like they will take game 6.
“Jesse - I didn’t find an issue with his comment, as I’m sure he’s a true fan.”
No. This is the same dude who is on here saying that the Pistons are gonna lose every single time we lose the lead in a game.
I’m as much a realist as anyone else, but if a person is so convinced this series over then why do they even bother watching the games?
Buddha may be a Pistons for life, but he is angling to join Bad Boy Bill and Ricky as a Shock coach.
Edwards has heard that Mahorn - who carries a lighthearted manner within a heavyweight build - takes some ribbing from the players on occasion. He says that’s the sign of a good relationship between the staff and players.
“It seems like he has a lot of fun with the girls and they have a lot of fun with him,” Edwards said. “That’s what you want, a good group of girls that like the coach, respect the coach and the coach respects the players.”
Edwards has not coached professionally but has privately worked out NBA players, including the New York Knicks’ Jamal Crawford and Nate Robinson. Should either comrade need an assistant coach down the road, he would welcome a phone call.
“Most definitely. That would be fun,” said Edwards, grinning at the thought. “I’d have a great time coaching the women.”
Can the WNBA handle another Bad Boy? Wait and see.
http://www.wnba.com/shock/news/badboys_080528.html
How can you be a fan of a team that you have absolutely no confidence or faith in?>>>
So you are saying that the Clippers don’t have any fans? Unless you consider having faith believing that they will wind up in the lottery
You have an interesting perspective
Lawyerboy,
I spent the entire day listening to my coworkers bash the Pistons. I listened to them tell me how my weekend was going to be ruined by KG and Paul Pierce.
When I came into the office my IT guy disabled my administrator features on my computer and he left me with the Celtic logo as my desktop wallpaper.
When I went into the bathroom my Rodney Stuckey “Big 3″ .pdf was on the floor, after I saw a note on my chair that said “if you want it back come find it”.
I know I spelled “right” in the wrong context, I mean “write”.
I hate Boston fans and Boston fans hate me. Join the club Jeff, Tim, Bob Day, Perkisabeast.com fanboys… a lot of other team bloggers don’t like me and what I say. Over the past 6 years I have watched this team prove my shit talk true 7 out of 10 games.
Detroit has lost 3 games this series, and they will lose no more.
Detroit in 7.
The ball don’t lie. This is our gym, our house, you don’t come into our house with your new teammates and instant success and trample on the legacy. We haven’t been saying the time is now just to hear ourselves talk. I think even Sauce believes that this team will win in 7, no matter how much he complains about who shows up and who doesn’t.
Let’s do this tonight and then when the smoke clears let’s go to CelticsBlog.com and ask “Guess who’s coming to dinner?” on Sunday.
LawyerBoy,
I’m tired of all this fanboy Boston Celtic love. All this instant success stinks, all of this chest pumping and teeth gritting before tipoff is ridiculous.
I know I spelled “right” in the wrong context, it’s “write”.
I hate Boston fans and Boston fans hate me… Join the club Jeff, Tim, Bob Day, Perkisabeast guys, etc.. Ask others how much I care.
This team has proven me correct 7 out of 10 game over the last several years. This team is the best team still left in the playoffs. You may not like Richard Hamilton, but we don’t like Paul Pierce. You may think our team is old, but we think our future is brighter than yours. You may not like our bravado but get used to it, we’ll be back next season too. I’ll take 7 straight tries over 1 and done anyday.
Guess who’s coming to dinner on Sunday Boston? Rasheed Wallace and the Detroit Pistons. Dinner is not all they’re going after either… they’re going to come in and rape your wives, slap your kids around and call your momma bad names and make you like it. Detroit by double digits tonight, and by double digits Sunday.
The ball don’t lie. Let’s do this
“So you are saying that the Clippers don’t have any fans? Unless you consider having faith believing that they will wind up in the lottery
You have an interesting perspective”
Not saying that at all. I’m saying if you’re always saying your team is going to blow it, and you’re always saying its over the moment they go down in the game, then maybe you should reevaluate your fandom.
But yea, I guess thinking that my team can win based on their talent and ability is a pretty “interesting” perspective, I mean, especially since so many fans of this team were phoning it in before the Philly series was even over.
What I’m basically saying is that all this talk is just talk. If the game went according to what everyone “thought was gonna happen” then there would be no point in playing the game.
Hence the “thats why they play the game” cliche.