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Third time's not the charm: Nets 99, Pistons 96

The Pistons lost all three of their back-to-back-to-back games, which now gives them back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back losses. That's seven in a row and they are a lottery rich 4-20.

Detroit had a chance to end the streak tonight in New Jersey, though, tying the game early in the fourth quarter 77-77, again with 5:35 in the fourth at 88-88, and then pulling within two with 42 seconds remaining.

Before we get to breaking down the final minute, let's revisit a real quote from Tayshaun Prince after last night's game (via tads):

"Offensively, the ball is not moving ... When one guy gets the ball, we’re looking for that guy to kind of make a play instead of all five guys moving and trying to set some screens, do some different things, things like that. We’re looking around and saying, ‘Hey, Stuckey, why don’t you save us? Tayshaun, why don’t you save us?’ and things like that."

19-second mark: Prince is standing still, or "not moving" (on defense) as a Shawne Williams three-pointer hits iron. Kris Humphries, barely boxing out, goes up to get the rebound while Prince reacts by moving his arms a little bit. Luckily, Moose gets in there to tie up Humphries to force a jump ball. The Pistons win the tap and call a 20-second timeout for a final play and a chance to tie or take the lead.

That final play Frank drew up? Broken, and then more broken as it ended with an unsuccessful Isolayshaun. It looked like Walker Russell blew it, but there was still plenty of time for some of that non-existent ball movement Prince spoke of when he got the ball back with 10 seconds. Instead, he went straight into self-proclaimed hero mode to no avail.

To be fair, nobody was moving when Prince had the ball until about five seconds when Moose, knowing his teammate all too well, sprinted into the lane to position himself for an offensive rebound. Unfortunately, Prince's shot ricocheted straight to Sundiata Gaines. Gaines missed a free throw to give the Pistons one last chance to tie, but Brandon Knight was defended well by Deron Williams and his prayer after the buzzer was long. Jubilation in Newark.

To be extra fair, Prince actually had a pretty good game. He finished with a team-high 21 points. Greg Monroe also scored 21 (on four fewer shots).

The Pistons will play their fourth game in five nights on Friday against the Bucks again.

  • Walker Russell had 12 points on 5-for-9 shooting, six rebounds, and two assists (no turnovers).
  • Brandon Knight was 7-for-18 shooting (1-for-8 from threes), had five rebounds, and four assists (one turnover).
  • Box score
  • From ESPN recap:
  • The game also marked Frank's return to New Jersey for the first time since taking over the Pistons.

    Frank was 225-241 record in 466 games spanning seven seasons with the Nets, including four straight playoff appearances.

    "I love New Jersey. It's home," said Frank, who was an assistant on the Celtics last season. "There are a lot of great memories."
  • Jason Maxiell started in place of Ben Wallace to give the ol' man a much deserved rest, much to the chagrin of this drunk fan.
  • Gabe-F-B took a pic of the Nets' derp.
  • Roll Call: heWizard, garrettelliott, Supa Dupe, Fadel, Mike Payne, brgulker, RandyOreens, Shinons*, Bballkid-22, madpoopz, mannie32, Toledo Joe, Rban, Kriz, V., Sean_Corp, -PS-, MrHappyMushroom, curlyfries, Kruza, thesiberian, MSUDersh, aussiepiston, halfbackattack33, Packey, tads, Ra's Head, JP423, Trout Jefferson, mcflies, OK from J, dandresden, JumpingBlob, Gabe F-B
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