• A. Sherrod Blakely follows up on Sheed & Saunders’ relationship. So far, so good.
• Steve Weinman of NBA Source sees the Lakers as a good Chris Webber destination, what a dig that would be on King’s fans.
• The early injury problems have left Jarvis Hayes the odd man out in the rotations, but he’s staying upbeat.
• Chris McCosky is complaining again, this time about the Palace atmosphere. Although he makes some valid points he’s becoming a real red ass lately.
• Bill Laimbeer has a ‘F**k You, Bill’ jar for his Shock players. If his players want to speak their mind with out repercussion they need just put a dollar in.
• This slipped past, but the Cavs are said to have interest in Dale Davis
• Jeff Van Gundy really took exception to Flip Murray’s comments he made about the Knicks lack of effort.


  “Let me start with Flip Murray,” Van Gundy said. “How about this? Don’t hide behind Tayshaun Prince, Chauncey Billups and those guys that led them to a blowout and then you come out and kill the Knicks. Now if Chauncey Billups wants to kill the Knicks, if Tayshaun Prince, if Rasheed Wallace, Rip Hamilton, if they want to kill the Knicks, that’s one thing, But for Flip Murray to take that pot shot at other NBA players, I think is uncalled for.”

Former Piston press clippings

• The Mad Ants played their first game this past Friday and I looked to see how Sammy Mejia did but he wasn’t in the box score? Here’s why: “Although he was not released, 6-6 swingman Sammy Mejia of DePaul was not placed on the official 10-man opening night roster because of a leg injury. The D-League allows injured players to be retained by the team that chose him.“
• Miami fans are not impressed with Smush Parker
• Chucky Atkins along with Rodney Billups (& former Lion Dre Bly) hosted a Thanksgiving party in Denver
  

[box score] Pistons stay perfect (4-0) at home topping the Philadelphia 76ers in a game that was pretty hard to watch at times.

Jason Maxiell got the start for Rasheed Wallace who sat the game out with a sore left knee. Man, does Sheed’s knee know how to pick ‘em or what? This game served all you can eat Thanksgiving left over bricks and airballs from both teams. The Pistons shot 41.5% for the game and Philly was right there with them with 39.1%.

One bright spot was the play of rookie Arron Afflalo who probably played his best game yet as a Piston. Arron looked to pick up the his scoring hitting on 4/8 of his shots from the field. He also played a pretty nice floor game picking up 2 dimes in his 19 minutes of play which included a sweet set up for an Amir Johnson dunk.

Black Friday took on a new meaning for Rip Hamilton as he continues to struggle with his shot. The Ripster, who was said to be battling flu like symptoms went 4/16 (25%) from the field. It’s got to be rough for him. Being that he’s struggling to get his scorer’s touch back everyone is paying extra close attention everytime he shoots. It’s also earned him his very own “What’s wrong with Rip” features in both the News and Free Press.

GAME NOTES:

• The Pistons have only had their starters together for 6 of 12 games played this season
• Nazr played well off the pine grabbing 9 boards to go with his 6 points
• Tayshaun probably played the best overall game. 15 pts, 4 asts, 7 rbs
• Chauncey scored 11 and handed out 9 assists
• 24 team assists
• Philly beat us on the boards 36-47
• Pistons 2/14 from beyond the arc, Philly 3/15… YUCK!

QUOTES:

Chauncey on the game:

“It was ugly, man,” Chauncey Billups said. “Even the times I was sitting on the bench, I was like, ‘Man, this game is boring.’ But you have to find a way to win ugly games.”

MORE RECAPS:

• Detroit News: Pistons stumble but hold on