[box score] The Pistons found out the most dangerous kind of Bobcat is a wounded Bobcat as they narrowly escaped Charlotte with a win last night. The Bobcats who have been plagued with the injury bug all season were down two starters and only suited eight players (none of which were point guards).
The Pistons pounced early and had the ‘Cats down 31-18. Detroit was getting buckets on the inside early resulting in 65% shooting for the quarter. Tayshaun got it going early scoring 18 points by halftime. Tay ended up with 22 for the game to go along with his 7 boards and 2 blocks.
But, whether it was the Pistons coasting or the Bobcats legs coming back around after a double overtime game the night before with Cleveland, the ‘Cats started to claw their way back into the game.
The energy plays were definitely with the Bobcats. Charlotte was going to the rim every chance possible while Detroit was settling for jumpers. Charlotte was also going hard to the offensive glass to help the cause.
The two teams traded leads down the stretch. With the Bobcats leading by three late in the fourth Chauncey Billups (27 pts, 7 asts) hit a long leaning three pointer to tie the game at 91 and Rasheed Wallace made sure the score stayed tied by blocking a Gerald Wallace (26 pts) layup attempt.
The Pistons had a good chance to win the game in regulation. Rip (26 pts, 8 asts, 7 rbs) got free off an inbounds play on the left baseline and got a good look at a game winner but it came up just short sending the Pistons to their first overtime game of the season.
The two teams again swapped leads in the overtime. Down by one point after a Rip Hamilton baseline jumper off a Prince offensive rebound the Bobcats got a chance to win the game but Emeka Okafor (19 pts, 15 rbs) was called for basket interfernce when he tried to guide Jason Richardson’s (20 pts, 8 asts) shot into the goal. Detroit got the ball back. Rip was fouled and made his two freebies, ball game.
Replay?: Bobcats coach Sam Vincent was not happy with the basket interference call on Emeka Okafor and plans to appeal to the league for a replay. “I’m sure we’re going to contact the league,” Vincent said. “We’d like to do what Miami did and play the last minute over again, also. I believe it would be justified.”
Have minutes, will produce: Nazr had a nice double-double outting in his first game against his former team. In 31 minutes off Charlotte’s bench Nazr scored 19 points, grabbed 13 boards, and blocked 3 shots. It’s good to see Nazr on a team that really needs him, and also good to read that he has no harsh feeling towards the Pistons.
Go to the hoop!: After shooting 65% for the first quarter where they were scoring inside the Pistons ended up shooting 38.8% for the game settling on a lot of jumpers. The Pistons were 24.1% from three point land with Rip going 2/9, Rasheed Wallace 0/3, and Jarvis Hayes going 0/5. One saving grace was the free throw shooting. The Pistons shot 20/21, while Charlotte struggled with 21/32.
Also see:
