[Box score] This outcome of this game was good for the Pistons for a few reasons. They beat a Western title contender at the same time sweeping the season series with the Spurs. The win also avoids a multi-game losing streak and serves as a good pick-me-up after a very disappointing loss to the 76ers at the Palace just two nights before.

With the two teams trading runs you just hoped the Pistons run would come last and it did. The Pistons were finally able pull ahead (momentarily) of the Spurs in the second half. They had Timmy and Co. down a dozen in the third by limiting San Antonio to perimeter shots, but the Spurs turned the tables on the Pistons in the 4th going on a 13-0 run when the Pistons offense stalled out.

When it came down to the wire it was the Pistons who made the big plays culminating in Rip (25 pts, 4 ast, 4 rbs) hitting an off balanced shot from the top of the key after being fouled by Tony Parker (26 pts, 7 ast, 4 reb, 3 stl). Rip nailed the free throw and then hit two more when the Spurs failed to convert on their end giving the Pistons the four point win. A big game from would lead you to believe he’s out of his little funk, but after the game the ever confident Rip claimed there was no funk:

“I’m never in a lull,” Hamilton insisted. “When I don’t shoot, people think that something’s wrong. We got a lot of All-Stars on this team.” (ESPN)

Antonio McDyess had a monster of a game on the glass. Dice pulled down a season high 17 boards. He and Theo Ratliff combined for 11 of the team’s season high 22 offensive boards which is what enabled the ‘Stonz to stay in this game in the first half when they weren’t hitting shots.

Rasheed Wallace didn’t have the best offensive night. He scored 10 points on 5/13 shooting which included 0/3 from three point land. But, Sheed was big on defense. Wallace grabbed 8 boards and blocked 3 shots, one of which on Tim Duncan preventing the Spurs from catching Detroit on one of the games final plays. Duncan had a horrible shooting night going 9/23 scoring 20, but he did assert himself on some big post buckets late in the game to keep things tight.

Just as uplifting as this win was it was a win off the court for the Pistons organization off the court. The Pistons successfully raised over $400,000 through their all day long telethon benefiting Detroit’s Make-A-Wish foundation. Fifty kids with life threatening illness will be able to have their wishes granted as a result. Very cool Pistons. This makes me as proud of this organization as any win.