[Box score] In a game that saw 29 ties and 30 lead changes it’s only fitting that an over-time session was needed to decide this dandy.

Clutch plays and accurate free throwing (23/28) lifted the Pistons over the Suns in OT 105-110.

The Pistons came into this one down two guards. Juan Dixon was out with a strained left calf, an injury that Juan doesn’t know how it happened, which forced the Pistons to activate Lindsey Hunter sooner than planned. Rip Hamilton, the Pistons leading scorer, was a late scratch coming up lame in shoot-around with a sore left hip. Arron Afflalo was solid filling in for Rip. Arron showed the kind of defensive prowess on Steve Nash that had more than a little to do with why Joe D selected him for this team with 27th overall pick in June’s draft.

Rodney Stuckey (13 pts) came up big for Detroit hitting big shots and making plays down the stretch. Flip Saunders has been encouraged with how Stuck has been playing as of late, especially in big games:

“I think the impressive thing is that he’s played pretty good in big games. Popcorn player, when he smells the popcorn, the big game, he seems to rise to the occasion a little bit and enjoys that stage a little bit. As I said the other day, I have been most happy as far as how he’s developed over these last three weeks.” -Pistons.com

Rasheed Wallace and Chauncey Billups were in rare form. The two of them seemed to have tapped into some throwback competitive enthusiasm for playing in a big game. As a fan it was fun to watch the two of them last night because you could see that they were having fun competing out there.
Rasheed (23 pts, 9 rbs) was dueling with Phoenix’s Amare Stoudemire (33 pts). Like he usually does against the league’s elite fours, Rasheed was out there showing that when he wants to be the most dynamic player on the court he will be. Even with all Amare’s personality and aura and swagger it wasn’t enough to keep ‘Sheed from getting the better of the matchup. Rasheed didn’t outscore Amare, but his block and catch of Stoudemire’s jump shot in OT really told you all you needed to know about who got the personal win.

Chauncey (32 pts, 6 asts) also solidified his rep as a big game player. Chauncey had that look last night. The look a player gets when he knows he’s going to do something special. Starting in the fourth and into the overtime Chauncey started willing the team to victory with big drives and shots. Like Rasheed’s block Chauncey’s night had a hallmark play. With a minute left in overtime Chauncey drove to the basket and and got an and1 foul on Steve Nash that gave the lead for good. Chauncey scored 9 of the Piston’s 14 overtime points.

The Pistons completed a season sweep of the Suns. This win gives the Pistons their 7th consecutive 50 win season. One more win gives them their 6th Central Division title in 7 years.

ALSO SEE:

• Bright Side of the Sun: Pistons stop Suns: 110-105 / OT