[Box score] Well, I was a tad miffed in the first half that we weren’t up on the Heat so big that the guys were practicing trick shots. But I came to realize that most of the guys that the Heat were suiting up are trying to play their way into the league next season and they were still going to give it a go, especially if we gave them any light at all.
This win clinched an outright Central Division title for the Pistons. It’s the Pistons 6th Central crown in 7 years.
After leading by 5 after the first and 3 at the half the spare-parts team Miami has came down to earth and the Pistons started handling their business holding the Heat to 24 second half points.
Arron Afflalo seized his opportunity starting for the third straight game for Rip Hamilton who’s out with a sore hip. Arron recorded careers highs in points(15, 5/9 shooting), rebounds(7).
“We’ve got four All-Star-caliber players around you, there’s a lot of open opportunities,” Afflalo said. “That’s all that is. Constantly, Tayshaun, ‘Sheed and ‘Dyess and Chauncey are creating open opportunities for me. It makes it very easy for me.” - Free Press
Jason Maxiell replicated Arron’s 15 point, 7 board total. Jason had 11 of those points and 5 of those rebounds in the 3rd quater alone. The two were among 5 Pistons in double figures that included Rasheed’s 13, Dice’s 11, and Chuancey’s 13 point, 11 assist double-double.
Although, I’ll admit It was kind of intriguing to see, in effect, an invitee tryout for a professional basketball team in season.
Take a guy like Blake Ahearn for example. He’s an undrafted guy out of the D-League on a 10-day. Nice shooter’s touch and works hard and may be earning a roster spot in Miami or perhaps another team. But, if he doesn’t he’ll be able to say he scored 15 points (13 in the 2nd alone) on one of the league’s best defensive teams. Even though I would never pull for another team against the ‘Stonz I didn’t mind seeing Ahearn, an average Joe type-of-guy, giving it his all out there. He was fearless going to the hoop and took a few shots as a result. He had to earn every point he got out there. Can’t help but feel good for “the little guy”.
We’ve got guys like that on our roster, but they’re also guys you’ve heard of before.
