Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

[Box Score] Ok, some measure of order has been restored. I thought the Pistons would win tonight, but not necessarily blow Philly out. I’m glad they proved me wrong! The series will go back to Philly tied at one game a piece.

This game extends the Pistons two year game two playoff winning streak to seven. More importantly though, it sends a message to the Sixers who gained a little confidence from their game one Palace victory. The Sixers still played hard, but this time it didn’t account for the disparity between the two squads. The Pistons didn’t allow it to. If they play any where near their capability as a team they’re too much for the 76ers, and that’s not a knock on Philly.

The Pistons were much more assertive from the start. They were running and hitting the glass, turning the tables on Philly. The Pistons won the board war 42-34. The defense also turned up holding Philly under 40% shooting for the game. The defensive rotation and helpside D was much better tonight. There would be no comeback after the Pistons started to pull away in the second half.

Like I mentioned in the preview the Pistons needed to find a way to score and they did. They were a bucket off of matching their game one total (86) by the end of the third quarter.

A lot of guys stepped up their effort from the first game. Tayshuan Prince was more aggressive. Dice had a much better game going for a 16 point 12 board double-double. Tay, Dice, and Sheed (11 1st qtr. points) scored 16 points each giving the front court a 48 point night.

Rip had a much improved game 2. After shooting 29% for his 13 in game one Ripster bumper it up to a game high 20 points on 56% shooting. Rip was also high in the game with 7 assists to go with 7 boards.

Mr. Big Shot didn’t have a great stat game but he played a nice floor game. Chauncey controlled the tempo. He could have easily joined his fellow starters in double figures but it wasn’t needed tonight. That’s the kind of thing Rodney has the luxury of picking up playing behind and learning form Chauncey. How to impact a game without stuffing the stat sheet.

Speaking of Rodney, he got back to the form he ended the season with as opposed to the mistake prone rookie on Sunday. Rodney gave the Pistons 12 (5/6 FG) off the bench to go with 4 helpers. A BIG improvement from game one.

How about the pleasant surprise we got in the 3rd quarter when Amir checked in for Dice? Love seeing the youngster getting meaningful minutes and producing. Amir was second only to Rodney in bench scoring with 8 points to go with 4 boards in just under 16, yes 16, minutes.

Going into game 3 I have to think Philly fans are wondering what’s with their leading scorer Andre Iguodala. Iggy has gone 5/24 so far in this series.  The Sixers fortunately didn’t need him to get game one but they’re going to eventually need his production to help their chances.

Time to get down to business and get home court back.