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The Pistons played A LOT better last night, but I would definitely not go as far as to say that they played at their highest level as they handed the Celtics their first home playoff loss 103-97. [Box Score]
Like a veteran team that they are the Pistons took advantage of Boston’s miscues, especially when Boston found themselves over the foul limit.
And like they talked about before the game the defense had to be better, which it was. The rotations were quicker and they were able to crowd the Celtics all night. The Pistons forced 12 turnovers, 9 of them off steals.
Chauncey too was better, but still not as good as he can be. Even though Mr. Big Shot scored 19 and dished out 7 assists you can tell there’s still some residual rust he needs to work out. Enter the rookie from Eastern Washington. Rodney Stuckey introduced himself to basketball fans last night scoring 13 points in 17 minutes off the bench. Rodney’s timely buckets and acrobatic drives had the ESPN crew singing his praises, and rightly so. Rodney single handedly outscored Boston’s reserves 13-8.
The Pistons balanced attack was paced by Rip who scored a team high 25 and was one of six Pistons in double figures. The Celtics on the other hand got 75 from their big 3, which if you do the math doesn’t leave much for the rest of their green and white coiffed chums.
Now the Pistons are the ones with the home court advantage. This definitely put us in the drivers seat but we can’t just say we’ve got this wrapped up because the Celtics can’t win on the road. I don’t know why the Celtics couldn’t win any games in Cleveland, let alone in Atlanta. They’re better than that, so the Pistons need to stay focused.
Stupid play there Earthworm Jim.
