It probably would have been excusable that the Pistons would be playing through a haze of emotion after learning that a couple guys they’ve been going to war with for the past four plus years had been dealt away earlier in the day.  But, like the pros the Pistons are they kept it all business using a total team effort to defeat Larry Brown and the Bobcats to remain perfect on the season. {box score}

Last night’s game had pretty much had the same frame work as their previous game two nights prior.

The Pistons build a good lead to start the game off, but the Bobcats claw their way back in the second quarter to make it a two point game going into the half.  Then in the third quarter the Pistons start to click again led by some inspired play Rasheed Wallace.  The fourth quarter sees the Pistons pull away highlighted by the play of a member of the Pistons’ bench.  Against the Wizards Walter Herrmann was the man, last night that distinction belonged to Will “The Thrill” Bynum.

In his first action of the season Will made the most of the Pistons shortened guard rotation.  Will showed he could hold down the offense in the first half executing some text book high pick-and-roll action.  Then in the fourth quarter Will sliced up the Charlotte defense with his cat quick moves.  Will scored 10 of his 12 points in the quarter.  He also dished out four dimes in his 23 minutes.

Michael Curry has a handsome luxury as a first year coach with his bench.  Through the first three games we’ve seen that when called upon guys are going to step up and produce.  Even guys like Herrmann and Bynum who didn’t figure to be in Curry’s regular rotation.  That’s something I took note of through training camp and preseason.  Walter and Will aren’t just on the team because we need warm bodies to fill roster spots.  These two are players and bring a lot to a deep bench.

Another similarity to Saturday’s game was that the Pistons again took advantage of a smaller opponent winning board war  42-31.

Everyone who entered the game for the ‘Stonz scored (six in double figures).  The game was capped off by Walter Sharpe’s first two NBA points.  A sweet base line reverse jam.

GAME NOTES: Richard Hamilton 19 pts/5 asts … Kwame 9 boards … Rasheed received his first tech in the third … 50% shooting / 23 assists / 8 turn overs …  Wraslin’ great and Charlotte native Ric “The Nature Boy” Flair took in the game courtside …

[box score] It didn’t take long to tell that the Pistons were going to get their eight straight win and improve to 20-4 at the Palace. The Pistons opened up a 20 point lead 27-7, in the first and never took their foot off the throttle.

The Bobcats came out sloppy and the Pistons took full advantage. Their only real bright spot was the play of Saginaw native Jason Richardson who scored a game high 27 points. Richardson had some extra scoring burden with Charlotte being without their leading scorer Gerald Wallace who was out with a foot injury.

The Bobcats porous perimeter defense led to the Pistons attempting 24 three pointers, converting on a season high 12 of them. Many of the attempts came on second shot opportunities with the Pistons all over the board war 46-35.

Tayshaun Prince got the Palace party started by scoring 14 in the first quarter by scoring 14 points which included 4 triples. Prince with a team high 21, (5/6 from beyond the arc) to go along with 6 boards and 3 assists.

Richard Hamilton scored 18, with 5 boards. Chauncey scored 11 and handed out 7 helpers. McDyess was again big on the glass grabbing 12 boards to go with his 8 points. Newly anointed all-star Rasheed Wallace had a modest 8 point but did dish out 5 assists.

It was another big game for the bench seeing extended minutes. Rodney Stuckey (6 asts) repeated his career high scoring with another 13 points game. Also like the game prior, Stuckey hooked up with Amir Johnson (6 pts, 4 rbs) for an ally-oop throw down as they continue work on their chemistry. Jarvis Hayes gave the Pistons 10 points on 50% shooting.

The bench combined for 47 points, 16 boards, and 12 dimes.

Perhaps the only thing that wasn’t impressive about the bench’s play was the Arron Afflalo’s (6 pts) break away dunk which came on the heels of a big time Rodney Stuckey throwdown.

“That was terrible,” Billups said. “First Stuckey goes down and has a driving dunk, dunking over someone. Then he follows it with that.” (Via: Detroit Free Press)

GAME NOTES: The Pistons had 31 team assists…every Piston had a positive +/- stat…Nazr Mohamed had 10 pts and 8 rbs in his first trip back to the Palace…Dave Cowens & Lindsey Hunter both missed the game with the flu

The Pistons (36-13) will be hosting the Bobcats (18-32). The tip will be at 6 pm est from the Palace of Auburn Hills. The game can be viewed locally on FSN Detroit.

Bobcats snapshot
Road record: 4-17
Last game: 2/8 (Fri) - L 104-90 Vs. Nets
Last 10: 2-8
Last meeting: 1/12 Pistons (103) @ Bobcats (100) -OT

It’s been a rough year for Bob’s Cats. They’ve been without two of their best player, Adam Morrison & Sean May the entire season and have battled the injury bug around every turn. They’re currently on a 5 game skid and have only won 4 road games in 21 tries. But, just like back on Jan. 12th, don’t expect Charlotte to just roll over for the Pistons. Down to eight players, none of which were PG’s, the Cats took the Pistons to their first and only extra session game this year where Detroit escaped with a controversial 3 point victory. This will mark Nazr Mohammed’s first trip back to the Palace since being traded to Charlotte on Dec. 14th. Nazr has been solid for the Bobcats. He’s averaging 10 pts. (51% FG) and 7.5 rbs. in 24 minutes of play. It’ll also be a homecoming game for Flint native Jason Richardson (20 ppg, 5 rbs) who always plays well at the Palace.

The Pistons are looking to extend their league leading winning streak to eight.

[box score] The Pistons found out the most dangerous kind of Bobcat is a wounded Bobcat as they narrowly escaped Charlotte with a win last night. The Bobcats who have been plagued with the injury bug all season were down two starters and only suited eight players (none of which were point guards).

The Pistons pounced early and had the ‘Cats down 31-18. Detroit was getting buckets on the inside early resulting in 65% shooting for the quarter. Tayshaun got it going early scoring 18 points by halftime. Tay ended up with 22 for the game to go along with his 7 boards and 2 blocks.

But, whether it was the Pistons coasting or the Bobcats legs coming back around after a double overtime game the night before with Cleveland, the ‘Cats started to claw their way back into the game.

The energy plays were definitely with the Bobcats. Charlotte was going to the rim every chance possible while Detroit was settling for jumpers. Charlotte was also going hard to the offensive glass to help the cause.

The two teams traded leads down the stretch. With the Bobcats leading by three late in the fourth Chauncey Billups (27 pts, 7 asts) hit a long leaning three pointer to tie the game at 91 and Rasheed Wallace made sure the score stayed tied by blocking a Gerald Wallace (26 pts) layup attempt.

The Pistons had a good chance to win the game in regulation. Rip (26 pts, 8 asts, 7 rbs) got free off an inbounds play on the left baseline and got a good look at a game winner but it came up just short sending the Pistons to their first overtime game of the season.

The two teams again swapped leads in the overtime. Down by one point after a Rip Hamilton baseline jumper off a Prince offensive rebound the Bobcats got a chance to win the game but Emeka Okafor (19 pts, 15 rbs) was called for basket interfernce when he tried to guide Jason Richardson’s (20 pts, 8 asts) shot into the goal. Detroit got the ball back. Rip was fouled and made his two freebies, ball game.

Replay?: Bobcats coach Sam Vincent was not happy with the basket interference call on Emeka Okafor and plans to appeal to the league for a replay. “I’m sure we’re going to contact the league,” Vincent said. “We’d like to do what Miami did and play the last minute over again, also. I believe it would be justified.”

Have minutes, will produce: Nazr had a nice double-double outting in his first game against his former team. In 31 minutes off Charlotte’s bench Nazr scored 19 points, grabbed 13 boards, and blocked 3 shots. It’s good to see Nazr on a team that really needs him, and also good to read that he has no harsh feeling towards the Pistons.

Go to the hoop!: After shooting 65% for the first quarter where they were scoring inside the Pistons ended up shooting 38.8% for the game settling on a lot of jumpers. The Pistons were 24.1% from three point land with Rip going 2/9, Rasheed Wallace 0/3, and Jarvis Hayes going 0/5. One saving grace was the free throw shooting. The Pistons shot 20/21, while Charlotte struggled with 21/32.

Also see:

• Detroit News: Pistons subdue Bobcats in OT
• Detroit Free Press: RIP TO THE RESCUE: Pistons need Hamilton’s shot for OT victory
• ESPN: Hamilton’s late heroics lead Pistons past Bobcats

The Pistons (27-9) will be in Charlotte to take on the Bobcats (13-22) at 7 pm est. The game can be viewed locally on WDIV.

Bobcats snapshot
Home record: 11-10
Last game: 1/11 (Fri) - L 106-113 (2OT) @ Cavaliers
Last 10: 3-7
Last meeting: 12/9 @ Pistons (104), Bobcats (85)

This will be the first meeting between the two teams since we swapped them Nazr Mohammed & Nazr Mohammed’s Contract for Walter Herrmann & Primo Brezec back on December 14th. We were hearing from Charlotte that they wanted to start Nazr at the pivot and slide Emeka Okafor to the four, but out of the 19 games he’s been in a Charlotte uniform he’s only started 5 times. There is a need for him though. Nazr’s getting 14 more minutes per game (25) averaging 11.6 ppg on 56% shooting and pulling down 8.6 rebounds per. The ‘Cats have gone 5-9 post trade.

The Bobcats are on the second game of a back-to-back. They’re coming off a double overtime affair at the suddenly above .500 (19-18) Cleveland Cavaliers. And let’s not forget that it was Charlotte ended the Celtics 9 game winning streak on Wednesday. They beat the Celtics in Boston by 12, 95-83. That’s after it took a game winning Ray Allen three pointer for the Celtics to beat the ‘Cats in Charlotte 96-95. The moral is that despite their record Charlotte can give good teams a game.

Also See:

• Detroit Free Press: Play-hard Bobcats earn respect; new Pistons Brezec and Herrmann face old team
• mLive: Pistons seek more inside scoring
• BobcatsPlanet: Bobcats / Pistons preview 1/12: The return of Primoz edition

Taking a look at this trade it’s obvious that Dumars made a another good deal. Charlotte is going to take on the near $24 million that Nazr Mohammed is owed over the next 3 years. The two players the Pistons got in exchange, Hermann and Brezec are both on contracts that expire at seasons end. This makes the Pistons a player in a rich free agent market this offseason.

So long Nazr: It’s no secret that the Pistons over payed for Nazr in their haste to replace Ben Wallace who left the team with a void at center when he bolted for Chicago’s dough in the summer of 2006. With Ben’s obvious decline and the Pistons new found financial flexibility how good does not resigning Ben look today? The Bobcats desperation for a big man because of injury provided the recipe for Detroit to get out from under Mohammed’s contract.

You could tell early on last season Mohammed just wasn’t the antiphon to the Pistons needs down low. Nazr hit the pine when Chris Webber fell into the Pistons lap last season. He would have been traded sooner if not for that contract. Nazr, when you do the math, was averaging about $21,838 a minute this season, now compare that to roughly $3,365 that Maxiell is averaging.

Say what you want about Nazr you have to respect his professionalism this season. He played hard each time he was called upon and never complained about getting spot minutes. From what is being said out of Charlotte Nazr will be their starting center. So I say good for him and wish him well. See ya on January 12th.

Webber?: The combination of Brezec and Herman’s contracts leaves the Pistons paying $900,000 less this season than they were with Nazr. More room under the luxury tax line could mean the resigning of a guy Pistons’ fans just can’t seem to let go of…C-Webb.

Dupree: We got two players for our one. We have a full 15 man roster and that’s the max the league lets you carry so someone had to be the odd man out. Hopefully Super Dupe can catch on with another team and double his salary this season.

Primo Brezec, C: (7′1″ / 255 lbs. / 28 yrs) Primo is a 6th year pro. Had two very productive years for Charlotte averaging 12.7 ppg and 6.5 rbg before injuring his back last season. He’s been starting this season for new Bobcat’s coach Sam Vincent but not really getting starter’s minutes (13 mpg) and his numbers are way down (1.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg).

Walter Herman, F: (6′9″ / 225 lbs. / 28 yrs) Hermann (also known as ‘Fabio’ for obvious reasons) is a 2nd year pro. Hermann has been played sparingly this season. He’s noted for having an excellent second half the the 2006-07 season when he averaged nearly 10 points and played as a starter. Hermann is said to have a good perimeter game and plays with a lot of energy.

Joe Dumars said in his press conference that neither player was a throw in, that they had expressed interest in both over the past year. I don’t expect to see either in big roles with the Pistons. They’ll be solid role players as the Pistons look to add another championship trophy to the mantle. Look for a bigger role for Jason Maxiell and more minutes for developing Amir Johnson.

Damn, I guess Sheridan is the truth. We’ll have more on this tomorrow.

Via Detroit News:

AUBURN HILLS — The Pistons traded reserve center Nazr Mohammed for Bobcats center Primoz Brezec and forward Walter Herrmann before Friday’s game against the Hawks.

The Pistons also requested waivers on forward Ronald Dupree.

The move accomplishes two things: The Pistons free up more than $20 million in salary by trading Mohammed and pick up two front-court players with expiring contracts.

“The financial ramifications of this are pretty significant for us,” Dumars said Friday night. “It allows us great financial relief, it’s a deal just from a financial standpoint that you have to make. But the fact that we’re getting two players that we like, makes it even better for us. …

“It’s a win-win situation for both sides.”

Brezec is making $2.75 million this season, while Herrmann will get $1.9 million.

Dumars said the trade talk started Friday afternoon, with the Bobcats calling the Pistons about Mohammed. The Pistons have been interested in Herrmann, inquiring about him earlier this season. Dumars had talked to the Bobcats last season about acquiring Brezec.

The Bobcats have been on the search for another big man, unsuccessfully trying to get Cavaliers power forward Anderson Varejao in the past two weeks.

The two sides quickly agreed on the trade, and it was deal done before the Pistons played the Hawks on Friday night.

Brezec, 28, a native of Slovenia, has been in the NBA for six seasons. He stands 7-foot-1 and weighs 255 pounds. He’s averaged 8.1 points and 4.3 rebounds over his career.

Brezec has a good shooting touch and can score from the outside.

Herrmann, 28, hails from Argentina. He’s 6-9 and 281 pounds. He’s in his second year in the NBA, with a career average of 7.8 points and 2.7 rebounds.

Dumars said he likes his energy, as well his ability to shoot 3-pointers.

Mohammed, 30, was signed as by the Pistons to a five-year contract during the 2006 offseason. It had been hoped he would somewhat fill the role of Ben Wallace, who left that offseason for the Chicago Bulls.

Things didn’t work out that way, as Mohammed proved to be a bit slow and clunky in the faster-paced Pistons offense.

Mohammed soon fell out of the main rotation. He wasn’t happy with the reduced role, but to his credit, did not complain or sulk.

But it was clear he had hoped to be a more integral part of the team. The Bobcats told Dumars they anticipate making Mohammed their starting center.

“He’s a good man, and he deserves to play some minutes,” Dumars said.

Dupree has been little-used, only appearing in one game this season.

Chris Sheridan of ESPN.com runs down a list of the 10 players most likely to be traded in the NBA. Flip Murray comes in at #6, which really shouldn’t be news to Pistons fans. I don’t think the Pistons will aggressively shop Flip until we get to see how Rodney Stuckey fits into the equation. He also goes onto say that the Pistons are looking to make a spot for Chris Webber (parting with Nazr Mohammed & Ronald Dupree) which is contrary to what we’ve heard from Dumars and his plans to commit to the team’s youth in the front court. We’ve been told that Joe Dumars is not looking to acquire veteran big men. This kind of sounds like a preseason relic when Nazr and Flip were all but traded in the media.

Then, when you scroll down to #8, Walter Herrmann, Sheridan reveals:

The Pistons are among the contending teams that would be willing to take a flyer on the forward who many remember as the difference-maker when Argentina defeated the U.S. in the semifinals of the Athens Olympics.

Herrmann really isn’t getting the minutes in Charlotte and his numbers reflect that. He’s a 28 year old 6′9″ forward. I’m not really sure how he figures into what the Pistons are doing. The only thing I an think of is maybe Dumars is looking to pick up a white guy so people can stop accusing him of being racist? Of course that’s in jest as I know that’s not the type of thing that determines personnel decisions with Joe D.

[box score] The Pistons had a let down two nights prior, but in this game they did what good teams should do and that is beat the teams they’re supposed to.

For all intense purposes the game was probably decided in the opening quarter. The Pistons got back to the bread and butter, defense, holding Charlotte to only 16 points in the quarter while scoring 30 themselves on a blistering 77% shooting.

The play got a little sloppy in the 3rd and Charlotte cut the lead to single digits but that didn’t last for long and the Pistons were able to win going away.

Antonio McDyess was the star of the game. Dice was a point (19) and rebound (9) away from a 20 and 10 outing. Dice scored 10 points in the 1st quarter alone. Antonio continues to be a model of efficiency shooting 7/12 from the floor and going 5/5 from the free throw line. He also blocked 2 shots and the team was a +20 with him in the game. Dice is up to 57% shooting for the season. It’s nice to see gaining more confidence as a starter after his slow start to the season.

With Charlotte down a couple key big men and having a record to reflect that this matchup sort of lacked intrigue but I always find a special significance in sticking it to a team that has Michael Jordan as a part owner as he always seemed to go out of his way to stick it to our Pistons.

GAME NOTES:

• The all important board war was won convincingly 29-47
• The Pistons did commit 16 turnovers, so there’s definitely something to work on
• Every Pistons who entered the game scored
• Chauncey and Rip combined for 38 pts (10/16 shooting)
• 88.9% (32/36) FT shooting
• Maxiell 11 pts (4/5 FG, 3/4 FT) 7 boards, 2 blks
• Gerald Wallace came into the game averaging almost 19 ppg, he was held to 3 on the night
• Why does Flip Murray never look for Amir Johhson in the 4th? The only 2 points Amir scored in his 7 minutes he had to get for himself
• Rasheed Wallace Richard Hamilton picked up his league leading fifth tech

MORE RECAPS:

• Detroit News: Hot start propels Pistons
  
• Motoring: Pistons Bounce Back; Beat Bobcats 104-85
  

The Pistons (13-6) are taking on the Bobcats (7-11) tonight at the Palace. The game starts at 6pm est and will televised locally on TV20 Detroit. The Pistons split last seasons series with Charlotte 2-2. Detroit has won four out of the five meetings with the Bobcats at the Palace.

Bobcats snapshot
Road record: 1-6
Last game: 12/8 (Sat) - W 93-96 @ home Vs. Cavaliers
Last 10: 3-7
Injuries: Sean May, Adam Morrison

Forget Gerald Wallace (18.8 ppg) or Jason Richardson (17 ppg) the Pistons need to keep an eye on Piston killer Matt Carroll. In the four games last season against the Pistons, Carroll averaged 13.3 points against Detroit while shooting 54.8% from the field, and 55.6% on 3-ptrs. “We helped him get his contract last year,” Flip Saunders said of Carroll, who signed a six-year, $27 million deal with Charlotte over the summer. “We’ve got to make sure we’re very conscious of him. I mean, he’s one of those guys, he plays off other people. He can really shoot the ball well. There are certain guys against certain teams and they just play well. He’s one of those guys who when he plays us, he seems to have a lot of confidence.” (via Pistons.com)

Flip Saunders will also have to contend with game planning for another team that plays “small ball“, due to two of Charlotte’s big men (May & Morrison) out with injuries.

• Compassion over fashion. Jason Maxiell didn’t shave his head to make himself anymore intimidating. The OH-BEAST! one decided to cut his hair shortly after learning that a close family member was beginning chemotherapy. “It’s something that I have no idea what they’re going through,” Maxiell said. “So I did this to show them my support.” Do you need another reason to think this dude is the cat’s pajamas? Me neither.
• It seems that new Tiger’s hurler, Dontrelle Willis has somewhat of a ‘man crush’ on Rasheed Wallace. I can just see the next time he’s at a Pistons’ game they’ll have him and Sheed on the smooch cam for sure.
• Flip Saunders takes another jab at the Zen Master: Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson blamed his fellow NBA coaches for agreeing to be miked up for some nationally televised games. “He wasn’t at the meetings, so he doesn’t know what was talked about,” said Saunders, who added the coaches did not agree to anything at the time.
• In the dubious tradition of “Prime Time”, “Neon” Deion Sanders, Flip Murray has given himself a nickname. “Fourth Quarter Slaughter”
• Arron Afflalo ranks #17 among rookie according to John Hollinger’s PER ratings, Hollinger also calculates that the ‘Stonz have a 100% chance of making the Playoffs. I’m not a betting man, but I like them odds.
• Hey, where’s Bill Davison? Chris McCosky answers.
• Here’s a nice McDyess article from a Yahoo blog
• This Thursday is Pistons Night down in Ft. Wayne
• Check out blogger Brett Edwards of The Association’s impressions of his first trip to the Palace
• Forbes Magazine ranks the Pistons the 4th most valuable NBA franchise
• We won’t be seeing Rodney Stuckey until next year…
• In news that isn’t news: Joe Dumars hasn’t ruled out trades. Does that like mean he’s the GM or something?

FORMER PISTON PRESS CLIPPINGS:

• Jimmy Walker remembered
• Rodney White is kill’n it over in Asia averaging 36 ppg
• Kenny Smith named commissioner of the Premier Basketball League
• Dolan to Isiah: your job is not in jeopardy


Miscellaneous:

• Check out Will Ferrell’s new basketball movie Semi Pro:


  Will Ferrell stars in Semi-Pro, an outrageous comedy set in 1976 against the backdrop of the maverick ABA - a fast-paced, wild and crazy basketball league that rivaled the NBA and made a name for itself with innovations like the three-point shot and slam dunk contest. Ferrell plays Jackie Moon, a one-hit wonder who used the profits from the success of his chart-topping song “Love Me Sexy” to achieve his dream of owning a basketball team. But Moon’s franchise, the Flint Michigan Tropics, is the worst team in the league and in danger of folding when the ABA announces its plans to merge with the NBA. If they want to survive, Jackie and the Tropics must now do the seemingly impossible - win.

• Some NBA wives are very open with their hubbys. First it comes out that Andrei Kirilenko’s wife allows him one infidelity per season and now we learn that Kenyon Martin’s wife got him a “groupie phone”. I guess when you’re rich anything goes?