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The Pistons led wire to wire in the 4th game of their best-of-seven Eastern Conference Finals winnning 75-94 to tie the series at two games a piece. [Box Score]

Why bittersweet you ask? (caution, rant ahead) It was a great win for our guys but it really smarts to realize we could just as easily be up 3-1 in this series. There’s nothing the Pistons did last night that couldn’t have been done on Saturday. The fans that attended game 3 got ripped. I have to go on record with respectfully disagreeing with a far more popular Pistons blog that decreed those who booed the home team that night were not true fans. A couple playoff tickets, gas prices north of $4, parking, and concessions can easily have you in the $400 neighborhood. For a team to not even show up is a slap in the face. It was not a mid-January game against Memphis, it was an Eastern Conference Finals game against a storied rival AT HOME. Those things alone should have brought out the best in our guys, but it didn’t. Just because this team has given us so much over the years doesn’t take away a paying fans right to voice their frustration. It’s not like fans were booing the team’s total body of work. The boos were for the total lack of effort that night. [/rant]

Like I predicted in the game 3 recap the Pistons came out blazing to the tune of a 10-0 start (8 of them by McDyess). What changed? Well the defense was intense, and the Pistons actually looked to take the ball to the cup instead of settling for the jumpers. The Pistons also got much better ball movement which is so key to this team oriented offense.

The game remained close through out despite the final score. Foul troubles really kept the Celtics from being blown out. The Celtics converted on 82% of their 39 free throws. The Pistons ended up attempting 13 less freethrows.

Antonio McDyess came and played like a man on a mission notching game highs in scoring (21) and rebounding (16). Dice has been the most consistent Pistons in this third round averaging a double-double (14.5pts, 10.8 rbs). I guess he’s tired of waiting for his teammates to win him a ring and has decided to go out and get it himself.

“You only have so many opportunities, and they’re limited, especially for me,” he said. “I’m at the end of my career, and I just feel like leaving everything out on the floor.” - NBA.com

Chauncey (10pts, 7asts) was more assertive like everyone said he needed to be. With Mr. Big Shot running the show the Pistons moved the ball so much better. They ended up racking up 27 assists. Again, you can see he’s not 100%, but he doesn’t really have to be in order to be effective.

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The only thing you can say is that the Pistons did not show up, and that’s pretty inexcusable for an Eastern Conference Finals game IN YOUR OWN GYM. The Celtics weren’t dominant, this was a very winnable game. The Pistons got down 11-0 to start the game and made a nice run in the first quarter to briefly get the lead. From that point unfortunately they played the rest of the game uphill being down as many as 24 and in the end losing 94-80. [Box score]

We got next to nothing from 3/5 of our starting line up. Dice (8 pts, 8 rbs) and Rip (26 pt) were the only ones who looked interested. I have to think there’s more to Chauncey’s injury than we’ve been led to believe because it seemed as he tried to run the offense from beyond the 3pt arc. He didn’t look to cut or force the defense’s hand, he was seemed very tentative out there.

A hat tip to Rodney Stuckey (17 tps, 4 asts) last night. He was the most aggressive player on the court, the only one looking to take the ball straight into the teeth of the Boston defense. I think the vets owed a little more to Stuck then what they gave last night. Stuckey’s a rookie, and it shouldn’t be up to him to try to keep us in the game while the others watch.

So, here we are again. Down in a series with our backs against the wall. I have no doubt the Pistons will come out blazing and take game 4, it’s just frustrating that that’s the way it STILL is with this team.

The Pistons and Celtics resume their best of seven Eastern Conference Finals tonight at the Palace of Auburn Hills with the series tied at a game a piece. The game tips at 8:30 EST and will be a nationally televised ABC game.

If the Celtics want to prove they’re legit they going to have win a game on the road, now literally after dropping game two in Boston to the Pistons.  Boston will attempt to do that tonight in very hostile “white out” conditions at the Palace against a reinvigorated Pistons team.

Chauncey Billups was a little sore after tweaking his hammy in game 2 but is expected to soldier on tonight.  Chauncey not being 100% isn’t as problematic if we can get near the same contribution from Rodney Stuckey as we did in game two.

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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.

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The Pistons and Celtics resume their best of seven Eastern Conference Finals tonight at Boston’s TD Banknorth Garden with the Celtics up one game to none on the Pistons. The game tips at 8:30 EST and will be a nationally televised ESPN game.

Game one didn’t exactly go as we might have hoped. That’s ok, because tonight we again have a chance to steal the home court advantage from those schmucks. It’s not going to be easy though with Chauncey Billups admitting that he’s not his regular big game self, but he’s said he’s determined to play through it.

Our guys didn’t fare too well on offense in game one shooting just over 42% with just 15 assists and 13 turnovers, but it’s defense that the Pistons players say needs a more concerted effort for them to win. Pick-and-roll defense and protecting the paint being the two major areas that the ‘Stonz faltered on in the series opener.

I’m hoping to see an improved Rasheed Wallace tonight. Three-for-twelve is NOT going to get it done. As fabulous as everyone would have you believe Kevin Garnett is, Rasheed is better. Rasheed needs to go after Garnett on the offensive end. He needs to get him down on the blocks and and make him work. He also needs to stretch him on to the perimeter. That’s correct, I’m calling for Rasheed to shoot threes. But, under two conditions; 1) they come within the flow of the offense, 2) he breaks out of his shooting funk.

While we’re on the subject of Kevin Garnett, I wanted to recognize GMoney of the blog The Money Shot. Like PN, the Money Shots “gets it” when it comes to Kevin Garnett. Nice work!

Let’s go Pistons!  “Peeler” Boston tonight!!

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The Pistons just seemed like they couldn’t sustain any rhythm in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals, losing the game 79-88. [Box Score]

The Celtics played good defense and like they did during the three regular season meetings were able to disrupt what the Pistons wanted to do on offense. But it wasn’t all Celtics D that did the Pistons in last night. Two numbers that jump out at you and let you know that the Pistons just couldn’t get in sync were the uncharacteristically low assist total of 15 and the un-Piston-like 13 turnovers (7 of which came in the 3rd quarter alone).

Those two numbers also are pretty telling that our floor leader, Chauncey Billups, has been effected by the time off recovering from the strained hamstring. Chauncey wasn’t able to take advantage of his match up with Rajon Rondo. Billups numbers tell the tale, only 9 points, 2 assist, 2 turnovers. He didn’t have his same explosiveness or swagger. But, let’s not go so far as to say Chauncey when fully back into the swing of things is going to dribble Rondo like a basketball. Chauncey is with out a doubt the better of the two guards, but I’ve reluctantly come to realize that the Celtics point guard (who bares a strong resemblance to Earthworm Jim of Sega Genesis fame) is a formidable foe.

The Pistons and Celtics kick off their best of seven Eastern Conference Finals tonight at Boston’s TD Banknorth Garden. The game tips at 8:30 EST and will be a nationally televised ESPN game.

It’s here, it’s finally here.  The matchup that everyone has anticipated since Danny Ainge and Kevin McHale did their good ‘ol boy trade that landed Kevin Garnett in Boston.  The two undisputed best teams in the East are going to square off tonight to strike the first blow in their quest for the NBA Finals.

We all know by now that the Celtics have had some troubles winning on the road, and that’s putting it rather mildly.  It’s really a blessing they played so hard during the regular season to secure home court throughout because they’ve escaped rounds one and two by virtue of their home court advantage.  So, tonight is it even presumptuous to say that if the Pistons are able to win tonight in Boston they’ll have a strangle hold on the series after just one game?  We know our Pistons are not new to this and they would relish the opportunity to take what the Celtics have worked so hard for in front of the Boston faithful.

We now know who stands in our way for going to our 3rd NBA Finals in 5 years.

Tues. May 20th @ Boston (TD Banknorth Garden) - 8:30 est / ESPN
Thrs. May 22nd @ Boston - 8:30 est / ESPN
Sat. May 24th in Detroit (Palace of Auburn Hills) - 8:30 est / ABC
Mon. May 26th in Detroit - 8:30 est / ESPN
** if necessary **
Weds. May 28th @ Boston - 8:30 est / ESPN
Fri. May 30th in Detroit - 8:30 est / ESPN
Sun. June 1st @ Boston - 8:30 est / ESPN

This is truly a conundrum for me picking who’d I’d like to see win this series. I wish their was a way for them to eliminate each other and we go straight to the Finals.

So, if I have to pull for a team, it’s the Cavs. I’ve not made it a secret that I don’t care for the Celtics. I don’t like the Cavs either but they’re the lesser of two evils in this case. I also find myself pulling for Ben Wallace. In addition I’d like to see the Pistons get a measure of payback against the Cavs en route to the Finals.

It’s not that as a Pistons fan I fear the Celtics, just the opposite. I think they’d be a better matchup for us than the Cavs. I just want them to GO AWAY. It’s just too much too soon. I’m sick of their ESPN commercials. I’m sick off all the promos with Garnett shouting/jersey popping/chest pumping/basket-support head butting. I’m sick of their loose gums and faux tough guy ways. I’m sick of them period.

Last night’s game was entertaining. I love the fact that the front running Celtics can’t get it done on the road in the Playoffs. I felt weird getting pumped when LeBron threw down the windmill jam on Mr. DPOY Kevin Garnett, but it was pretty sweet.

Via Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

“They were kind of loud at the beginning,” he said. “But a lot of these fans are bandwagon jumpers trying to get on this now. I played here last year, too. And I didn’t see three fourths of them. They’re for the team now and they might get a little rowdy but that’s about it.”

When asked if he thought they were fair-weather fans, joining the party only after the Celtics’ offseason trades that brought Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to town, Bibby didn’t hesitate to pour more gasoline on the fire.

“You could say that,” he said. “I remember them having bags on their heads [last year]. It’s a different look. I guess that’s what happens when you win.”

Bibby and Josh Smith were the most noticeable targets of a small section of fans at TD Banknorth Garden Sunday. They got into a verbal sparring match with some of the crowd as they left the floor at the end of Game 1.

“It’s good that they know I’m here,” Bibby said. “It was just a little confrontation to get them involved a little bit. But they are fair-weather fans if you ask me.”

Mike Bibby is right, but what do you expect? The Celtics have not contended since before-before. That’s what happens when the home town team pulls off the biggest one season turn around in league history. The axles on the bandwagon really get a work out.

We seen a little of that around here when the Tigers went to the series two years ago. It happens. People like to align themselves with winners and it’s the die hards who’ve been there all along who have to suffer.

Boston has a pretty good rep of being a passionate and loyal sports town, but I have noticed a certain level of obnoxiousness creeping out of the Harbor this particular season. Hopefully the C’s can stay good for a few years so their fans can act like they’ve been there before.

Hooper, take note!

bostonherald.com: (via: TrueHoop) Last night, in the process of the Celtics completing a series sweep of the Chicago Bulls for the first time since 1986-87, Kevin Garnett and James Posey engaged in some late-game trash talking with Benny the Bull.

“Bulls can talk,” said Garnett, who initially was upset after he and Posey were hit in the back by clothing fired from a T-shirt launcher during a timeout in the closing minutes of the C’s 106-92 victory. “Walking off the floor we got hit by some shirts.”

Garnett initially had to be restrained by a member of the officiating crew as Benny stood a safe distance away.

“I turned around, saw the guy in the bull hat, and we had some words,” Garnett said.

Posey, not a favorite in Chicago dating back to when he was a member of the Miami Heat, cringed in mock fear.

“I don’t know - I feel threatened,” Posey said. “I don’t feel safe. They really have tough love here, but it was definitely an inside job. They made the mascot do it. I got hit in the back walking away. That spot on my back is sore. I might have to get treatment on it.”

How funny is it that tough guy Kevin Garnett had to be retrained from going after Benny while Posey laughs it off? Let me know if anyone comes across video of this.

Pistons (78) Cetics (90)

[Box score] I’m trying to decide if it was a tired Pistons team after playing catchup the night before on the heels of a four game road trip or just a bad matchup?

In all three of the games against Boston the Celtics have had someone who’s not their big three step up and hurt the Pistons. On the first game it was Rondo, the second Glen Davis, and last night the Pistons had no answer for Kendrick Perkins (10 pts, 20 rbs, 2 blks). Sure Kevin Garnett hurt us as well (31 pts, 6 rbs) but you can live with that if Allen & Pierce combine for 18 points.

It seems as if the Pistons have a hard time with keeping the Celtics from scoring in the paint. The Celtics slashing-and-kick resulted in too many easy buckets.

It was frustrating to watch us play from behind the whole game. I give credit to the Celtics’ defense once again for disrupting what our guys wanted to do offensively. Their trapping D really seemed to bother the ‘Stonz. The offense had no flow. I was watching this game with a friend and I told him after the game ended that I’d be shocked if we had more than 15 assists, we had 16 but I’m must of lied because I wasn’t all that shocked.

The “Zoo Crew” really didn’t show up. I knew coming in that this was going to be a game for the starters to win, but we need SOMETHING from the 2nd unit. Stuckey scored 2, and Dixon 3. Five bench points? What’s up lately with Jason Maxiell? Maxy had 0 points, 2 boards, 0 blocks on 18 minutes. I would have liked to seen more Amir Johnson. Amir made an immediate impact when he got in the game with a couple of blocks and boards. I also would have liked to see Arron Afflalo for his defense, hustle, and poise.

I’m trying not to overreact too much, but it’s hard when I hate the Celtics so much. I know we’re a playoff team, but we can’t wait until then to solve our struggles with Boston and I figure they’re going to be better with Cassell. As much as I don’t like Sam I’ll admit he’s a gamer.

I still feel we’re a better team, but we haven’t prepared well enough for Boston’s personnel. Seems like we’ve paid very little attention to anyone not named Garnett, Pierce, or Allen and it’s come back to bite us.

UPDATE:

In case anyone reading this thinks I’m overreacting to an isolated incident I’ve added some other examples in comments to illustrate my point.

Here’s some quotes I’ve come across on the ever building resurgence of a Pistons/Celtics rivalry

Bill Laimbeer - “The era that I grew up was very intense competition,” says Bill Laimbeer. “It was almost hatred of the other team and it still holds to this day on any players of those teams. Your teammates are all that matter and the other team is the enemy. There were some bitter rivalries and some bitter feelings … and I still won’t talk to Larry Bird.”



Isiah Thomas - “It was extremely personal [..] you just wanted to beat the (expletive) out of them, [..]I’ll say hello, but I’ll never be friends with them, [..] there’s no personal dislike. (pause) … We’re Pistons, they’re Celtics”



…Quotes via Pistons.com: Hatred No Longer A Part Of The NBA

Chucky Atkins - “The thing about Detroit that separates them from Boston right now is, they’ve been through wars together,” Atkins said. “When it gets tough, they know they can rely on each other. Boston might have a good record, but they haven’t really been in any wars with anyone yet. So that could be the story toward the end of the year.”



Adrian Dantley - “I can see that being a good series,” Dantley said. “And that rivalry happening again.”



…Quotes via Denver Post: Celtics show “bad” attitude

By the way…

In unrelated former Pistons news; Chris Webber told a Sacramento T.V. reporter he’ll be back in two weeks. No confirmation on who he’ll be signing with though.

[box score] The Celtics’ chest pounding, jersey popping, and primal screaming is sure to be at an all-time high after coming into the Palace and ending the Pistons 11 game win streak.

“They were a little more happy then I know we were when we beat them out there (in Boston),” said Chauncey Billups, who was amused by Pierce’s boast. “When we won, it was just another game for us. They kind of played it like it was the Super Bowl. It’s just a regular game, man, with two good teams playing. This probably means a little more to them and their psyche than it was for us. But they won, man, they won. “(via: Detroit News)

Watching this game I said to myself I’d be writing on how I was disappointed in the Pistons’ performance even if they won and I’m even more so that they lost. I’ll credit the Celtics for their defense playing well and disrupting the Pistons offense. But, that’s no reason to be jacking up long perimeter shots nearly every time down late in the game. To me it looked like Jason Maxiell (and occasionally Rasheed even though he wasn’t hitting) was the only Piston not having an allergic reaction to the paint.

This game resembled none of the previous 11 that were included in the win streak. We were badly out rebounded (50-36) giving up too many (27) second chance points. The sharing of the ball and execution wasn’t there in the second half which it usually is. The bench was outplayed (Thanks in LARGE, pun intended, part to Glen Daivs) 39-23 points and 16-9 on the boards. Because we didn’t get inside enough we shot 39% from the field which the 7/21 from beyond the arc surely didn’t help. To further illustrate how uncharacteristic Detroit’s play was Mr. Big Shot, a 90+% free shooter missed 3 clutch free throws late in the 4th. I hate to sound like a player hating Pistons’ fan but this game seemed like one of those where it was more us beating ourselves than Boston.

I had flashbacks to the Cavs series, but then I remember this was one game in early January. I’m not going to lie and say I didn’t get upset that the Pistons didn’t run these jesters out of the Palace because God knows they had opportunities to do so. But, hopefully they’ll use this game tape to see the numerous break downs.

I will say it was fun to have such a big game in January though. It just sucks that the Pistons have to wait until March to deflate the heads of the Celtics Nation.

Glen frick’n Davis?: Sure, technically he’s “big”, but he’s not one of Boston’s “Big Three” and shouldn’t be a one man wrecking crew in the 4th quarter. The guy can’t even jump! Seeing his big sloppy butt owning the paint had me yearning for “The Soup!” That’s right baby, Elden Campbell. Well, maybe not Elden Campbell, but a player like Elden Campbell that would have prevented the The Stay Puff Marshmallow Man from running a muck in the Palace. Seriously, 16 points in the fourth and it seemed like every bucket was an and one.

Kevin Garnett is a punk: I’ve said it 1,000 times and last night was further confirmation. When Maxy blocked his shot (cleanly I might add) he talks some smack to Max and then tries to shuffle off to the free throw line and clearly wanted none of Maixell who didn’t back down a bit to him. Why only Maxiell got a tech had me puzzled. It appeared, like usual, Garnett was the instigator.