Game #79: Pistons clinch
Posted by pistonsnationNets (93) @ PISTONS (100) / {boxscore}
It was pretty much a foregone conclusion that the Pistons would at least make the playoffs and now it’s official. The Pistons extended their win streak to 3 games as the continue to pick up momentum heading into the post season.
Another promising performance from the red, white, and blue ballers. There really is no better time to start clicking then right before the playoffs.
“I think we’re getting better and better each game,” Bynum said. “They say whomever is playing the best going into the playoffs, is pretty good.” -DetNews
Against the Knicks it was the starters that really left their mark on the victory. Last night it was the bench’s turn. Led by Will Bynum’s 20 the Pistons’ second wave poured 46 points on the Nets. Jason Maxiell followed up with Will with 11 points giving the Pistons a total of 6 players in double figs.
The Piston killer Devin Harris was canceled out scoring only 1 point (0/5 FG) before leaving the game in the third with a sore shoulder. Vince Carter was half-man, half-dozen last night only scoring 6 points in 32 minutes, but he did drop 10 dimes.
Being out of the playoff picture, it was more about getting PT for the young guys for Lawrence Frank last night. Rookies Brooke [that's actually a girl's first name] Lopez ( 16 pts, 7 rbs), Ryan Anderson (20 pts) and MI native Chris Douglas-Roberts (16 pts) all had nice showings for New Jersey.
Rodney Stuckey (8) and Rip Hamilton (9) combined for 17 assists for the Pistons starting backcourt.
The Pistons are back to being in a 7th place tie with the Bulls. The Pistons play the Pacers in Indiana tonight, while the Bulls are at home against the Bobcats. They’ll play each other Monday at the Palace. Both teams are also just one game behind Philadelphia for the 6 slot.
GAME NOTES: Rasheed with 15 pts (6/10 FG) and a pair of blocks … No starters over 32 minutes … Curry expects to keep the same 9-10 man rotation for the playoffs … These playoffs will mark the 8th straight for the Pistons … Will Bynum now has five 20 or more point outings on the season … Pistons outrebounded the Nets 41-31 … Pistons now own a 6 game home winning streak against NJ … Jeff Van Gundy sounds off on Iverson and Isiah … second straight game shooting better than 53% … Pistons never trailed … The Happiest Aussie in Auburn Hills …








This one is pretty simple. The Pistons couldn’t stop the Nets from redeeming themselves to their home fans after getting blown out by 29 two nights prior. The Pistons had no defense for Devin Harris (19 pts, 11 asts) or Brooke Lopez (19 pts, 7 rbs). They were also hurt by the outside shooting Keyon Doolling who scored 23 going 5/10 from beyond the arc.

KNICKS (116) @ Pistons (111) OT / {
Well, that was refreshing. The Pistons simply handled their business last night at the Palace. It’s been awhile since this team has come out and just thumped their opponent.


You could tell that Rip really wanted to show Chauncey that he had the reigns of the team now as his and Billups went at each other. Rip scored 21 (7/7 FT) and dished out 7 assists while trying to keep his good friend under thumb.






