PistonsNationBlog.com - Detroit Pistons News & Views

NJN 92 / DET 99

First let me give credit where credit is due; the “Naturally Swedened” came from @russbengtson via Twitter.  If you’re a fan of the NBA Russ is a good one to follow.

Readers might recall me suggesting that we shift our attention from the Pistons as a whole to the evolution of a certain 2009 second round draft choice hailing from Borås, Sweden.

Jonas “Double J” Jerebko, along with Ben Wallace, started by providing the hustle and energy early that was no where to be found the night before in the blowout loss to the Pacers.  Jonas then went on to pull a Curt Hennig going 9-for-9 from the field, two of those from beyond the arc.  Double J concluded the game with 20 points, 7 boards, and 2 steals.  “Absolutely perfect.”

Charlie V flung in 4 threes pointers in as many tries but I thought his performance was far from perfect.  He was out of position on many defensive sequences and picked up 3 fouls in his 17 minutes.  The long ball helps, but I’d love to see them in concert with some solid defense that CV has shown flashes of through out the season.

Jason Maxiell scoring 9 of his Pistons’ bench high 13 in the 4th quarter helped the Pistons secure their second win in 5 days over the lowly Nets.  When you think of Jason Maxiell you think of a guy that is more likely to cause blunt force trauma as a result of an ill-intending thunder dunk, than a guy hitting clutch 4th quarter jumpers.  But, that’s just what he did last night just when the Nets were threatening.

Point guard…Rodney Stuckey finished with more assists (11) than points (10) helping the Pistons to 29 total assists.  Quite a contrast from the 10 total the night before.  Will Bynum dished out seven of those 10 assists in Indy, but last night everyone who stepped on the court wearing red, white, and Pistons’ blue seemed to make a effort to work to get the best scoring opportunity.

I’m in high spirits today that the Nets were not able to get their 2nd road win on the season at the expense of the Pistons, but my joy must remain tempered.  We are talking about the now 4-46 New Jersey Nets here.  They do play hard despite their record but it doesn’t change the fact that they’re on target to be historically the most single season losingest team in league history.  The Pistons didn’t really take care of business.  The Nets still hung around and actually took a fourth quarter lead.  This Pistons team still has lots of short comings and the struggle for consistency shows no signs of letting up courtesy of a couple close wins against the Nets.

QUOTE OF THE GAME: George Blaha after a Ben Wallace score:

Now that’s a man sized deuce!

I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist.

The Pistons (15-31, 4-17 road) will be in New Jersey to take on the Nets (4-42) Tip off is 7:30 pm est from the Izod Center and will be televised locally on Fox Sports Detroit.  The game can be heard on 104.3 WOMC.

Nets’ Snapshot
Home record: 3-19
Last game: 01/31 (Sun) L 83-79 vs. 76ers
Last 10: 1-9
Streak: Lost 2
Injuries: Devin Harris (wrist: day-to-day)

Tonight the Pistons face their stiffest competition…in the John Wall sweepstakes. Yes, it has come to that. These are the two worst teams -record wise- in the East. The Pistons could make a run at making the playoffs, and their credit they’re not saying die.   But, for what? Do we really want to slide in the 8th spot and be a sacrificial lamb? I’m not saying tank the remainder of the season, let’s just be realistic.

I wonder if the Pistons’ players see the Nets on the schedule and think that this is damn near a sure thing for stopping this 5-game losing streak or is their more anxiety to it with the possibility of adding their names to the likes of the Clippers, Knicks, Bobcats, and Bulls as the only teams to have lost to New Jersey?  Here’s Coach Kue’s take:

“Going into every game, I don’t care what their record is,” he said. “You have to approach it like you’re playing Boston or L.A.”

Sounds good but most night’s they look like they’re approaching it like they’re playing New Jersey.

Harris poll:

Devin Harris, who had a 38 point outing against the Pistons last season, has missed the Nets previous four games with a sprained shooting wrist will be a game time decision.

Harris has been hampered by injuries this season and his numbers are down across the board. At 15.3 Devin’s averaging 6 less point per game for the Nets. He’s down in FG% (.438 to .378), 3P% (.291 to .217), and FT% (.820 to .783).

Injury Updates:

UPDATE: Both are CV & Thrill are said to be probable tonight [source]

Charlie Villanueva (back spasms) and Will Bynum (left ankle) are both listed day-to-day. Villanueva practiced yesterday and will be a game-time decision tonight whereas as Thrill is doubtful.

Foul shots:

Click to enlarge

(more…)

From Peter Vecsey of the New York Post:

Apparently, rising free agent-of-choice Carlos Boozer is telling confidants he’s either going to Detroit or New Jersey — only way the capsized Nets pull that off is by doing a sign-and-trade. Word has it Jersey will have but three assistants next season and all must take pay cuts.

First off it’s Peter Vecsey so this rumor goes best with a mine of salt.  Secondly if there’s any truth to this then Boozer is a lousy judge of confidence.  With Milsap emerging as a low post stud and Okur with an opt out option it’d be pretty easy to assume that Boozer is expendable, so why would a guy who’s all about those Benjamin’s want to show his cards and hurt his value?

The New Jersey angle doesn’t make much sense.  Like Dave Dial points out on Mlive a sign-and-trade would alter New Jersey’s prospects for being able to land Jay-Z’s sweetie in the summer of twenty-ten.

Personally I’m still holding out for CB4.  Boozer has a nice game.  He’s a rugged low post guy which we need.  But, there’s injury and character issues that have made bigger headlines than his game.  I believe Bosh to be the more versatile of the two and he has more upside.

Bosh does have that goofy rasta ‘do, while Boozer is clean shaven with the Oscar the Grouch eyebrows.  Take your pick.

Either way it’s all talk right now.  We have about a month before guys can starting putting it all on the line.  Dotted that is.

Nets (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 …

The Pistons (38-40, 20-19 home) will be hosting the New Jersey Nets (32-46) Tip off is 8:00 pm est from the Palace of Auburn Hills and will be televised locally on Fox Sports Detroit.

Nets’ Snapshot
Road record: 15-24
Last game: 04/08 (Weds) L 104-106 @ Celtics
Last 10: 3-7
Streak: Lost 1
Vs. Pistons: Nov. 7th – Pistons (96) @ NETS (103) / Dec. 31st Nets (75) @ PISTONS (83) / Apr 1st – Pistons (98) @ NETS (111)

Who do the Pistons want to face in the first round?  It’s either go into Cleveland where the Cavs have been next to impossible to beat or go into Boston where the Celtics are real good, but not nearly as unbeatable.  Also keep in mind that the Celtics are  still trying to get everyone healthy and you’d have to say that they’d more desirable matchup (assuming Orlando stays at #3).

So, it would behoove the ‘Stonz not not only win tonight, but win out with 4 games left to play in the regular season.  If they do they are assured the 7th seed.  Currently they sit in 8th a half game behind the Bulls – whom they tangle with on Monday.

The Pistons should have no problem finishing the season strong if they’re able to match the same energy level they had Wednesday night at the Garden.

The Nets are officially out of the playoff picture, but I really don’t expect them just to pack it in.  To get a win tonight the Pistons must contain two guys that are favorites for post season awards.

Devin Harris – who looks like a great choice for most improved player – has really hurt the Pistons with his quickness and ability to get into the lane and draw fouls. In 3 games against the Pistons Harris is averaging 25 points, 7 assists, and 14 trips to the free throw line. Stopping Harris has not been easy for the Pistons.

Center Brooke Lopez who has a outside shot at Brookie of the Year has had two very strong games against the Pistons. In the last two meetings Lopez has really hurt the Pistons down low averaging 21 points and 9.5 boards.

ALSO OF NOTE: The Nets are trying to win their season series with the Pistons for the first time since 1993-94 … A Pistons win tonight (or a Charlotte loss) would eliminate the Bobcats from the playoffs … More love for Will “The Thrill” … If the Pistons do not win all four of their remaining games they will have their first non-winning season since 2000-01 … N4S preview … Who’s looking to put Flip Saunders in the 1st seat? … Jason Whitlock murders Iverson …Welcome Motown  String Music to the Pistons blogosphere …

Pistons (98) @ NETS (111) / {box score}

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.

Rip shot an accurate ball all night long going 11/18 from the field, 2/3 from downtown, and 5\5 from the free-throw line to lead the Pistons with 29.  But, all of Rip’s clean stroke and his 6 assists were not enough for the Pistons.  They were never really in this one.

Iverson didn’t help his cause for more floor time.  He played like hell last night.  In 17 minutes he went 1/8 from the floor for 4 points.  His disdain for coming off the bench gets stronger after outing #3:

“I’d rather retire before I do this again,” Iverson said. “I can’t be effective playing this way. I’m not used to it. It’s tough for me both mentally and physically. If I’m able to go out there, I should be able to get it done and I can’t right now. It’s my fault. I have to be able to overcome the adversity and do what I have to do. I just have to find a way to get it done. Not being 100 percent makes it harder and you can see that I’m not 100 percent.” – mlive

I understand his frustration, especially with the level of individual success he’s achieved during his career and how’s he’s achieved it.  But, is this doing “what ever it takes” as he stated after being traded here?  Are we going to have to hear this type of bitching after every game?

The Bobcats (34-41) lost last night in double OT to the Celtics, while the Bulls (36-40) were idle.

GAME NOTES: 27 assists for Pistons and Nets … 16 a piece for Herrmann, Stuckey, & Prince … Brooke Lopez turned 21 … Curry unfazed by Iverson rant … Memphis writer likes Laimbeer … Uncle Cliffy’s home invaded …

The Pistons (36-38, 17-19 road) will be in New Jersey to take on the Nets (30-44) Tip off is 7:30 pm est from the IZOD Center and will be televised locally on Fox Sports Detroit.

Nets’ Snapshot
Home record: 15-22
Last game: 03/30 (Mon) L 107-78 vs. Bucks
Last 10: 2-8
Streak: Lost 5
Injuries: Bobby Simmons (Back, Day-to-Day), Eduardo Najera (Abdomen, Out for the Season)
Vs. Pistons: Nov. 7th – Pistons (96) @ NETS (103) / Dec. 31st Nets (75) @ PISTONS (83)

Tonight the Pistons and Nets will tangle for Eastern Conference supremacy.  Ok, the prerequisite April Fool’s pun is taken care of.

By virtue of their conference the Pistons are still parked in the playoff’s 7th seed with slim leads over the Bulls and Bobcats.  They can put a little space between themselves and the other two if they’re able to extend the Nets losing streak to 6 tonight.

I fully expect Michael Curry to cave under Iverson’s minute scrutiny.  Even without the 100-pound truck on his back do not expect the quickness of Devin Harris (22.2 ppg, 7 apg) not to be able to expose Iverson on the defensive end as he’s done in the previous matchups.

The Pistons will of course be without Rasheed Wallace after he picked up his 16th tech on the season – automatic one game suspension – after only one game back from his calf injury that had sidelined him in the Pistons previous 11.  To which Rasheed seems really remorseful about:

“I don’t care,“ he said. “That (stuff) doesn’t faze me. That’s what happens when you speak the truth.“

ALSO OF NOTE: Only 8 games left in the regular season … 7 of 8 remaining games against sub .500 teams … Sheed & Rip alma mater schmack talk’n … Hoop Doctors does the open letter thing to Piston blogs getting down on AI … Five Magazine’s Q&A with Iverson … Pistons 1 1/2 point favorites tonight … IZOD Center worst NBA arena? … Pistons have beat Nets 8 of last 9 … Delayed Brooklyn arena development is co$ting the Nets …