The Pistons couldn’t seem to get over the hump for the first three quarters against the Spurs, but in the 4th got rolling and beat the Spurs in San Antonio. {box score}

Rasheed Wallace (19 pts) got hot from beyond the arc and Allen Iverson (19 pts, 6 asts, 4 stls) was able to break down the Spurs interior.

Rasheed’s, in typical fashion, play picked up after he was T’d up.  Rasheed picked up a technical in the 3rd for arguing an offensive foul. From that point on Sheezy was dialed in.  He scored 17 of his 19 points in the second half, which included 4 three point bombs.

Rasheed’s 3-point accuracy helped the Pistons to 54.5% shooting (season high) from beyond hte arc.   It was a good shooting night overall for Detroit hitting on 50% from the field.

Rip Hamilton had a good night from the floor going 7/11 for 16 points.  It was good to see Rip get going early.   Tayshaun kicked in a 15 point, 12 board double-double.

San Antonio, on the other hand, was icy cold from beyond the arc. The Spurs went 6-for-24 from long range.  Couple that with a season high 17 turnovers and you begin to wonder why we needed a come back effort to win this one.  Was the officiating that bad?

Greg Popovich on the game:

“The most disturbing thing is that we were very soft,” he said. “I think Detroit intimidated us. I think they ran us all over the court with their aggressiveness and physicality.” -Free Press

The Pistons have been playing more physical.  I’d like to hear more opposing coaches saying that we were too physical for them.

GAME NOTES: Pistons out scored the Spurs 28-14 in the 4th … Pistons with 14 steals … Tim Duncan 23 pts, 13 rbs … Rondey Stuckey with 10 pts, 7 asts …

I feel bad for the sellout crowd for that showed up for the 5th annual Meijer’s basketball classic in Grand Rapids last night.  Even by preseason standards it was far from classic. {box score}

I don’t think there’s anything to be concerned about from an ugly preseason loss, it’s just that it’d been nice for the west-siders to have gotten a better show.

The Pistons started out by digging themselves a 11-0 hole and despite pulling within 2 scores never really could mount a consistent offense.  The  offensive numbers on this game are just brutal.  27.8% shooting with 8 total assists.  Surprising just 10 turnovers which just points to poor offensive execution.  No one was hitting shots.

Just like last season, the Pistons’ offense struggles when Chauncey Billups (sprained right ankle) is out of the line up.  Rodney Stuckey may be the man but he’s yet to figure out how to control the offense like Mr. Big Shot.

Will Bynum led the Pistons with 10 points to go along with 3 boards.  While those aren’t huge numbers I thought Will made the most of his time on the floor and was a bright spot in a pretty much unwatchable game.

If you’re a state of Michigan basketball fan than you could appreciate the two Mitten products, Malik Hairston and Desmon Farmer, both having nice outings for the Spurs, both of whom are trying to make San Antonio’s roster.  Detroit’s Hairston collected 8 points, 7 boards and 3 blks.  Flint’s Farmer stood out with 13 points, 3 boards and 3 dimes.

NOTES: Still no Walter Herrmann, out with sore ribs … Not in action for the Spurs: Tony Parker Longoria (sore Achilles), Michael Finley , Roger Mason , Manu Ginobili (ankle), Salim Stoudamire (ankle) and Kurt Thomas (hamstring) … Spurs top tired Pistons … The Pistons are 3-2 in preseason Grand Rapids play … George Blaha interviews Afflalo …

[Box score] This outcome of this game was good for the Pistons for a few reasons. They beat a Western title contender at the same time sweeping the season series with the Spurs. The win also avoids a multi-game losing streak and serves as a good pick-me-up after a very disappointing loss to the 76ers at the Palace just two nights before.

With the two teams trading runs you just hoped the Pistons run would come last and it did. The Pistons were finally able pull ahead (momentarily) of the Spurs in the second half. They had Timmy and Co. down a dozen in the third by limiting San Antonio to perimeter shots, but the Spurs turned the tables on the Pistons in the 4th going on a 13-0 run when the Pistons offense stalled out.

When it came down to the wire it was the Pistons who made the big plays culminating in Rip (25 pts, 4 ast, 4 rbs) hitting an off balanced shot from the top of the key after being fouled by Tony Parker (26 pts, 7 ast, 4 reb, 3 stl). Rip nailed the free throw and then hit two more when the Spurs failed to convert on their end giving the Pistons the four point win. A big game from would lead you to believe he’s out of his little funk, but after the game the ever confident Rip claimed there was no funk:

“I’m never in a lull,” Hamilton insisted. “When I don’t shoot, people think that something’s wrong. We got a lot of All-Stars on this team.” (ESPN)

Antonio McDyess had a monster of a game on the glass. Dice pulled down a season high 17 boards. He and Theo Ratliff combined for 11 of the team’s season high 22 offensive boards which is what enabled the ‘Stonz to stay in this game in the first half when they weren’t hitting shots.

Rasheed Wallace didn’t have the best offensive night. He scored 10 points on 5/13 shooting which included 0/3 from three point land. But, Sheed was big on defense. Wallace grabbed 8 boards and blocked 3 shots, one of which on Tim Duncan preventing the Spurs from catching Detroit on one of the games final plays. Duncan had a horrible shooting night going 9/23 scoring 20, but he did assert himself on some big post buckets late in the game to keep things tight.

Just as uplifting as this win was it was a win off the court for the Pistons organization off the court. The Pistons successfully raised over $400,000 through their all day long telethon benefiting Detroit’s Make-A-Wish foundation. Fifty kids with life threatening illness will be able to have their wishes granted as a result. Very cool Pistons. This makes me as proud of this organization as any win.

The Pistons (46-18) will be hosting the San Antonio Spurs (44-20) Tip off is 8:00 pm est from the the Palace of Auburn Hills and will be televised locally on WDIV

UPDATE! -The Spurs will be without starting forward Bruce Bowen due to suspension [source]

Spurs’ Snapshot
Road record: 17-15
Vs. East: 21-4
Last game: 3/12 (Weds) L 75-100 @ Hornets
Last 10: 7-3
Last meeting: Jan 10th - Pistons (90) @ Spurs (80)

The Pistons shouldn’t have lost to the Sixers at the Palace on Wednesday and need to redeem themselves. The Spurs are coming off their worst lost of the season by getting blown out by 25 on the same day the Pistons were edged by Philly , so they too are looking to have a better showing.

What I’m looking for is Tayshuan to continue to look for his scoring going to the hoop. He’s been doing a great job of taking the action right to the rim and finishing over the top of the defense. I’m looking for another epic Rasheed/Duncan matchup. If Rasheed supposedly saves his best efforts for the league’s elite you can’t do much better than Timmy. And third, how about Rip and Dice snap out of their scoring slumps?

Also, go to NBA.com and vote for Automotion who’s taking on Atlanta’s A-Town Dancers in NBA.com’s annual dance bracket. Voting for round one ends tomorrow at noon.

Not that a March match up with the Spurs isn’t important enough there’s also something else that needs mentioning to anyone who doesn’t already know…the Pistons are using the whole day, with help from local television and radio stations, to raise money for our local Make-A-Wish foundation. They’re trying to raise $400,000 to help grant wishes to children with life threatening illnesses. If you’d like to help a great cause you can pledge money by calling (877)DPC-WISH or click the “donate now” links found on Pistons.com.

Can Gatorade go bad? Check with Tim Duncan.

Roll film…

[box score] The Pistons sure didn’t want to have a 3 game losing streak on their backs but a game against the Spurs isn’t one you look at to “get healthy”. Thankfully for his teammates, Rasheed Wallace hates to lose. Rasheed turned in one of those performances against a top flight opponent that reminds everyone of how truly special of a player he can be when he’s locked in.

Rasheed scored a team high 23 diverse points and his 15 boards gave him his 6th double-double on the season. He also loaded his stat sheet with 3 assists, 3 steals, and a pair of blocks. Number 36 was superb in game #36.

This could be categorized as one of those “backs against the wall” type games. Lose this one and you’re on a three game slide they start talking about how your reeling from the loss at home to the Celtics. Then the whispers start about not being able to beat the elite teams. Flip Saunders said he thought the teams ugly performance the night before in Dallas came from looking past the Mavs ahead to the familiar foes in San Antonio. While the Mavs aren’t a team to look past the Pistons did seem a lot more prepared in the AT&T Center.

The Pistons turned it up on both ends from the outset. The Pistons D helped calibrate a 22-2 first quarter run and holiding the Spurs to only a 15 point opening quarter. Then in the second the Pistons continued to execute their way to a 20 point lead. They ended the half with a 54-39 and were shooting the rock at a 60% clip thanks to a concerted effort to not settle for long jumpers.

In the third quarter however it was the Champion Spurs turn to flex their defensive muscles. The Spurs went on their own run of 21-2 to get back in the game and cut the Pistons lead down to 7. The Spurs defense kept the Pistons down to 13 points in the quarter on 5/19 shooting.

Just as San Antonio got some momentum newly activated Lindsey Hunter came in and displayed the “I still have it” pesky defense that was the tide changer the Pistons needed. In just 6 minutes of play Lindsey drained big shots and got two steals. Hunter scored 7 in all and was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Barkley on Sheed: If you watched the TNT broadcast you heard Sir Charles clowning Sheed somewhat during the pre-game. On Sheed leaving the Palace without showering after the Boston loss: “funky”. Imus Barkley also said Sheed’s ‘do was “nappy” . During half time he complimented Wallace, kind of. He said he has the ability to be the best player in the game with him bieng a 7 footer with 3 point range and at the same time being unguardable down low but said Sheed mentally doesn’t have what it takes to consistently elevate his play to elite status.

Tay happens: After going scoring 13 points on 4/19 shooting combined versus Boston and Dallas Tayshaun scored 17 against the Spurs on 50% shooting.

Playoff rotations: Even though the Pistons are constantly working to develop their young bench Flip Saunders elected to deploy a more playoff looking rotation against the Spurs. All starters played at least 38 minutes with the exception of Antonio McDyess who had foul troubles. Lindsey Hunter was activated (smart move btw). Arron Afflalo didn’t play and Stuckey seen 7 minutes but didn’t have any impact on the game. It’s not like this every night but this is a look the Flip went with to put the Pistons in the best position to get a win in San Antonio where the Spurs had only lost two games this season.

Parker and Manu: A main reason the Pistons were able to build big leads on the Spurs was the subpar performances turned in by Tony Parker and Manu Ginboli. The two combined to shoot 7/25. Chauncey really wore Parker down on the defensive end which kept him from being his usual thorn in the Pistons’ side.

Also See:

• Detroit Free Press: ‘SHEED’S RAGE: ‘Darling’ officials anger Wallace into big night vs. Spurs
• Detroit News: Wallace, Pistons make a statement
• Pistons.com: Pistons 90, San Antonio 80
• mLive: Focused Wallace leads Pistons to win

I’m pretty much gonna phone this recap in. No t.v. coverage and I wasn’t able to hear any of the game on the radio. Here’s an excerpt from the Detroit Free Press:

Brent Barry scored 16 points and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Pistons 104-80 in an exhibition game Saturday night.

Francisco Elson had 14 points and Tim Duncan added 13 for the Spurs.
Rookie Arron Afflalo led Detroit with 20 points. Rodney Stuckey scored 14 and Jason Maxiell added 13 points and 10 rebounds.

With both teams sitting a few of their stars, the preseason meeting between the reigning champion Spurs and former champion Pistons was a bit anticlimactic. For the Spurs, Manu Ginobili, Bruce Bowen and Michael Finley took the night off. So did coach Gregg Popovich, who for the second game in a row handed the reins to assistant coach Mike Budenholzer.

Rasheed Wallace and Chauncey Billups didn’t play the second game of the Pistons’ back-to-back, and an injured Richard Hamilton was out for a third straight game with a sprained left ankle.