With Amir Johnson sidelined with foul troubles Walter Herrmann seized the opportunity to be the Pistons second unit star and help the Pistons defeat the Washington Wizards 117-109. {box score}

Through the first two games of the season it’s pretty clear what the Pistons need to work on, and that’s playing with leads.  Last night the Pistons all but put on a clinic in the first quarter outscoring Washington 31-21. The Wizards didn’t give in though and had themselves a 31 point second quarter.  They committed to defense helping themselves to a 16-0 that all but erased an early 17 point lead the Pistons had built.

Since the defense, with emphasis on help defense, wasn’t there last night the Pistons had to beat the Wizards on the other side of the ball.  The Pistons also put in work on the glass.  The 49-24 advantage helped the Pistons to 55 second chance points.

Then there was Walter “Herrmannator” Herrmann.  The Wizards played a smaller lineup and with Amir Johnson hampered by whistles it opened the door for Walter Herrmann to play with the starters in 4th qaurter where he made the most of his opportunities.  Walter defended great, hustled, assisted, bombed from long range and attacked the hoop.  His play was even energizing the crowd who were chanting his name.  In Walter’s 23 minutes he scored 16 (his Piston high) on 6/9 shooting with 3/4 from downtown.    Herrmann also had 4 assits and 7 boards.

“It was unbelievable,” said Herrmann,  “I had a lot of confidence tonight.” -AP

Walter was part of a Pistons bench that outscored Washington’s 55-44.  Jason Maxiell (11 pts, 7 rbs) attacked the rim like he was still playing for a contract.  Kwame Brown showed his former mates his quick first step with a couple knifing moves to the hoop for the big man.  Kwame scored 8 points on 4/4 shooting and would have been given more PT by Coach Curry’s own admission had the Wizards not gone to a small lineup.
Rasheed Wallace also had a huge hand in the Pistons victory.

Sheed had a 17 point/12 rebound double-double.  Number 30 also threw himself a block party accounting for 6 of the team’s 7 rejections.

Richard Hamilton led the Pistons’ scoring with 24 points on 9/21 shooting, that to go along with Rip’s 7 boards and 3 assists.

The Wizards got a big contribution form the guy picked one behind Rodney Stuckey in last years draft.  Nick Young scored 23 points off the Washington bench.  Nick was a perfect 11/11 from the free throw line and 6/10 from the field.

GAME NOTES: Pistons had an uncharacteristic 17 turnovers, 15 in the first half … Tayshuan had a quiet night only attempting 5 shots and not doing much for the grass roots campaign … Walter’s 23 were his most in a game since he got 33 minutes for the Bobcats on Nov. 22, 2007 … N4S: Wins, Wizards and Walter …  Former Piston Juan Dixon helped ignite the Wizards run in the second quarter scoring 7… DeShawn Stevenson was called for a flagrant foul for taking Arron Afflalo down by the neck on a second-quarter drive … Stuckey with 11 off the bench … Pistons start a 3 game road trip tomorrow in Charlotte, then return home a week from today to play the Celtics (who lost last night btw) …

The Pistons (1-0) will be hosting the Washington Wizards (0-1) Tip off is 7:30 pm est from the Palace of Auburn Hills and will be televised locally on Fox Sports Detroit & nationally on

Wizards’ Snapshot
Last game: 10/29 (Weds) L 85-95 Vs. Nets
Injuries: Gilbert Arenas (knee), Brendan Haywood ( right wrist - torn ligament)

The Pistons last played three days ago, but doesn’t it seem longer than that?

Tonight marks Kwame Brown’s first game as a Piston (we’re not counting preseason) against the team that made him the first high school #1 overall pick in 2001. Kwame is eager to “show off” tonight:

“It’s like an old girlfriend,” Brown said of his former teams. “I have a new girlfriend now. I want to show her off.” - mlive

The story with the Wizards is injuries again.  Gilbert Arenas had his third surgery in less than 2 years on his left knee this past offseason.  This recent surgery was to remove debris from Arenas’ knee than was causing discomfort and swelling.  Gilbert’s knee is particularly troubling to the Wizards and their fans because this latest set back comes right after Washington signed Gilbert to a 6-year $111 million dollar deal.  Agent Zero is expected to return to the court in early January.  Starting center Brendan Haywood is expected to miss 6 months with a fractured wrist suffered in practice.

ALSO SEE:

Washington Post: The Pistons’ Stability Merits Wizards’ Envy:

“I hope he [Maxiell] gets fat off his new contract, but I doubt it,” Eddie Jordan said. “That’s sort of his calling card, his aggressiveness, his attacking nature. He’s a load, man. He’s a powerful, quick, strong player who learned how to play in that system. They have a good team and it’s a heck of a challenge for us.”

No local TV coverage last night, so what we didn’t see is the Pistons surge in the second half to defeat the Wizards in D.C. for their 3rd consecutive preseason win. [box score]

Michael Curry went 14 players deep last night playing everyone who didn’t have sore ribs (Walter Herrmann).  Three  of the biggest contributions came from Pistons who used to ball in the District.  Rasheed Wallace led all scores with 12 points to go along with 5 boards.  Former Wizards’ 2001 #1 overall pick Kwame Brown didn’t let the boo birds at the Verizon Center effect his play.  Kwame racked up 9 points and 3 steals in just 15 minutes of play.  Rip rounded out the bygone trio with 8 points.

Kwame is joining the Coach ‘Sheed movement: “It was fun and it was easy,” Brown said. “‘Sheed makes it easy for you. He’s such a crafty veteran, he keeps you dialed into the game.

“A lot of times I’m just trying to find my way and learn the offense. He just keeps you in tune, he’s talking to you the whole time, and he makes you talk. So when you’re talking, you’re more into the game.” -Via Detroit Free Press

NOTES: The Pistons never trailed in this game …  No Wizards in double figure … The Pistons are now 3-0 in preseason play.  Their next game is tonight @ Milwaukee … Washington was without Antawn Jamison (bruised right knee), Brendan Haywood (right wrist), Juan Dixon (right calf), Nick Young (sore left knee), Gilbert Arenas (knee) … Cheikh Samb got his first PT of the preseason. Cheikh scored 2 points and grabbed a board in 6 minutes of play …The Wizards next 2 games will be overseas Vs. New Orleans The games will take place in Berlin and Barcelona Oct. 14 and Oct. 17 … Injured Brendan Haywood could not view the game from the bench due to not having a sports coat  …  Bullet’s Forever: Detroit Pistons 73, Washington Wizards 62 … If you can’t appreciate DeShawn Stevenson’s Fresh Prince box fade there’s something wrong with you …

It’s being reported that the Washington Wizards have worked out free agent Juan Dixon as recently as yesterday.  Dixon was drafted 17th overall by Washington in 2002 after being named the Final Four’s MOP after leading the Maryland Terrapins to a NCAA title.

The Wiz are most likely trying to look for quick fix after learning their one hundred-eleven million dollar man is going to miss the first couple months of the season following his most recent knee surgery.  The Wizard’s fan and Agent Zero himself have indicated they’d welcome the hometown hero back.

Juan was acquired by the Pistons at last season’s trade deadline from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Primož Brezec and cash considerations.

Fun Fact: Juan’s aunt Sheila Dixon is the mayor of Baltimore.

Rodney Stuckey’s been getting most of the Zoo Crew shine lately, well last night was Jason “OH-BEAST” Maxiell’s night to get down.

Max had a monster night! Jason scored a career high 28 points in 28 minutes. If that wasn’t efficient enough he did it on 11-for-13 shooting. And don’t think he got all his buckets off rim annihilating dunks either, he was stroking shots from everywhere inside the arc with lobs and putbacks thrown in for good measure.

Darius Songaila will be sure to remember to remember Max’s big night. Darius was nearly the victim of death by dunk when Max threw a one-handed thunderdunk off an offensive board on him in the 4th. It was frightening.

Rip Hamilton finally got back after missing 8 of the last 9 games. It took the Ripster some time to shake off the rust, he missed all 5 of the first half shot he attempted. He ended up 4/13 for 9 points. Like Rip did when he was in a little slump to begin the season he stepped up his assist game going for a game high 10 dimes, which included a signature Rip-to-Tay ally oop.

Rip played a team high 30 minutes, and was the only starter over 24 minutes. In the 4th quarter Rip debuted his “Warriors” extra look while taking in the game benchside.

“Wizzzards, come out to plaaaay-aaayyy!”

GAME NOTES:

[Box score]…With Philly losing to the Pacers and the Raptors beating the Nets the two teams swapped playoff seeds meaning the if it stays that way the Pistons would face face the 76ers in the first round of the playoffs

The Pistons (55-23) will be hosting the Washington Wizards (41-37) Tip off is 8:00 pm est from the Palace of Auburn Hills and will be televised locally on FSN Detroit

Wizards’ Snapshot
Road record: 18-21
Last game: 4/9 (Weds) W 95-109 Vs. Celtics
Last 10: 6-4
Last game vs. Detroit: Mar. 23rd - Pistons (83) @ Wizards (95)

Wizards invade Palace, like it? It’s my little attempt to lure some heroic fantasy role playing geeks types to the site.

We’re gearing up for another game that don’t mean a heck of a lot, for the Pistons anyways. The Wizards still have some seed fenagling to do though. One point of intrigue is the return of quote/scoring machine Gilbert Arenas to the Palace. Arenas has come off the bench for Washington in the three games since returning from his knee injury, sitting out one to rest as a precaution. In those three games Agent 0 is averaging 21.3 mpg (again, off the bench), 14.3 ppg, and 4.3 apg. Those three games bring Arenas’ games played total to 11 for the year.

Remember, Gilbert had a pretty discouraging prediction for the Pistons this season, and for former teammate Jarvis Hayes (although he did praise the Juan Dixon trade).

Expect to see plenty Zoo Crew again tonight. Resting starters is something that has some fans unhappy, and probably rightly so because taking the fam to a NBA game isn’t cheap. Fans like seeing Walter Herrmann, but they payed to see Chauncey & Co.

Rip Hamilton is said to be a game time decision. Ironically it was against the Wizards back on the March 23rd that the Ripster injured his hipster. The Free Press is reporting that Rip worked out with magic healing sorcerer Arnie Kander yesterday.

ALSO SEE:

• mLive: Flip Saunders on WDFN: Playoff rotation for last four games
• Gilbertology: What To Watch For This Weekend

EXTRA! Check out TheScore.ca to read up on which team Pistons bloggers would like to see our guys beat face in the opening round of the playoffs.

[Box score] Having 3 days rest had the Pistons looking more energized than they did against Cleveland but that isn’t saying too much. The Pistons stayed in striking distance the whole night but were never able to sustain a run to grab control of the game. One reason for this as Tayshuan explained is that the Pistons did not run their normal offense:

“It’s not a concern, because we didn’t even run our normal plays,” Prince said. “We were running stuff just to get some movement, so guys weren’t just standing around. Usually when it gets to crucial situations we go back to our bread and butter, but we didn’t run any of our normal plays.”

Whatever they were running didn’t resemble winning basketball. You have to be able to get inside and score. Washington understood that scoring 50 of their 95 points in the paint, while the Pistons only tallied 20 down low. Atawn Jamison, Brendan Haywood, and Darius Songaila got the better of the Piston’s bigs. The three combined for 50 points helping Washington to 53% shooting on the night.

Another factor was probably that the Wizards still have playoff positioning to play for where as the Pistons are comofortably in the 2 slot. So they’re tinkering with things in preparation for the post-season.

Speaking of Brendan Haywood, I realized while watching this game that he’s beginning to harness what I like to refer to as the “Patrick Ewing O₂ Advantage”. Through the utilization of his obtuse nostril passages he’s able to take in more oxygen, even to the point where he’s stealing his opponents oxygen. P-Ewing carved out a pretty nice career for himself doing it. If it’s not in the rule book than I guess it’s technically not cheating.

Whether it was lack of oxygen or otherwise Rasheed had a tough night with the officiating crew. Wallace saw limited first half action because of foul woes. In the third he tried to spark what looked like it might be a Pistons run hitting some 3 triples to pull the Pistons within a couple of baskets but the Pistons just could never collectively get into a rhythm. Those 3 triples turned out to be the only field goals Sheed connected on for the night going 3/12 for 11 points in 27 minutes.

Rasheed’s night was capped of by getting his 11th tech on the season when he kind of shrugged Andray Blatche off of him after a foul call. Try to guess the bologna baloney-masked explative:

“He gave me a tech saying I shucked him,” Wallace said. “So I knew that was some (baloney).”

Antonio McDyess was again big on the glass with 14 but was the only starter not scoring in double figures (7). Rip Hamilton led the Pistons with 19 points . Tayshaun was the most consistent of the this jump shooting band. Tay went 6/10 for 13 points. Chauncey Billups collected an 11 point, 11 assist double-double.

Bench play: Amir Johnson came in early when Sheed was in foul trouble to keep length on Washington, and like usual made the most of his minutes with his hustle and energy. He probably earned more than the 6 minutes he was alloted in the game.

Jarvis Hayes cooled down a bit facing the team that made him a lottery pick. Jarvis scored 7 on 3/9 shooting. The other former Wizard on the Zoo Crew (and new daddy), Juan Dixon, did not enter the game.

The Pistons bench actually outscored the Wizards bench 22-20.

NOTES: An interesting stat from the night was the Pistons 24 assists, which is 70% of their field goals. That means they were sharing, just not scoring enough. It’s a good thing that they didn’t get another assists because it would have ruined the whole stat where we’re unbeatable when getting 25 or more assists in a game…Gilbert Arenas was unhappy with not being cleared to play against the Pistons…

The Pistons (49-19) will be in Washington to take on the Wizards (35-33) Tip off is 8:00 pm est from the Verizon Center and will be televised locally on FSN Detroit

Wizards’ Snapshot
Home record: 22-15
Last game: 3/21 (Fri) W 103-86 @ Heat
Last 10: 7-3
Last game vs. Detroit: Jan. 2nd - Pistons (106) @ Wizards (93)

Gilbert Areans could be returning soon but even with his absence, due to knee surgery in November, the Wizards are right the middle of the Eastern Conference’s playoff picture currently sitting in 5th. A major reason for that has been the play of Wizard forwards Caron Butler (6.8 rpg) and Antawn Jamison (10.3 rpg) who have combined to average almost 43 points per game.

Pistons fans you might want to scout out the Wizard’s roster. We’ve been pretty successful over the years with retreading their cast offs into pretty productive Pistons.

The Pistons are a 3 point favorite for this one.

ALSO SEE:

• Bullets Forever: Open Thread: Regular Season Game 68

Happy Easter!