Detroit Pistons

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Brawl talk...

Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!

I blame the media...

And the parents of Ron Artest and SJax...

And Corporate America...

And George W. Bush...

And most of all Matt Millen...

[Marklar MM]

In Ben's defense, the Pacers were up by 15 with 45 seconds to go...and Artest gave him a hard foul.

[boutons_]

"the Pacers were up by 15 with 45 seconds to go"

I asked the question then, and it's still valid now: WTF were the starters doing on the floor in the last minute of a blow-out?

[Marklar MM]

"the Pacers were up by 15 with 45 seconds to go"

I asked the question then, and it's still valid now: WTF were the starters doing on the floor in the last minute of a blow-out?

It is fucking Larry Brown. We could be up by 30, and he would take teh starters out with like 20 seconds to go, because the other team can magically go "Reggie" and score 31 points...oh and he made sure Darko got to the scorers table with 5 seconds to go in the game, while the other team had the ball, to get his hopes up.

[td4mvp21]

The Pistons players didn't really do anything IMO, it was the fans. Yeah, Ben shouldn't have pushed Artest, but he should have gotten a technical foul. None of the other players did anything. Artest, Jackson, and O'Neal were the only ones along with the fans making fools of themselves.

[leemajors]

please let this thread die.

[5ToolMan]

I'm generally not in the business of prediction smack talk, then hiding from the boards for a while when I'm wrong. The post you quoted was in response to Rummpd's claim that the Pistons were in for a "rude awakening." If you understand that, you realize my point is that the Detroit Pistons know very well that the Spurs are a great team and are capable of beating them. There was no possibility for a "rude awakening," in my opinion. It wasn't about me predicting what will happen as much as it was responding to his comment.

So, now that you have the context to go along with your patronizing post, you can take my comments for what they're worth ... just one man's opinion.

As for "never being wrong" by covering all my bases ... again, I'm not going around claiming the "Pistons are definitely the better team" or "Pistons will win if they're healthy." I'll say that I expect the Pistons to play well or that they have a good chance to win. But, to go around and adamantly boasting that my team will crush the other or that there will be some kind of rude awakening is just not something I'm interested in posting. I just try to enjoy the games and congratulate whichever team wins. I'm not a soothsayer or a prophet. I'm just a Pistons fan who appreciates good basketball. The Spurs are a great team, and if they beat the Pistons, all the praise and accolades should go to them ... not the fans who predict they would win. When I cover all my bases, I may never wrong, but I'm also never right, so I can't gloat like some fans do. Just a fan. I'll argue facts. I'll leave the predicting smack talk to the rest of you ...

You may have taken my joke about you covering all the bases just a little wrong. Anyone who has watched this game for a while knows that on any given night, almost anything can happen. Especially early in the year before most of the good teams really jell. Otherwise, I was not disagreeing with your wise post, just pointing out in fun, that it did appear to cover most of the bases.

And props to you, as you expressed real gut feeling was right on the way the game played out!

[mavsfan1000]

I agree with almost everything Jamstone says. The pistons are looking like a championship team but it could easily be the spurs again. It will be interesting to watch.

[Rummpd]

Dear Pistons Fans:

I was wrong that the Pistons "were in for a rude awakening" as the Spurs simply did not show up whether it be from fatigue, an unexplainable lack of caring for a X Mas game, or an over-confidence etc. Also, as I continue to watch the Pistons their bench is not being given enough credit - it does not play a lot, but when it does, at various positions it is very effective.

One has to give credit to the Pistons as well, in a close game going into the 4th they simply got it done.

Looking forward to the 12th of a re-match between 2 very good teams as a probable prelude to a great finals. A positive that seemed to come out of a bad game for the Spurs was the unleashing of Nazr, who had another effective game in his minutes last night.

[jochhejaam]

had it been in the SBC would you have let us live it down?


i understand there was a foul called but ben should have shaken it off and kept on going with the game
There was bad blood between the two as that wasn't the first time the two had squared off. Big Ben's shove, towel throw or even the idiot person that threw the beer were not the reason it escalated out of control, that falls on one person, Ron Artest. All hell broke loose after he went into the stands.

For that reason I personally don't care if someone wants to bring it up, it's
not even close to being an indictment on Piston Fans. That assessment is called sterotyping and it's an unwarranted slap in the face to the real Piston Fans.

If it had happened at the SBC I would have felt the same way, Artest's fault and a reflection only on the person that threw something not the entire fan base.


The person that threw the beer was an idiot impersonating a fan.

[mikejones99]

Richard Hamilton through a cheap shot on Ron Artest about 5 minutes earlier in the 4th quarter and plus Ben Wallace relative died earler that week. I think at least 20% of NBA players would have went into the stands after getting that treatment.

[JamStone]

Then I would agree 20% of NBA players are complete imbeciles.

[Hassdabballman]

pistons win again beat miami. Unbelievable, these guys refuse to lose.

I loved the crowd chanting MVP MVP MVP for billups.

[E20]

Pistons look pretty much unstoppable, if they keep this style of play up with a healthy season they are on pace for 70-74 wins.

[THE X-FACTOR]

If the Pistons get too far ahead in the race for HCA I can see the bench, including Darko, playing heavy minutes the last several weeks of the season, that might result in a few losses. The Pistons care less about 70 wins.

[5ToolMan]

The Pistons care less about 70 wins.

Good thing, because they have little chance of getting there, despite recent great play.

The "target" that favorites carry has been getting much bigger on the Pistons recently. There will be a stretch in the schedule, or perhaps a few, where the demands of travel, the huge target on their chest against teams wanting to make their year, and nagging or more serious injury will cause a couple of bad weeks. And there are still several teams who can develop into very strong competition with the Pistons, even if travel, rest and injury are about the same.

[admack]

Been there done that already, thats where two of our losses came from.

[THE X-FACTOR]

Good thing, because they have little chance of getting there, despite recent great play.

The "target" that favorites carry has been getting much bigger on the Pistons recently. There will be a stretch in the schedule, or perhaps a few, where the demands of travel, the huge target on their chest against teams wanting to make their year, and nagging or more serious injury will cause a couple of bad weeks. And there are still several teams who can develop into very strong competition with the Pistons, even if travel, rest and injury are about the same.

target = Dallas loss
demands of travel = Utah loss
teams wanting to make their year = Washington double OT loss
serious injury will cause a couple of bad weeks = Dallas and Utah losses

so don't worry those things you pointed out have accounted for all 3 of the Pistons losses and they could have lost more if they were such a balanced team, when Sheed has an off night Prince picks it up, when Hamilton does, Evans picks his game up, when they need a spark Delfino comes in and dunks on the other teams big man.....

[emo serb]

I hope this thread gets put in the NBA section. If my "What Would Kobe Do?" thread gets moved there, this one should also. This is not Spurs. Your just racist against me.

[Hassdabballman]

why would this thread be moved??? we are talking about a SPURS/Pistons possible finals rematch.

[emo serb]

Because I'm white.

[Rummpd]

Right now with 6 minutes to go in first half Pistons getting hammered by the Cavs - too early to predict a loss, but will see.

[boutons_]

Pistons very cold, they will warm up, and the Cavs will cool off. A LONG way to go.

[Kori Ellis]

I hope this thread gets put in the NBA section. If my "What Would Kobe Do?" thread gets moved there, this one should also. This is not Spurs. Your just racist against me.

If you post this stupid racist crap one more time, you'll get be sorry. Your thread was a stupid joke thread.

[jochhejaam]

Pistons down 19

3 mins to go

[Spurologist]

Pistons down 19

3 mins to go

wtf? by the cavs. Bron Bron must be stroking it.

He probably told his teammates.
Pass the BUTTER. What is wrong with you?

[Marklar MM]

wtf? by the cavs. Bron Bron must be stroking.

He probably told his teammates.
Pass the BUTTER. What is wrong with you?


Nah. We are 14-48 or so...and at least 75% of the misses are wide open shots. And even though Bron is shooting good, he is not taking a lot of shots...8 at most. They just have shot 10 more free throws or so.

[DaBigMotor]

All the Detroit bashing is straight childishness...and I always LAUGH at the ones who call themselves defending the city, but say stupid chit like, "duh, the inner city might be a hellhole, but Oakland County is REALLY nice." WTF? Idiot. Detroit really is no different from MOST major midwestern cities. Stange thing is...most successful folks from here STAY here, even the ones who COULD leave if they wanted to. If it was as bad as hyped, how could that be explained?

The comments about John Mason are racist and SLANDEROUS. He is not, nor was he EVER a crackhead. (Where do yall get this chit?) He has been one of Detroit's most successful and prominent radio personalities for a quarter century. I've worked with him, and you will not meet a nicer gentleman.

And as far as us having the "worst fans in the league," remember we LED THE NBA IN ATTENDANCE LAST SEASON AND THE TWO BEFORE
THAT...........


















.........IN HOCKEYTOWN!

[Hassdabballman]

pistons are having bad game. They'll bounce back next game.

[Rummpd]

Pistons still a great team.

[emo serb]

If you post this stupid racist crap one more time, you'll get be sorry. Your thread was a stupid joke thread.
I see how it is.

[boutons_]

Pistons extremely cold 35%, and their defense couldn't keep it close. Destroyed in paint and FB points.

Pistons 4L
Spurs 7L
Mavs 8L

[Rummpd]

It is way too early to call it a trend but the Pistons have played two only 2 top five teams on the road - Mavs and Cavs and lost bad in both games.

[jochhejaam]

It is way too early to call it a trend but the Pistons have played two only 2 top five teams on the road - Mavs and Cavs and lost bad in both games.
That's where HCA comes in handy. :)

[boutons_]

The only top teams the Pistons play on the road in Jan are the Spurs on 12th,
and Nets on the 31st, if the Nets can keep playing decent ball.

I see the Pistons at 8L very worst case for end of Jan.
Still a very tough job for the Spurs to catch them.

[Rummpd]

They do not need to catch them in January, over 50 games a lot can happen.

[5ToolMan]

All the Detroit bashing is straight childishness...and I always LAUGH at the ones who call themselves defending the city, but say stupid chit like, "duh, the inner city might be a hellhole, but Oakland County is REALLY nice." WTF? Idiot. Detroit really is no different from MOST major midwestern cities. Stange thing is...most successful folks from here STAY here, even the ones who COULD leave if they wanted to. If it was as bad as hyped, how could that be explained?

The comments about John Mason are racist and SLANDEROUS. He is not, nor was he EVER a crackhead. (Where do yall get this chit?) He has been one of Detroit's most successful and prominent radio personalities for a quarter century. I've worked with him, and you will not meet a nicer gentleman.

And as far as us having the "worst fans in the league," remember we LED THE NBA IN ATTENDANCE LAST SEASON AND THE TWO BEFORE
THAT...........

It would serve your point better to repost the Mason bashing you are playing the general race card to the whole board about, and address that directy.

It is your right to love Mason. It is also the right of others to think he sucks. As for me, I can take him or leave him. Other than him being a bit annoying to other teams, I don't see what the fuss over his greatness is about.














.........IN HOCKEYTOWN!

[5ToolMan]

All the Detroit bashing is straight childishness...and I always LAUGH at the ones who call themselves defending the city, but say stupid chit like, "duh, the inner city might be a hellhole, but Oakland County is REALLY nice." WTF? Idiot. Detroit really is no different from MOST major midwestern cities. Stange thing is...most successful folks from here STAY here, even the ones who COULD leave if they wanted to. If it was as bad as hyped, how could that be explained?

The comments about John Mason are racist and SLANDEROUS. He is not, nor was he EVER a crackhead. (Where do yall get this chit?) He has been one of Detroit's most successful and prominent radio personalities for a quarter century. I've worked with him, and you will not meet a nicer gentleman.

And as far as us having the "worst fans in the league," remember we LED THE NBA IN ATTENDANCE LAST SEASON AND THE TWO BEFORE
THAT...........

It would serve your point better to repost the Mason bashing you are playing the general race card to the whole board about, and address that directy.

It is your right to love Mason. It is also the right of others to think he sucks. As for me, I can take him or leave him. Other than him being a bit annoying to other teams, I don't see what the fuss over his greatness is about.














.........IN HOCKEYTOWN!

[5ToolMan]

All the Detroit bashing is straight childishness...and I always LAUGH at the ones who call themselves defending the city, but say stupid chit like, "duh, the inner city might be a hellhole, but Oakland County is REALLY nice." WTF? Idiot. Detroit really is no different from MOST major midwestern cities. Stange thing is...most successful folks from here STAY here, even the ones who COULD leave if they wanted to. If it was as bad as hyped, how could that be explained?

The comments about John Mason are racist and SLANDEROUS. He is not, nor was he EVER a crackhead. (Where do yall get this chit?) He has been one of Detroit's most successful and prominent radio personalities for a quarter century. I've worked with him, and you will not meet a nicer gentleman.

And as far as us having the "worst fans in the league," remember we LED THE NBA IN ATTENDANCE LAST SEASON AND THE TWO BEFORE
THAT...........

It would serve your point better to repost the Mason bashing you are playing the general race card to the whole board about, and address that directy.

It is your right to love Mason. It is also the right of others to think he sucks. As for me, I can take him or leave him. Other than him being a bit annoying to other teams, I don't see what the fuss over his greatness is about.














.........IN HOCKEYTOWN!

[5ToolMan]

All the Detroit bashing is straight childishness...and I always LAUGH at the ones who call themselves defending the city, but say stupid chit like, "duh, the inner city might be a hellhole, but Oakland County is REALLY nice." WTF? Idiot. Detroit really is no different from MOST major midwestern cities. Stange thing is...most successful folks from here STAY here, even the ones who COULD leave if they wanted to. If it was as bad as hyped, how could that be explained?

The comments about John Mason are racist and SLANDEROUS. He is not, nor was he EVER a crackhead. (Where do yall get this chit?) He has been one of Detroit's most successful and prominent radio personalities for a quarter century. I've worked with him, and you will not meet a nicer gentleman..........IN HOCKEYTOWN!

And as far as us having the "worst fans in the league," remember we LED THE NBA IN ATTENDANCE LAST SEASON AND THE TWO BEFORE
THAT...........

It would serve your point better to repost the Mason bashing you are playing the general race card to the whole board about, and address that directy.

It is your right to love Mason. It is also the right of others to think he sucks. As for me, I can take him or leave him. Other than him being a bit annoying to other teams, I don't see what the fuss over his greatness is about.

[5ToolMan]

All the Detroit bashing is straight childishness...and I always LAUGH at the ones who call themselves defending the city, but say stupid chit like, "duh, the inner city might be a hellhole, but Oakland County is REALLY nice." WTF? Idiot. Detroit really is no different from MOST major midwestern cities. Stange thing is...most successful folks from here STAY here, even the ones who COULD leave if they wanted to. If it was as bad as hyped, how could that be explained?

The comments about John Mason are racist and SLANDEROUS. He is not, nor was he EVER a crackhead. (Where do yall get this chit?) He has been one of Detroit's most successful and prominent radio personalities for a quarter century. I've worked with him, and you will not meet a nicer gentleman.

And as far as us having the "worst fans in the league," remember we LED THE NBA IN ATTENDANCE LAST SEASON AND THE TWO BEFORE
THAT....................IN HOCKEYTOWN!

[JamStone]

point taken.

point take.

point tak.

point taken.

poin t ta ke n .

point taken.

[mavsfan1000]

5 fucking post in a row by 5toolman. You should change your name to spam. :lol

[boutons_]

"They do not need to catch them in January"

of course not, and very improbable (unless 2 Pistons starters get hurt soon and long)

"over 50 games a lot can happen."

Of course, AND to both teams. All things equal (including injuries)l, making up 4L on these Pistons will be very difficult.

[Warlord23]

The Pistons aren't too far ahead of the Spurs IMO when it comes to basketball form. In fact, in many of the stats, SA is equal to or better (FT% is the expected stumbling block for the Spurs)

FG%: SA 48%, Det 46%
Adj FG%: SA 51.5%, Det 50%
Opp FG%: SA 42.2%, Det 45%
FT%: SA 69%, , Det 75%
Rebounding % : SA .504, Det .499
Rebounding diff: SA +0.7, Det -0.1
Turnovers diff: SA +0.2, Det -0.1

So as regards overall fluency, although the Spurs haven't quite hit their stride, Detroit is in the same boat. Neither team is really playing championship defense.

Where Detroit has excelled is in closing tight games:
Rip sunk a buzzer-beating game-winner vs the Celtics (They won 82-81)
Billups connects on a game-winner with 0.3 left in 2OT to beat the Grizz
Portland got screwed bigtime by refs in a 93-89 Det win (this was when Billups apparently got fouled twice while shooting 3s, shot 6 FTs in a row)
Pistons outscore Suns 37-22 in the 4th in a great comeback win

Apart from the above, the Pistons have won close games against the Warriors (106-103), the Blazers (84-81, different from the one mentioned above), and Heat (Sheed hits the dagger 3). In terms of Piston losses, Dallas and Cleveland are pretty good teams. They've really lost only 2 games to bad teams (vs Wiz in a close one in 2 OT, vs. Utah). So really the only mental lapse they've had was vs. the Jazz

These guys are mentally tougher right now; they're bringing it every night and are refusing to lay down for bad teams.

Whereas the Spurs' 7 losses include 4 giveaways to eminently beatable teams like ATL, CHI, WASH, NOK. I'm not worried about the MIL loss, that is comparable to the Pistons' loss to the Wiz; Spurs competed well but lost. The other 4 teams are in the league cellar right now, and the average loss margin was 10 pts.

What I really mean to say by this long-ass post is: Detroit is finishing games better, while the Spurs are losing eminently winnable games far too often. Detroit is not really playing at a different level vis-a-vis the Spurs as many seem to think. We're still as good as them, and Manu hasn't yet worked his way back into the line-up. If we show our normal improvement during the Rodeo Road trip, then HCA or no HCA, we shouldn't be worried in the playoffs.

[1Parker1]

The Pistons aren't too far ahead of the Spurs IMO when it comes to basketball form. In fact, in many of the stats, SA is equal to or better (FT% is the expected stumbling block for the Spurs)

FG%: SA 48%, Det 46%
Adj FG%: SA 51.5%, Det 50%
Opp FG%: SA 42.2%, Det 45%
FT%: SA 69%, , Det 75%
Rebounding % : SA .504, Det .499
Rebounding diff: SA +0.7, Det -0.1
Turnovers diff: SA +0.2, Det -0.1

So as regards overall fluency, although the Spurs haven't quite hit their stride, Detroit is in the same boat. Neither team is really playing championship defense.

Where Detroit has excelled is in closing tight games:
Rip sunk a buzzer-beating game-winner vs the Celtics (They won 82-81)
Billups connects on a game-winner with 0.3 left in 2OT to beat the Grizz
Portland got screwed bigtime by refs in a 93-89 Det win (this was when Billups apparently got fouled twice while shooting 3s, shot 6 FTs in a row)
Pistons outscore Suns 37-22 in the 4th in a great comeback win

Apart from the above, the Pistons have won close games against the Warriors (106-103), the Blazers (84-81, different from the one mentioned above), and Heat (Sheed hits the dagger 3). In terms of Piston losses, Dallas and Cleveland are pretty good teams. They've really lost only 2 games to bad teams (vs Wiz in a close one in 2 OT, vs. Utah). So really the only mental lapse they've had was vs. the Jazz

These guys are mentally tougher right now; they're bringing it every night and are refusing to lay down for bad teams.

Whereas the Spurs' 7 losses include 4 giveaways to eminently beatable teams like ATL, CHI, WASH, NOK. I'm not worried about the MIL loss, that is comparable to the Pistons' loss to the Wiz; Spurs competed well but lost. The other 4 teams are in the league cellar right now, and the average loss margin was 10 pts.

What I really mean to say by this long-ass post is: Detroit is finishing games better, while the Spurs are losing eminently winnable games far too often. Detroit is not really playing at a different level vis-a-vis the Spurs as many seem to think. We're still as good as them, and Manu hasn't yet worked his way back into the line-up. If we show our normal improvement during the Rodeo Road trip, then HCA or no HCA, we shouldn't be worried in the playoffs.


:tu Excellent post. I'm actually surprised that the Spurs and Pistons are so close, stat-wise. I was thinking that the Pistons would be higher in Rebounding % and differential. And when you have the losses from both teams laid out that way, it doesn't seem so bad...:)

[Marklar MM]

:tu Excellent post. I'm actually surprised that the Spurs and Pistons are so close, stat-wise. I was thinking that the Pistons would be higher in Rebounding % and differential. And when you have the losses from both teams laid out that way, it doesn't seem so bad...:)

We get outrebounded by like 34 every game...well maybe not 34, but we get outrebounded a lot.

[1Parker1]

^In my defense, the X-mas game was the first time I've seen the Pistons play this season, hence why I was so impressed with their rebounding...:lol

[Hassdabballman]

Losing to the Hawks.

[z0sa]

Any team with Joe Johnson I dont feel too sorry losing to. JJ has my respect.

[mavsfan1000]

Yeah gotta respect someone who would rather be the star and get alot of money than have a chance for a championship

[z0sa]

JJ actually tries to pass the ball and get other people involved in the offense. If he was just a ballhog who wanted all the points, then I'd agree with you. But hes more of a teamplayer than people say he is. He also plays good D. He didn't leave your team for more money instead of a championship, so why hate on him?

[Hassdabballman]

Pistons vs Spurs thursday,

this is truly be a test for both teams. Cant wait to see pistons beat on the spurs in their own building with a healthy ginobly.

[SenorSpur]

Pistons vs Spurs thursday,

this is truly be a test for both teams. Cant wait to see pistons beat on the spurs in their own building with a healthy ginobly.

Do you think the Spurs have forgotten about the Xmas Day fiasco? Spurs will unleash their own can of "whupass" on the Pistons.

[JamStone]

I think Rasheed goes nuts on the Spurs (play-wise, not technical foul-wise) and Manu goes nuts on the Pistons. I see a back-and-forth game, but a game of runs where each team builds a double-digit, or close to a double-digit, lead. I say the Pistons pull a little upset and win 99-94.

[Hassdabballman]

tonights the night. Prediction

Pistons 94 Spurs 85

billups goes nuts. Ben and Sheed shut down duncan. Pistons continue their winning ways and show they are truely better then the spurs.

[SoundTheToll]

Well then, people in Michigan should change their ways so it is safe again. Stats do not lie. Not only that, the Spurs are a far better team and have a better history of basketball. Maybe you should read more about the great Spurs before you come back in here.

Ummmm, I've lived in Michigan all my life. I've never been even remotely scared for my well being. Michigan is a great state. Great for water sports. Great for skiing.

Furthermore, it is a known fact that Chauncey Billups is the only person alive to perform a spread eagle, knee board, and drain an NBA three pointer. Simultaneously.

[himat]

:tu Excellent post. I'm actually surprised that the Spurs and Pistons are so close, stat-wise. I was thinking that the Pistons would be higher in Rebounding % and differential. And when you have the losses from both teams laid out that way, it doesn't seem so bad...:)

no you live in texas so you can't watch, but the pistons are not that big and sometimes get damaged inside even though we have the wallaces. that's part of the reason why we lost to the jazz. there sf is 7 feet tall.

[ginobme]

yeah they can be beaten inside, but the refs tend to let the wallaces play a little more physical against duncan inside. all of that slapping the ball out of tim's hand in the low post is a foul against any other team.

[funkeepickle]

Detroit 86
SA 83

Should be a good, close game. I'm thinking this game will go down to the final minutes.

[Rummpd]

Give big props to the Pistons.

[ABDENOUR POWER]

Thanks.

[Man In Black]

Props-what else is there to say?

[Kori Ellis]

Congrats to the Pistons.

The Pistons owned the Spurs. They dominated the glass and outhustled the Spurs all night.

They are a lot more focused and poised than the Spurs are at this point in the season.

And, as he has his whole career, Rasheed still scares Duncan.

[spursupporter]

congrat to detroit. they are ready to start the playoffs or even the finals. See you in Houston, Billups

[Pistons < Spurs]

Detroit did what they had to do, but I say that it was more of the Spurs not being hungry/effective or whatever enough. The Pistons didn't do anything too great (other than rebounding). The Spurs just didn't for whatever reason show up for the WHOLE game. The energy picked up a little towards the end...but too little too late.

If TD wasn't hurting, and if Manu was starting and fully helathy, this would have been a much different game. On top of that, the bench did not play any where near it's capabilities.

I still expect to see a rematch in June!

[Hassdabballman]

37 games in and the pistons still look like the team to beat.

[SAGambler]

37 games in and the pistons still look like the team to beat.

Gotta give Detroit the props they deserve.. Those guys have been playing some great ball...

I think we will probably see a repeat of the Finals of 2005...

But keep in mind, the Spurs will own the trophy until someone comes and takes it... Not the easiest task in the world...