Why Detroit's W-L record isn't that impressive

[emveepee]

36-5 at the midway point looks impressive to most which also triggers media hype of a possible 70-win season for the Pistons. However, the Pistons' current success does not imho even come close to the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls team. Why? The Bulls dominated the league with powerhouse teams in the eastern conference such as the Knicks,Orlando,Miami,etc. - all capable of winning over 55 games. Even the west was loaded with the Sonics,Jazz,Rockets,etc. The fact that the Bulls had to play very good EC rivals four times per year and still notched 72 wins is ultra-impressive. Now, the Pistons have token resistance from their traditional rivals - the Heat are not where they should be, the Pacers are in a dunghole,the Cavs are still learning,the Nets are slightly better than .500.So basically, the Pistons get easy wins as they are taking advantage of their rivals' misfortunes. Our Spurs btw are not only plagued by injuries but we play the other heavy contenders (Phoenix,Dallas,Memphis,Denver,LAC) four times a year! Let's face it, competition in the WC is much more intense compared to what Detroit has to deal with since the Eastern conference has the bulk of the league's cellar-dwellers. :smokin

[leemajors]

yawn.. it is impressive, give up...

[Solid D]

It's impressive to me.

[CubanMustGo]

If their 36-5 isn't all that impressive, what does that make our 33-10?

Some Spurs fans (like you) refuse to give credit where credit is due. Enough already.

[emveepee]

If their 36-5 isn't all that impressive, what does that make our 33-10?

Some Spurs fans (like you) refuse to give credit where credit is due. Enough already.

Taking into consideration all the injuries the Spurs had so far, our 33-10 is VERY IMPRESSIVE! We are just 5 games under the red hot Pistons right now when it could've easily been 10 games under.

Imagine if one of the Wallaces went down with an injury early this season, would they be were they are right now?

[ata]

Well, they are 18-2 against EC and 18-3 against WC. Pretty damn impressive!

[boutons_]

"just 5 games under the red hot Pistons"

Another way to say that with real import: the Spurs have lost twice as many games as the Pistons.

btw, if "shitty comp" diminishes the Pistons record, then "shitty comp" also applies to diminishing the Spurs record, since 4 of the Spurs losses have been to non-Piston EC teams.

Wins like last night, 4th qtrs like last night, are what makes the Pistons so intimidating.

The Spurs are so far down from the Pistons right now, it's scary.

But the scariest of all is Tim's PF.

[SequSpur]

Detroit is very impressive since they treated the Spurs like bitches.

[FromWayDowntown]

You have to be the worst kind of homer to try to diminish what the Pistons have done this season. That is a great basketball team. I certainly hope that the Spurs get a chance to play them again, and I hope the Spurs can beat them. But you are pure-on hater if you try to suggest that Detroit is anything other than the best team in the NBA right now.

[Mavtek]

Huhm we beat em by 40, and in the last 4 years they are 2 and 6 vs the Mavs, I'm not quite sure what to think of them. Their 2 wins were nail biters and we had quite a few injuries on the roster. The year they won the championship we blew em out twice, what's up with that? Maybe Sheed crawls in a hole at the site of Dirk? I still remember that Portland series, "Both teams played hard" :lol

[JHoLove]

Detroit's record is impressive. and stop whining about the injuries it happens you've got to find a way to win. every team does.

[timvp]

The record is impressive.

However, it's tough to deny that the Pistons are in the weakest conference of all-time. Cleveland and Miami are below average teams ... yet they rank two and three in that conference. Neither of those teams makes the playoffs in the west.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

This isn't even worthy of a response, except for what I just wrote...

:lol

[Perfect10]

36-5 at the midway point looks impressive to most which also triggers media hype of a possible 70-win season for the Pistons. However, the Pistons' current success does not imho even come close to the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls team. Why? The Bulls dominated the league with powerhouse teams in the eastern conference such as the Knicks,Orlando,Miami,etc. - all capable of winning over 55 games. Even the west was loaded with the Sonics,Jazz,Rockets,etc. The fact that the Bulls had to play very good EC rivals four times per year and still notched 72 wins is ultra-impressive. Now, the Pistons have token resistance from their traditional rivals - the Heat are not where they should be, the Pacers are in a dunghole,the Cavs are still learning,the Nets are slightly better than .500.So basically, the Pistons get easy wins as they are taking advantage of their rivals' misfortunes. Our Spurs btw are not only plagued by injuries but we play the other heavy contenders (Phoenix,Dallas,Memphis,Denver,LAC) four times a year! Let's face it, competition in the WC is much more intense compared to what Detroit has to deal with since the Eastern conference has the bulk of the league's cellar-dwellers. :smokin

Self-delusion is a mighty convenient defense mechanism.

[ChumpDumper]

Are these the same guys who are still waiting around to see if Parker can "keep it up for more than [5/10/20/30/40] games"?

[Peter]

The record isn't impressive to me (who had the 1 seed in the West last season?), but the way they've handled the Spurs has been. It's clear that the Spurs have more work to do than Detroit between now and June.

[SenorSpur]

Hey I'm as big a Spurs homer as anyone, but I can't go with you on this one. The Pistons record is DAMN impressive. Can't wait for the playoffs!

[Obstructed_View]

I don't think Detroit is better than the Spurs, and for exactly that reason among a dozen others their record is expremely impressive to me. It's hard to just show up for every game. It's hard to hit big shots when it's close, and it's hard to get up for a game against an inferior team. The fact that they haven't had very many lapses is extremely rare because it's difficult to do. I wish my team were playing half as well as they are.

[ABDENOUR POWER]

Cleveland and Miami are below average teams ... yet they rank two and three in that conference. Neither of those teams makes the playoffs in the west.

I know what you're saying about the East being weak, but come on. Miami and Cleveland are below average teams? What are you smoking?

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Spurs are still winning the title, and that's all that counts

oh we'll win the title alright


just not this year

[Cant_Be_Faded]

The record is impressive.

However, it's tough to deny that the Pistons are in the weakest conference of all-time. Cleveland and Miami are below average teams ... yet they rank two and three in that conference. Neither of those teams makes the playoffs in the west.


Ownzality.

[Brutalis]

The record is impressive.

However, it's tough to deny that the Pistons are in the weakest conference of all-time. Cleveland and Miami are below average teams ... yet they rank two and three in that conference. Neither of those teams makes the playoffs in the west.
Agreed 100%

36-5 is impressive but this Leastern Conference is just that.

[Tanya]

The record is not so impressive because they are 100% healthy, because they have been playing together for so long, because they are in a weak conference, because they have the best starting five, etc.
But the way they won in the Memphis or the Bucks OT games impressed me alot. They should've lost those games but they found a way to win. Thank you Chauncey!

[mavsfan1000]

Miami makes the playoffs but Cleveland probably doesn't. I would say 5 losses in the east=8 losses in the west so Detroit still is better but there isn't a huge gap.

[FreshPrince22]

Huhm we beat em by 40, and in the last 4 years they are 2 and 6 vs the Mavs, I'm not quite sure what to think of them. Their 2 wins were nail biters and we had quite a few injuries on the roster. The year they won the championship we blew em out twice, what's up with that? Maybe Sheed crawls in a hole at the site of Dirk? I still remember that Portland series, "Both teams played hard" :lol

You must have forgotten the blowout in your building last year (and we didn't even have Dice).

[FreshPrince22]

The record is impressive.

However, it's tough to deny that the Pistons are in the weakest conference of all-time. Cleveland and Miami are below average teams ... yet they rank two and three in that conference. Neither of those teams makes the playoffs in the west.

Short term memory I see. What about 4-5 years ago? When the freaking Nets ruled the East.

Still the Pistons are 18-3 against the West. Including 7-1 against the top 6 teams in the West.

[CubanMustGo]

They've already kicked the crap out of the Spurs twice this season. Denial is not just the name of a river in Egypt, folks ...

[Budkin]

There is no getting around the fact that their record is impressive. They can gain control of a game in a matter of seconds as they did last night against the Grizzlies, and they have an amazing chemistry that you just don't see in this league all that often. They are the team to beat.

That being said, I think it's possible for us to beat them, even without HCA, as long as everyone is healthy and we have had time to play together and get our rotations set. As for a Finals rematch this year, the only team I am not certain about making it back is the Spurs. With the East being so bad again, it should be a cakewalk for the Pistons.

[NallhOnesTy]

:elephant :elephant :elephant :elephant :elephant

Yup, the Pistons record is not impressive.

:elephant :elephant :elephant :elephant :elephant

[Pistonfan1]

It is a fun start but I want to see how they last the next 2 1/2 months of the season. Then we have to win the East. Also if it is a cake walk that means jack shit in the finals then. Remember the Jazz were coming off a sweep of the Lakers in 98 WCF while the Bulls (who were aging) had to go a full 7 games with the Pacers and then had like 2 days off to rest before having to travel to Utah (Where they had lost 4 of 5 before game 1 and that only win took an insane MJ game with the flu) but the Bulls battled through it and came out the better team. Also HCA in the finals means jack shit in terms of winning it all because look at the last 15 seasons for example:Bulls didnt have HCA in 93 or 98, Rockets didnt have HCA in 95, MY PISTONS didnt have HCA in 04 and yet all won the title. The great and better teams win anywhere and fatigue is not a valid excuse for losing in the finals unless someone is hurt (to the point where they cant play on the court). Pistons were coming off a game 7 win AT Miami then had to go to San Antonio for the finals. You come ready to play regardless of tiredness etc. As long as health is good for both teams I see a finals rematch but the Pistons along with the other 27 teams in the league MUST beat the spurs FOUR times in a 7 game series before we or anyone else can start talking championship.

[1Parker1]

You're right, Detroit's record isn't that impressive.

What's impressive is how they've managed to finish games. OT win against the Bucks, 4th quarter last night against the Grizz, ass-whooping the practically unbeatable Spurs on their home court. That is what's impressive about the Pistons. Not the number of wins, but HOW they've managed to win.

[ZStomp]

Stop being a freaken homer man.

That record is impressive.

[Darth48076]

36-5 at the midway point looks impressive to most which also triggers media hype of a possible 70-win season for the Pistons. However, the Pistons' current success does not imho even come close to the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls team. Why? The Bulls dominated the league with powerhouse teams in the eastern conference such as the Knicks,Orlando,Miami,etc. - all capable of winning over 55 games. Even the west was loaded with the Sonics,Jazz,Rockets,etc. The fact that the Bulls had to play very good EC rivals four times per year and still notched 72 wins is ultra-impressive. Now, the Pistons have token resistance from their traditional rivals - the Heat are not where they should be, the Pacers are in a dunghole,the Cavs are still learning,the Nets are slightly better than .500.So basically, the Pistons get easy wins as they are taking advantage of their rivals' misfortunes. Our Spurs btw are not only plagued by injuries but we play the other heavy contenders (Phoenix,Dallas,Memphis,Denver,LAC) four times a year! Let's face it, competition in the WC is much more intense compared to what Detroit has to deal with since the Eastern conference has the bulk of the league's cellar-dwellers. :smokin

1) we havent really played MOST of the EC yet.. Hell we still have to play the Pacers ONCE. Most of our games have been on West coast Trips. We still have to play the pacers 4 times, the heat 3times, the Cavs two times...

2) if the Spurs had this record would you still sing that lame tune.

[Darth48076]

who gives a flying stuff about the reg season


apperantly the Pistons does. We the Fans of the D thought like this last year, If the pistons took care of b.I in the reg. season, we would be Back to back champs.

[spurster]

It's impressive, very impressive. But I would agree that the East is weak. And the West is weak after the top teams, too.

[Pistonfan1]

apperantly the Pistons does. We the Fans of the D thought like this last year, If the pistons took care of b.I in the reg. season, we would be Back to back champs.


We lost fair and square to a better team. Move on and enjoy what an amazing season it has been for us. The IF card is pathetic :rolleyes

[Darth48076]

We lost fair and square to a better team. Move on and enjoy what an amazing season it has been for us. The IF card is pathetic :rolleyes


You totally missed the point. Last year Pistons fans sounded like THIS years Spurs fans. Reg. season doesnt matter, wake me up when the playoffs start. If we had the better record last year, do you HONESTLY think that the spurs could win game 7 in the palace? DO you?


hence, my post. Yes the better team won last year. PROPS. Yes, but you cant tell me the SBC crowd didnt rally the team to come back from that 12 point defecit in the fourth.. No way.

[THE X-FACTOR]

Huhm we beat em by 40, and in the last 4 years they are 2 and 6 vs the Mavs, I'm not quite sure what to think of them. Their 2 wins were nail biters and we had quite a few injuries on the roster. The year they won the championship we blew em out twice, what's up with that? Maybe Sheed crawls in a hole at the site of Dirk? I still remember that Portland series, "Both teams played hard" :lol


Yes all Pistons fans fear the Dallas Mavs :rolleyes yes they are good but not as good as the Pistons, yes the Mavs beat them by 37 and it was one of the two losses (the other was against Cleveland) that the Pistons have had this season when they didn't beat themselves. It took the Pistons shooting 16% and the Mavs shooting near 70% in the first quarter to pull that upset off, how many times is that going to happen with this current Pistons team? You might of seen the one and only time the Mavs will jump on the Pistons this season. Dallas is a good team but not good enough to beat them 4 out of 7 in the playoffs, not in the playoffs, the Spurs last year were lucky to do so (Horry 3 pointer in overtime) I really doubt the Mavs could pull it off.

[THE X-FACTOR]

You must have forgotten the blowout in your building last year (and we didn't even have Dice).


It was only a 16 point win even though they were up by 25 in the fourth and Darko played, that was last season so who cares.

[mavsfan1000]

Yes all Pistons fans fear the Dallas Mavs :rolleyes yes they are good but not as good as the Pistons, yes the Mavs beat them by 37 and it was one of the two losses (the other was against Cleveland) that the Pistons have had this season when they didn't beat themselves. It took the Pistons shooting 16% and the Mavs shooting near 70% in the first quarter to pull that upset off, how many times is that going to happen with this current Pistons team? You might of seen the one and only time the Mavs will jump on the Pistons this season. Dallas is a good team but not good enough to beat them 4 out of 7 in the playoffs, not in the playoffs, the Spurs last year were lucky to do so (Horry 3 pointer in overtime) I really doubt the Mavs could pull it off.
I have very high confidence in my team and you with yours. Unfortunately we won't be playing each other since Detroit is in the east. I would love a Detroit-Mavs series. I think Rasheed would have trouble guarding Dirk on the perimeter.

[Pistonfan1]

Yes all Pistons fans fear the Dallas Mavs :rolleyes yes they are good but not as good as the Pistons, yes the Mavs beat them by 37 and it was one of the two losses (the other was against Cleveland) that the Pistons have had this season when they didn't beat themselves. It took the Pistons shooting 16% and the Mavs shooting near 70% in the first quarter to pull that upset off, how many times is that going to happen with this current Pistons team? You might of seen the one and only time the Mavs will jump on the Pistons this season. Dallas is a good team but not good enough to beat them 4 out of 7 in the playoffs, not in the playoffs, the Spurs last year were lucky to do so (Horry 3 pointer in overtime) I really doubt the Mavs could pull it off.

First of all Horry is clutch so no such thing as a lucky shot. Secondly the spurs were the better team. It wasnt luck they were the better team. No way to spin it. We have ZERO bragging rights on the playoffs against the spurs UNTIL we beat them 4 times in 7 games. Since the spurs won in 99 only one team has proven they can beat the spurs 4 times and that was the Lakers during the shaq era. I like our chances but HCA isnt just going to give us the automatic edge. Being the better team is regardless of HCA.

[GO SPurs Go]

36-5 at the midway point looks impressive to most which also triggers media hype of a possible 70-win season for the Pistons. However, the Pistons' current success does not imho even come close to the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls team. Why? The Bulls dominated the league with powerhouse teams in the eastern conference such as the Knicks,Orlando,Miami,etc. - all capable of winning over 55 games. Even the west was loaded with the Sonics,Jazz,Rockets,etc. The fact that the Bulls had to play very good EC rivals four times per year and still notched 72 wins is ultra-impressive. Now, the Pistons have token resistance from their traditional rivals - the Heat are not where they should be, the Pacers are in a dunghole,the Cavs are still learning,the Nets are slightly better than .500.So basically, the Pistons get easy wins as they are taking advantage of their rivals' misfortunes. Our Spurs btw are not only plagued by injuries but we play the other heavy contenders (Phoenix,Dallas,Memphis,Denver,LAC) four times a year! Let's face it, competition in the WC is much more intense compared to what Detroit has to deal with since the Eastern conference has the bulk of the league's cellar-dwellers. :smokin
Good point, except I don't think that you would have said that 25 years ago when the East was so much better than the west. And plus who gives a crap how they're getting 70 wins. They beat the Spurs twice (The second time was with Manu) and if you're using Tim's PF for an excuse then you might as well shut up cause he's gonna have it for a loooooooooong time. B the way Im a spurs fan 100% , I'm just not a fanatic, and yes the Pistons are better than the Spurs this year face it!

[funkeepickle]

36-5 at the midway point looks impressive to most which also triggers media hype of a possible 70-win season for the Pistons. However, the Pistons' current success does not imho even come close to the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls team. Why? The Bulls dominated the league with powerhouse teams in the eastern conference such as the Knicks,Orlando,Miami,etc. - all capable of winning over 55 games. Even the west was loaded with the Sonics,Jazz,Rockets,etc. The fact that the Bulls had to play very good EC rivals four times per year and still notched 72 wins is ultra-impressive. Now, the Pistons have token resistance from their traditional rivals - the Heat are not where they should be, the Pacers are in a dunghole,the Cavs are still learning,the Nets are slightly better than .500.So basically, the Pistons get easy wins as they are taking advantage of their rivals' misfortunes. Our Spurs btw are not only plagued by injuries but we play the other heavy contenders (Phoenix,Dallas,Memphis,Denver,LAC) four times a year! Let's face it, competition in the WC is much more intense compared to what Detroit has to deal with since the Eastern conference has the bulk of the league's cellar-dwellers. :smokin

That was a pretty well thought out post, but there's one huge hole in your theory. As of right now,





THE PISTONS HAVE PLAYED MORE GAMES AGAINST THE WEST THEN AGAINST THE EAST!

[Darth48076]

That was a pretty well thought out post, but there's one huge hole in your theory. As of right now,





THE PISTONS HAVE PLAYED MORE GAMES AGAINST THE WEST THEN AGAINST THE EAST!


Exactlly. We only have 9 more games against western opponents.. and we face the lakers tonight.

[himat]

You have to be the worst kind of homer to try to diminish what the Pistons have done this season. That is a great basketball team. I certainly hope that the Spurs get a chance to play them again, and I hope the Spurs can beat them. But you are pure-on hater if you try to suggest that Detroit is anything other than the best team in the NBA right now.

i'll be surprised if both teams don't make it to the finals. Dallas and phoenix are very good though. If houston makes a run at 8th seed you have to watch out for them too.

[SouthernFried]

A Singaporian transfer student working at Las Palapas?

[Cant_Be_Faded]

ehhhhh yall realize last year the pistons had to claw through 2 easy ass teams and a broken heat team right
who will they face this year? Celtics-->Cavs-->Heat ?

I'd give my right chode if the Spurs were allowed to play scrub teams like that in the f'kin playoffs

the Hornets would be an average East team...Memphis would be an Eastern JUGGERNAUT...yet these two teams are in our __division__

[§helly]

I just wanted to thank all the Spurs fan who showed some class. And also EmVeePee, if the Pistons record is so "unimpressive" then why must u tell everyone on the boards, who are u really trying to persuade? I think yourself, your just trying to comfort yourself. The Spurs are a good team, and I give them a big up all the time, there record is impressive to seeing through the injuries. But to say he Pistons are getting easy wins, that is just plain stupid, no one gets easy wins, u got to work hard. Anyways on behalf of the fans in our boards, most of us our glad that most of u spurs fan had class but EmveePee heres one thing one fan said "I don't care what they say. I don't care what ANYONE says. All I care about is winning the championship.
People can bash the Pistons all they want, call them thugs, overrated, etc. I don't care." and I couldn't agree more.

[mavsfan1000]

It's time to admit it. The pistons are the team to beat. They are clearly the best team this year even though the mavs have had some success against them.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

ehhhhh yall realize last year the pistons had to claw through 2 easy ass teams and a broken heat team right
who will they face this year? Celtics-->Cavs-->Heat ?

I'd give my right chode if the Spurs were allowed to play scrub teams like that in the f'kin playoffs

the Hornets would be an average East team...Memphis would be an Eastern JUGGERNAUT...yet these two teams are in our __division__

This is a crock of shit. Denver ended the year last year playing well, but were exposed in the playoffs. Seattle? Are you kidding? Once Lewis and Radmon went down, they were exactly like the 76ers. I'd say the Suns without Joe Johnson were a broken team as well...

Why would Memphis be a juggernaut? They have a losing record against the East(8-9). Hey, what do you know, so does NO/OK(7-10)...

[Marklar MM]

It's time to admit it. The pistons are the team to beat. They are clearly the best team this year even though the mavs have had some success against them.

:) I will relay this to the Pistons. That way, they only beat the Mavs by 24 in the rematch. :spin

[mavsfan1000]

I think the mavs have the best chance in knocking out the pistons. With Diop and Griffin as starters Dallas has finally found defensive consistency to win a championship.

[§helly]

It's time to admit it. The pistons are the team to beat. They are clearly the best team this year even though the mavs have had some success against them.



Yeah, the Pistons are the team to beat, and if u don't think so, seriously what are u smokin? :lol

[SenorSpur]

I think the mavs have the best chance in knocking out the pistons. With Diop and Griffin as starters Dallas has finally found defensive consistency to win a championship.

Pleazzzze! The Mavs won't get past the Spurs and everyone here (including you) knows that.

[Carrera_4S]

You all need to go to www.playerhaters.com...

BTW...we are putting a spanking on ANOTHER western conference team right now.

[1Parker1]

:flipoff Good for nothing Lakers!

[Carrera_4S]

37-5...and you WISH you had it...

[SenorSpur]

Hey, I'm on record as stating I believe the Spurs/Pistons are building a nice rivlary. As many have expressed here already, both teams are mirror images of one another. Both teams stress defense first. They can both can play any style for any game, and of course "both teams play hard (sorry Rasheed)".

The fact the their NBA championship series went 7 games (first time in about 10 years or so) should point out how evenly matched these teams were. The series could have gone either way. Of course, if the playoffs were starting today, the Pistons would be heavily favored.

Given the relative strengths, talent and rosters for each team, and the suckiness of the rest of the league, I believe we're going to be privledged to watch the makings of a rivalry that could span the next several seasons.

May the best team win in 2006!

BTW, anyone whose claims that the Pistons best record isn't impressive is an idiot. Spurs fan or not.

[san antonio spurs]

I have very high confidence in my team and you with yours. Unfortunately we won't be playing each other since Detroit is in the east. I would love a Detroit-Mavs series. I think Rasheed would have trouble guarding Dirk on the perimeter.
u don't sound that confident.
if u were confident, u might be sayin' to pistons' fans, c ya in the finals
________
Wellbutrin pregnancy (http://www.classactionsettlements.org/lawsuit/wellbutrin/)

[mavsfan1000]

The spurs and mavs are both screwed. San Antonio would have to play Dallas, Phoenix, and Detroit and Dallas would have to play San Antonio, Phoenix, and Detroit. I have no idea how Detroit won't win it this year knowing that they got it easy till the finals.

[Brutalis]

I think dude said it best up there when he said something like "The Pistons are the best team despite being in a weak ass conference."

[§helly]

37-5 baby :spin

[mavsfan1000]

Texas teams have been Stern'd. :lol

[parkerslocos4ever]

I will be impressed by playoff performance. Regular season games on sundays are great snooze fests :fro

[whitelyt]

I think dude said it best up there when he said something like "The Pistons are the best team despite being in a weak ass conference."

I don't think the East is as weak as you put it. As strong as the West? Not quite. If you think about it all of the contenders in the East (except Detroit) has had injuries to their key players. Everyone put Indiana, Detroit and Miami to be the contenders from the East. The contenders of the West is Dallas, Spurs and Phoenix. In the East Miami has been plagued with injuries to Shaq, D Wade and J Williams. Indiana is the biggest dissapointment due to the loss of J O'neal and Ron-Ron is gone. Miami is starting to win but at this point the only contender in the East that has not had major injuries is Detroit.

Also Detroit played more games against the West so far then the east. Most of their major west coast trips have already been wrapped up except for one more I believe. Detroit has beaten every western conference team except Dallas and Utah so far. We have lost only three games to western conference teams versus the Spurs losing six (6) games to the so called weak eastern conference.

[mavsfan1000]

Utah owns Detroit :spin

[Brutalis]

I don't think the East is as weak as you put it. As strong as the West? Not quite. If you think about it all of the contenders in the East (except Detroit) has had injuries to their key players. Everyone put Indiana, Detroit and Miami to be the contenders from the East. The contenders of the West is Dallas, Spurs and Phoenix. In the East Miami has been plagued with injuries to Shaq, D Wade and J Williams. Indiana is the biggest dissapointment due to the loss of J O'neal and Ron-Ron is gone. Miami is starting to win but at this point the only contender in the East that has not had major injuries is Detroit.

Also Detroit played more games against the West so far then the east. Most of their major west coast trips have already been wrapped up except for one more I believe. Detroit has beaten every western conference team except Dallas and Utah so far. We have lost only three games to western conference teams versus the Spurs losing six (6) games to the so called weak eastern conference.


Memphis isn't a playoff contender?

I won't even continue. Just delete yourself.

[FreshPrince22]

Utah owns Detroit :spin

Yea, when the Pistons are on the 2nd of back-to-backs (and both were), they sure do. :spin

[whitelyt]

Memphis isn't a playoff contender?

I won't even continue. Just delete yourself.

Compared to the Spurs, Mavs and the Suns.... Noooooo!

Besides, I listed the top three contenders in each conference. I would not put Memphis in the top three. Maybe four. If you take the time to understand my post you will see. Besides, I think Memphis has one more piece of the puzzle to fill before I seriously consider them making a run for the title. They are not quite there yet. If you don't understand that then you are crazy. There is no way they could come close to beating the top contenders in the west in a flat out series.

[Carrera_4S]

I'm going to go out on a limb here...I predict the Spurs won't make it past the first round...IF THAT.

[SpursIndonesia]

East is weak, but Spurs succumbed to these so called weak teams too (Hawks, Bucks), so i must say Detroit record's quite impressive.

[bdubya]

.... the Pistons' current success does not imho even come close to the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls team. Why?

I agree it doesn't come close, but for different reasons; Pistons haven't won three of the past five titles, and they haven't won the '05-'06 one either. If they win it this year, and it kicks off a re- or three-peat, then we can talk.

I'm still diggin' it, though. :fro

[FreshPrince22]

East is weak, but Spurs succumbed to these so called weak teams too (Hawks, Bucks), so i must say Detroit record's quite impressive.

Even so, the "east is weak" point is moot when talking about the current record. The Pistons have actually faced more Western Conference teams (22) than Eastern Conference teams (20). They're 19-3 vs. the West, and 9-1 vs. the top 8 WC teams.

[SpursIndonesia]

I must say, screw the reg season, just wait until the post season. I believe barring any unforeseen collapse (like multiple injuries, knock on wood) Detroit will seize the home court advantage. If the Spurs indeed are true winner, they SHOULD be able to overcome that disadvantage -Though history shows that EACH of Spurs championsip coming with the Spurs owning homecourt adv.

[whitelyt]

Even so, the "east is weak" point is moot when talking about the current record. The Pistons have actually faced more Western Conference teams (22) than Eastern Conference teams (20). They're 19-3 vs. the West, and 9-1 vs. the top 8 WC teams.

My point exactly!!!!

[Carrera_4S]

If the east is "weak", what does it mean when eastern conference teams spank western conference teams home court or not, and on a regular basis at that?

[THE X-FACTOR]

Who cares about the record, the Pistons are the best team iin the NBA right now best record or not.

[samikeyp]

You are right...their record sucks! Let's have the Spurs trade records with them! :lol

Detroit is kicking ass and not even bother taking names. You have to respect what they have done.

[DarkReign]

Bring out the trolls!

Whatever....

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

Their record is really only impressive if you compare it to other NBA teams. When you stop and compare it to other completely unrelated statistics it's really not all that great. On my Playstation version of NBA Live '98 I guided the Spurs to a 77-5 record en route to sweeping my way to a championship. Roger Federer in his last 97 matches is 94-3. Jerome Bettis has 13,662 career rushing yards. Clearly 13,662 is much bigger than 35. Sorry Pistons fans, but what more proof do you need that their record isn't all that great?

[1Parker1]

Damn, the Pistons dismantled Kobe yesterday. That was impressive. :wow

They are looking mighty unbeatable right now. Who the hell is going to give them their next loss? What is their upcomming schedule like, any serious teams?

[Trainwreck2100]

Damn, the Pistons dismantled Kobe yesterday. That was impressive. :wow


If a 19yo white girl can do it, anyone can

[1Parker1]

If a 19yo white girl can do it, anyone can


:lol I'll give you props for coming up with a orginal Kobe the rapist joke.

[Pistons < Spurs]

Who the hell is going to give them their next loss? What is their upcomming schedule like, any serious teams?




here's their schedule through the end of Feb.

at New Jersey
Wed 1 Minnesota
Fri 3 at Philadelphia
Sat 4 at Indiana
Tue 7 at Atlanta
Wed 8 LA Clippers
Fri 10 at Orlando
Sun 12 at Miami
Tue 14 New Jersey
Tue 21 Atlanta
Thu 23 Indiana
Fri 24 at Chicago
Sun 26 Cleveland
Mon 27 at Cleveland

[FreshPrince22]

at New Jersey
Wed 1 Minnesota (2nd of back-to-back)
Fri 3 at Philadelphia
Sat 4 at Indiana (4th game in 5 nights, 2nd of back-to-back)
Tue 7 at Atlanta
Wed 8 LA Clippers (2nd of back-to-back)
Fri 10 at Orlando
Sun 12 at Miami
Tue 14 New Jersey
Tue 21 Atlanta
Thu 23 Indiana
Fri 24 at Chicago (2nd of back-to-back)
Sun 26 Cleveland
Mon 27 at Cleveland (2nd of back-to-back)

Not as easy as it seems. Lots of back-to-backs, which really hurt this team. And none of the teams on the 2nd game are bottom feeders. The only time the Pistons won "big" on the second of a back-to-back was at NYK. All of the other games have been dogfights. Though they've managed 8-3 in the 2nd of b2b's. I expect a couple losses in that strech.

[leemajors]

i think they will be fine ;o. even if they struggle a bit, they are still set.

[Eruff24]

Who cares about the Pistons record. Give em home court all the Spurs will need to do is win one on their floor and defend home court. Thats iff they dont get smacked by Miami or Cleveland.

[1Parker1]

at New Jersey
Wed 1 Minnesota (2nd of back-to-back)
Fri 3 at Philadelphia
Sat 4 at Indiana (4th game in 5 nights, 2nd of back-to-back)
Tue 7 at Atlanta
Wed 8 LA Clippers (2nd of back-to-back)
Fri 10 at Orlando
Sun 12 at Miami
Tue 14 New Jersey
Tue 21 Atlanta
Thu 23 Indiana
Fri 24 at Chicago (2nd of back-to-back)
Sun 26 Cleveland
Mon 27 at Cleveland (2nd of back-to-back)

Not as easy as it seems. Lots of back-to-backs, which really hurt this team. And none of the teams on the 2nd game are bottom feeders. The only time the Pistons won "big" on the second of a back-to-back was at NYK. All of the other games have been dogfights. Though they've managed 8-3 in the 2nd of b2b's. I expect a couple losses in that strech.

Hmm, you're right, it does seem easy when you look at it at first. I think the reason is, there's really just not that many good teams this season in the NBA. I think they'll have trouble against the Clips, Miami, Nets, and the last Cleveland game. Even if they manage to lose 3 or 4 of those games, they'll still have under 10 losses for the season!

[TK1]

I didn't read the whole thread, but assuming this Pistons team isn't as good as the '95-96 Bulls, wouldn't being in the top 5 teams in NBA history qualify as "impressive"?

[WTFDetroit.com]

36-5 is unimpressive?

I thought we had some homers.

Whoa

[George Gervin's Afro]

36-5? very impressive. especially the two lopsided wins over the defending champs.. hopefully we will be back to defend our title in June..

[iamme]

Their record is really only impressive if you compare it to other NBA teams. When you stop and compare it to other completely unrelated statistics it's really not all that great. On my Playstation version of NBA Live '98 I guided the Spurs to a 77-5 record en route to sweeping my way to a championship. Roger Federer in his last 97 matches is 94-3. Jerome Bettis has 13,662 career rushing yards. Clearly 13,662 is much bigger than 35. Sorry Pistons fans, but what more proof do you need that their record isn't all that great?

:lol

[Extra Stout]

Clearly the Pistons aren't that great. So they're 37-5. Whooptee-doo. That was against the weak Eastern Conference.

What? They've played more games against the West? OK, correction: that was against the weak Western Conference.

The Spurs meanwhile, have had to play that tough competition in the Western...

Umm...

Forget that. I bet if the Spurs played the Pistons head-to-head...

Umm...

OK, I've got it: the Pistons aren't that great because the whole rest of the NBA sucks, including the Spurs. The league was really tough last year, when the Spurs won it all, but it sucks now. Don't ask me why. I don't even know why I'm bothering to post here. When does Canadian football start?

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

Clearly the Pistons aren't that great. So they're 37-5. Whooptee-doo. That was against the weak Eastern Conference.

What? They've played more games against the West? OK, correction: that was against the weak Western Conference.

The Spurs meanwhile, have had to play that tough competition in the Western...

Umm...

Forget that. I bet if the Spurs played the Pistons head-to-head...

Umm...

OK, I've got it: the Pistons aren't that great because the whole rest of the NBA sucks, including the Spurs. The league was really tough last year, when the Spurs won it all, but it sucks now. Don't ask me why. I don't even know why I'm bothering to post here. When does Canadian football start?

:lol

Actually the reason the Pistons are playing better is because of weather. Look at the NFL. In the last few years cold weather teams are extremely successful. The Broncos, the Patriots, the Steelers, the list goes on. And Detroit is farther north than any of those! I think the NBA needs to redraw the division lines along lines of latitude. The 2007 Finals will feature the 53rd Parallel Pacers vs. the Tropic of Cancer Kings.

[tlongII]

8 game win streak in November.
9 game win streak in December.
11 game win streak in January and counting.

Very impressive.

[ABDENOUR POWER]

:lol

Edit: Tlong, you beat me with your post ... I'm laughing at the ones before you...

[Pistonfan1]

Pistons are the team to beat in the Eastern Conference but all roads to the title go right through the Spurs because they are the defending champions. The team who beats the Spurs 4 times in 7 will be the champions.

[mavsfan1000]

I disagree. I think the mavs will beat San Antonio and than lose to Detroit.

[WTFDetroit.com]

Pistons are the team to beat in the Eastern Conference but all roads to the title go right through the Spurs because they are the defending champions. The team who beats the Spurs 4 times in 7 will be the champions.

Sounds like you're saying the Spurs won't repeat.

I wouldn't go that far.

[leemajors]

I disagree. I think the mavs will beat San Antonio and than lose to Detroit.

thinking doesn't seem to be your strong suit.

[san antonio spurs]

I disagree. I think the mavs will beat San Antonio and than lose to Detroit.
now u sound confident in ur mavs :lol
seems like my therapy did to you some good, but also hum.... the mavs beat the spurs, I still need some work to do
________
condo rentals Pattaya (http://pattayaluxurycondos.com)

[theMUHMEshow]

36-5 at the midway point looks impressive to most which also triggers media hype of a possible 70-win season for the Pistons. However, the Pistons' current success does not imho even come close to the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls team. Why? The Bulls dominated the league with powerhouse teams in the eastern conference such as the Knicks,Orlando,Miami,etc. - all capable of winning over 55 games. Even the west was loaded with the Sonics,Jazz,Rockets,etc. The fact that the Bulls had to play very good EC rivals four times per year and still notched 72 wins is ultra-impressive. Now, the Pistons have token resistance from their traditional rivals - the Heat are not where they should be, the Pacers are in a dunghole,the Cavs are still learning,the Nets are slightly better than .500.So basically, the Pistons get easy wins as they are taking advantage of their rivals' misfortunes. Our Spurs btw are not only plagued by injuries but we play the other heavy contenders (Phoenix,Dallas,Memphis,Denver,LAC) four times a year! Let's face it, competition in the WC is much more intense compared to what Detroit has to deal with since the Eastern conference has the bulk of the league's cellar-dwellers. :smokin


LOL...nice try. :fro

[himat]

now it's 37-5. the pistons will need the bench again. tough week coming up with 4 games in 5 nights. the bench did great a week ago when the starters were playing with no motivation to help the pistons whoop some bad teams, and make a comeback against a lousy boston team. even though the teams sucked i think the bench is good, but with all star caliber players at every starting positiin the pistons don't need the bench as much, but they'll need them this week.

[z0sa]

The Pistons are a good team but their overconfidence could be their downfall if you ask me - do you really think you're gonna bulldoze your way through the playoffs the way you're doing during the regular season?

This years playoffs are going to be big.

[JamStone]

Now overconfidence?

Are there more abstract, intangible rationales why the Pistons won't succeed this season? First fatigue. Then inevitable injury. Now overconfidence. Maybe the boogeyman will prevent the Pistons from becoming champions ... maybe a natural disaster will hit the Palace of Auburn Hills ... maybe black magic.

[Pistonfan1]

Sounds like you're saying the Spurs won't repeat.

I wouldn't go that far.

Let me rephrase that. The Pistons or the Spurs will win the title if health is good on both sides.

[mavsfan1000]

Let me rephrase that. The Pistons or the Spurs will win the title if health is good on both sides.
Add another team to the mix and you will be right. :lol The spurs will not repeat.

[Pistonfan1]

Add another team to the mix and you will be right. :lol The spurs will not repeat.

I would add in the Suns before I would add in a team who made Chris Webber look like the clutchest and most talented PF to ever play the game. If the Spurs dont repeat then the Pistons win the title. If health is good for both teams no one including the team who needed a miracle (webber being out for the year) to get to the WCF in 2003 will stop it from happening.

[mavsfan1000]

Webber was a damn good player and Dirk has improved tremendously on defense but I guess you like to talk about the past. This year it is different. Also Diop (and yes there is D in Diop) will own the paint. Everything will be contested.

[Brutalis]

Will. Should. Could.

What's new in Dallas?

[Pistonfan1]

Webber was a damn good player and Dirk has improved tremendously on defense but I guess you like to talk about the past. This year it is different. Also Diop (and yes there is D in Diop) will own the paint. Everything will be contested.
:lmao . Please if you think that piece of shit is going to keep guys like Manu and Parker out the paint you are really setting up yourself for a dissapointment. The past for the Mavs is the present now. Different year and same shit talk with the same result for you guys in the playoffs. For the past 5 years you front runners have been saying that same old shit :rolleyes . Also Webber was a damn good player but nothing near great in the playoffs and was a choker. Irk and that amazing allas team made Peja look like Robert Horry.

[mavsfan1000]

This is not the same Dallas team. They had Nash who was a poor defender and Nellie as the coach. Also they had no real center (Lafrentz is soft) at that time. Now they are focused on defense with Avery Johnson and getting 2 quality centers in Diop and Dampier. Stop talking out of your ass and see that is a new Dallas team that is built for the playoffs as well as the regular season.

[Brutalis]

Dude. You have to shutup now and understand Dallas talks it up and looks good each year only to CHOKE. It's time to just shutup for once, and prove it.

[ChaunceyBBBBillups]

The record is not so impressive because they are 100% healthy, because they have been playing together for so long, because they are in a weak conference, because they have the best starting five, etc.
But the way they won in the Memphis or the Bucks OT games impressed me alot. They should've lost those games but they found a way to win. Thank you Chauncey!



Not getting injured is part of being good. Yeah, they have been playing together for so long, whats that supposed to mean? Why cant you be impressed by a team that has been playing together for a long time?

[Tanya]

Not getting injured is part of being good. Yeah, they have been playing together for so long, whats that supposed to mean? Why cant you be impressed by a team that has been playing together for a long time?

Hi Chauncey!
Well I love the pistons alot. I love to see them staying healthy and I love their chemistry. But look at other teams. ALL teams except the pistons have added new pieces and still trying to gel. ALL elite teams except the pistons have had their starter out for days, weeks, even months. I say the record of those teams like the Spurs, the Suns and the Dallas impresses me more. Imagine Billups goes down or big ben goes down(TOUCH WOOD!), their record would be worse than the Spurs'.
Their stable conditions are very impressive but their record is not, because they are great team that no any other teams except the Spurs can beat them. I'm not cocky but they can really beat any teams if they don't beat themselves.


I PRAY EVERYDAY FOR MY PISTONS THAT GOD WILL KEEP THEM AWAY FROM INJURIES.

[emveepee]

Spurs>Jazz>Pistons

[DarkReign]

Clearly the Pistons aren't that great. So they're 37-5. Whooptee-doo. That was against the weak Eastern Conference.

What? They've played more games against the West? OK, correction: that was against the weak Western Conference.

The Spurs meanwhile, have had to play that tough competition in the Western...

Umm...

Forget that. I bet if the Spurs played the Pistons head-to-head...

Umm...

OK, I've got it: the Pistons aren't that great because the whole rest of the NBA sucks, including the Spurs. The league was really tough last year, when the Spurs won it all, but it sucks now. Don't ask me why. I don't even know why I'm bothering to post here. When does Canadian football start?

:lol

Finally...humor.

[JamStone]

Spurs>Jazz>Pistons>Nuggets>Spurs

[JHoLove]

stop being jealous. Detroit's record is incredibly impressive. This thread is pointless.

[emveepee]

Spurs>Jazz>Pistons>Nuggets>Spurs>Jazz>Pistons

[emveepee]

stop being jealous. Detroit's record is incredibly impressive. This thread is pointless.

These days, W-L records mean nothing unlike the old days. Case in point are the Indianapolis Colts who breezed through the reg season at 14-0 before "resting" their superstars for the play-offs. We all know where they ended up. Just because the Pistons beat up a terribly weak Eastern Conf. and rack up wins does not necessarily mean the league should just hand them the LOB trophy.

Memo to pistons fans - the trophy still resides in San Antonio.

If there is a record to behold - simply look at the 1999 Spurs play-off record or the '01 Lakers play-off record (I believe they went 15-2)

The real record I wish the Spurs will achieve is a 16-1 or 16-0 play-off run. Now that's more respectable than a 70-win regular season don't you think?

[JamStone]

37-5 > 35-10 > 21-24

[1Parker1]

Just curious: You Pistons fans think Billups has a serious chance to win the league MVP award this season?

[nkdlunch]

the best thing that could happen to Spurs is Pistons win 70+ games and come into the finals expecting the trophy to be handed to them.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Just curious: You Pistons fans think Billups has a serious chance to win the league MVP award this season?

I think it depends on how many games they win. If they reach 70 or come close, then he's got a legit shot. If they end up with 60-65, I think he ends up 3rd...

[JamStone]

These days, W-L records mean nothing unlike the old days. Case in point are the Indianapolis Colts who breezed through the reg season at 14-0 before "resting" their superstars for the play-offs. We all know where they ended up. Just because the Pistons beat up a terribly weak Eastern Conf. and rack up wins does not necessarily mean the league should just hand them the LOB trophy.


Pistons' record v. Western Conference: 19-3, including 10-2 on the road at WC cities.

People should stop making the argument that "the Eastern Conference is weak and that's why the Pistons have such a good record" because it's obvious that the Pistons have played well against the Western Conference teams as well. It's really a weak argument when you realize the Pistons have even played more games against the Western Conference than the Eastern Conference. And, twelve of the 22 games against the Western Conference have been on the road for the Pistons. Stop using the Eastern Conference is weak argument. It's a really poor argument. Really, really poor.

The Pistons only have eight games against the Western Conference left, and five of them are at the Palace.


Detroit against the Western Conference so far this season, all wins, except for the bolded games:

@sac
@phoenix
@portland
denver
@houston
@dallas L
@golden state
@la clippers
@utah L
sacramento
@memphis
portland
golden state
san antonio
seattle
utah L
@no/oklahoma city
@san antonio
houston
@minnesota
memphis
la lakers

[JamStone]

I think the MVP race right now is led by Kobe Bryant ...

1. Kobe Bryant
2. Steve Nash
3. LeBron James
4. Chauncey Billups


As mentioned, if the Pistons end up winning over 70 games and Chauncey maintains his pace, he will have a shot. I still think by the end of the season, the race will be between Kobe and LeBron. I even think Dirk Nowitzki may end up being a lot closer than he is now. That's just my own gut feeling. I'm a huge Pistons fan and I really admire how Chauncey Billups plays the game. But, with the talent around him and the chemistry on his team, I don't think he is a true legitimate candidate for League MVP. It would be great for him to win it, but I think there are more deserving candidates, including some I haven't even mentioned, like Allen Iverson and Elton Brand.

[JamStone]

the best thing that could happen to Spurs is Pistons win 70+ games and come into the finals expecting the trophy to be handed to them.


Because the Pistons are the type of team to take their opponent lightly????

Over the last three years, the Pistons have experienced pretty much everything a team could in the post-season. And, especially how last season ended, I don't think they will take anything for granted or go into the post-season or an NBA finals (should they be fortunate enough to get that far) "expecting the trophy." This isn't an inexperienced playoff team. This isn't a team made up of egotistical, stat-hungry players who expect to be given anything. They have earned everything they've accomplished over the last three years. And, that includes losing in the finals last year. How someone could claim that the Pistons will expect anything if they win over 70 games is to essentially admit they don't know much about this Detroit Pistons team and how they carry themselves. Confidence is one thing, and yes the Pistons players have that. But, lack of focus or disrespect of opponent is not something this Pistons team is going to demonstrate just because they win a few more regular season games than the other NBA playoff teams. That's such a ridiculously naive statement, I can't believe a Spurs fan would write it.

[nkdlunch]

Because the Pistons are the type of team to take their opponent lightly????

Over the last three years, the Pistons have experienced pretty much everything a team could in the post-season. And, especially how last season ended, I don't think they will take anything for granted or go into the post-season or an NBA finals (should they be fortunate enough to get that far) "expecting the trophy." This isn't an inexperienced playoff team. This isn't a team made up of egotistical, stat-hungry players who expect to be given anything. They have earned everything they've accomplished over the last three years. And, that includes losing in the finals last year. How someone could claim that the Pistons will expect anything if they win over 70 games is to essentially admit they don't know much about this Detroit Pistons team and how they carry themselves. Confidence is one thing, and yes the Pistons players have that. But, lack of focus or disrespect of opponent is not something this Pistons team is going to demonstrate just because they win a few more regular season games than the other NBA playoff teams. That's such a ridiculously naive statement, I can't believe a Spurs fan would write it.

bla,bla,bla taking opponents lightly could happen to anybody. Don't come in here with your "that would never happen to my great perfect Piston players..." bullshit. I even would be worried if Spurs won 70+ going into the playoffs so take your homer glasses off and face the facts. it's a possibility.

look what happened to their stupid retarded belts, they got them shoved in their face.

[1Parker1]

I think the MVP race right now is led by Kobe Bryant ...

1. Kobe Bryant
2. Steve Nash
3. LeBron James
4. Chauncey Billups


I don't think lebron should get the nod over Chaucey, but otherwise I agree with your list. My argument against Billups is that he's playing on a team that already has the best starting 5 in the NBA...I don't think he neccesarily makes his team-mates better, like Nash. But he does have the clutchness factor which has been evident in Pistons close 4th quarter games this season.

My vote would go to either Kobe or Steve. Kobe, only if he gets the Lakers to a winning record and the playoffs. Otherwise, it has to go to Nash. I watched the Cavs vs. Suns game on Sunday, and even though the Suns lost, I found it amazing that the team looks exactly the way they did last season when they won 60+ games, despite the fact that they have an entirely different cast of players. I think that's a testament to Nash...I didn't think he really deserved the award last year, but this year I can see it. My third choice would be Billups...esp if the Pistons manage to win 70.

[JamStone]

So, Pistons fans shouldn't worry if the Pistons only won 68 or 69 regular season games? For some reason, if an NBA team wins 70 games, they all of a sudden become too over confident and think they are entitled to the trophy even before the playoffs start? Bullshit. What the hell is the significance of winning 70 games to the psyche? So, if the Spurs were on pace for 70, you would hope that they fell short of that and had an average second half of the regular season so they wouldn't be too overconfident?

How is losing game 7 of the NBA finals getting the "retarded" belts shoved back in their face? I would say getting knocked off in the first round of the playoffs would be getting those belts shoved back in their face. Being tied late in the 7th game of the finals and losing to a former championship team is hardly getting put in one's place. But, some of you Spurs fans still don't get that. Your own perception of last year's finals was that the Spurs swept the Pistons in four games by an average of 50 points. Some of you really feel that way.

Incredible.

[birdy219]

"How is losing game 7 of the NBA finals getting the "retarded" belts shoved back in their face? I would say getting knocked off in the first round of the playoffs would be getting those belts shoved back in their face."


I think that they mean that it showed some arrogance to walk around with those belts like that and maybe over-confidence could become a factor if the Pistons reached the 70 wins mark. Most if not all Spurs fans recognize that the Pistons are playing amazing basketball. I can only hope and pray that my Spurs will be ready come the "real" season.

[WayDowntownBang]

look what happened to their stupid retarded belts, they got them shoved in their face.


I don't think overconfidance was what caused them to 'drop the belts', so to speak. It was playing a better team, and losing to the better team in their house in the Finals.

This is why this is so important to the Pistons. They're going for home court advantage all the way through the playoffs. Even the strongest, most die-hard Spurs fans can admit (or at least they should) that if Game 7 was in Detroit last year, anything could have happened the other way around.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

These days, W-L records mean nothing unlike the old days. Case in point are the Indianapolis Colts who breezed through the reg season at 14-0 before "resting" their superstars for the play-offs. We all know where they ended up. Just because the Pistons beat up a terribly weak


Everything riding on one game is a completely different format then a 5 or 7 G series. There is no logical way to compare the NFL to the NBA...

In a one-and-done format, the best team doesn't always win. In a 7 G series, the best team always wins IMO...

[ChaunceyBBBBillups]

Hi Chauncey!
Well I love the pistons alot. I love to see them staying healthy and I love their chemistry. But look at other teams. ALL teams except the pistons have added new pieces and still trying to gel. ALL elite teams except the pistons have had their starter out for days, weeks, even months. I say the record of those teams like the Spurs, the Suns and the Dallas impresses me more. Imagine Billups goes down or big ben goes down(TOUCH WOOD!), their record would be worse than the Spurs'.
Their stable conditions are very impressive but their record is not, because they are great team that no any other teams except the Spurs can beat them. I'm not cocky but they can really beat any teams if they don't beat themselves.


I PRAY EVERYDAY FOR MY PISTONS THAT GOD WILL KEEP THEM AWAY FROM INJURIES.



Hi Tanya......

Tanya, I know what it means, but to me that doesn't matter at all. Why can't someone be impressed by a team who has played together for a long time? And c'mon, give Dumars some props, he put together a hell of a team. The Detroit Pistons are very impressive because they have a 37-5 record. Nuff said.

[ChaunceyBBBBillups]

Just curious: You Pistons fans think Billups has a serious chance to win the league MVP award this season?


No, I know he's not going to win it.

[Rynospursfan]

As a Spurs fan I think he has a serious chance at winning the MVP.

[Tanya]

Hi Tanya......

Tanya, I know what it means, but to me that doesn't matter at all. Why can't someone be impressed by a team who has played together for a long time? And c'mon, give Dumars some props, he put together a hell of a team. The Detroit Pistons are very impressive because they have a 37-5 record. Nuff said.

Yeah Dumars is smart, very smart! He built a best team without a big name.
But don't take it serious if I say their record is not impressive to me, it's just my opinion. It doesn't impress me because I already have known they can do it, especially with the new coach. They still have solid defense and now are liberated from the offense. This team is more unpredictable now. They can win blow out games, they can win close games, they can win with defense and they can win with offense. So they really have a chance to chase the 70win record if they all stay healthy.

[Tanya]

Just curious: You Pistons fans think Billups has a serious chance to win the league MVP award this season?

I think Nash will win it.
But in my opinion it's not fair that people think Billups doesn't deserve it because he is surrounded by great players. The Suns do have good players just like the Pistons. They got some big names they got some All-star players. If Billups plays in the Suns and Nash plays in the Pistons, I think they can still do a great job on these teams. But just that would never happen so people would never know if Billups has the ability that Nash has. They are quite similar that they can both assist, make big shots, make 3's, have good FT%, make teammates better and they are both cool and smart. The Pistons were very good but Billups makes this team amazing this year.

[magicman]

36-5 at the midway point looks impressive to most which also triggers media hype of a possible 70-win season for the Pistons. However, the Pistons' current success does not imho even come close to the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls team. Why? The Bulls dominated the league with powerhouse teams in the eastern conference such as the Knicks,Orlando,Miami,etc. - all capable of winning over 55 games. Even the west was loaded with the Sonics,Jazz,Rockets,etc. The fact that the Bulls had to play very good EC rivals four times per year and still notched 72 wins is ultra-impressive. Now, the Pistons have token resistance from their traditional rivals - the Heat are not where they should be, the Pacers are in a dunghole,the Cavs are still learning,the Nets are slightly better than .500.So basically, the Pistons get easy wins as they are taking advantage of their rivals' misfortunes. Our Spurs btw are not only plagued by injuries but we play the other heavy contenders (Phoenix,Dallas,Memphis,Denver,LAC) four times a year! Let's face it, competition in the WC is much more intense compared to what Detroit has to deal with since the Eastern conference has the bulk of the league's cellar-dwellers. :smokin


Well genius in case you haven't looked lately, Detroit beat the spurs 2x, and both times was by 15 points. Not to mention the spurs losing to New Orleans and Atlanta, so before you make your ignorant claims wake up and smell the coffee. And those "easy wins" your talking about Detroit has this record with 90 percent of their west coast trips out of the way. So we beat down the western teams along with the eastern teams. Your crying and excuse's about the spurs injuries is a joke, trying to make excuses is worse. What excuse do you have for the Spurs being beat down twice by 15 points both times and outrebounded by over 20 both times??? Was the sun in their eyes, maybe the planets were all aligned, or maybe your just mentally challanged. Detroit hasn't lost to Atlanta like the Spurs or the Hornets, so maybe the Spurs need to learn to beat the teams they should because no matter who has been placed before Detroit this year East or West 85 percent of the time they have won. So pull your head outta your rear end and stop your whinning like a little bioootch. Your Spurs can't even handle their own division. :lol

[magicman]

bla,bla,bla taking opponents lightly could happen to anybody. Don't come in here with your "that would never happen to my great perfect Piston players..." bullshit. I even would be worried if Spurs won 70+ going into the playoffs so take your homer glasses off and face the facts. it's a possibility.

look what happened to their stupid retarded belts, they got them shoved in their face.


Homer Glass's lmfaoooooooo you have a cheech picture enough said, twit.
Ignorance is bliss learn basketball before you try to speak on it.

[Obstructed_View]

Wow, the Pistons are the new Mavericks. They are crowing about regular season wins and disparaging the Spurs' division when the Pistons have been feasting on the weakest conference in the NBA in a decade. I hope Billups wins the MVP. By the way it will be the "regular season" MVP. I'll take the Finals MVP and be happy, thanks.

[himat]

the best thing that could happen to Spurs is Pistons win 70+ games and come into the finals expecting the trophy to be handed to them.

i'm very sure the pistons know nothing is going to be handed to them. they know the spurs are a great team.

[himat]

Wow, the Pistons are the new Mavericks. They are crowing about regular season wins and disparaging the Spurs' division when the Pistons have been feasting on the weakest conference in the NBA in a decade. I hope Billups wins the MVP. By the way it will be the "regular season" MVP. I'll take the Finals MVP and be happy, thanks.

They are not crowning anything yet buddy. If the pistons screw up in the playoffs then say that.

[Obstructed_View]

They are not crowning anything yet buddy. If the pistons screw up in the playoffs then say that.
Just so you know, I said "crowing", which means making lots of noise like a crow that just found a shiny object. I don't think the Pistons are going to screw up in the playoffs. I think they are going to get beat by a better team.

[SpursWoman]

Detroit hasn't lost to Atlanta like the Spurs or the Hornets, so maybe the Spurs need to learn to beat the teams they should because no matter who has been placed before Detroit this year East or West 85 percent of the time they have won.



Except for those mighty contending Jazz...so nanny-nanny-boo-boo.



WTF? :lol

[mavsfan1000]

lmao. The spurs are not the better team. The pistons should win against whoever they play. The spurs should look at all the teams they have to beat to get to the pistons.

[Darrin]

What bothers me the most about this post isn't the belief that the Detroit Pistons "aren't that impressive" because the regular season isn't that impressive. It's believing that the Bulls had it tougher than the Pistons.

From 1987-1995, the NBA added 6 teams (Minnesota, Miami, Charlotte, Orlando, Vancouver, and Toronto) or somewhere between 72-90 on-court jobs. Looking at those teams, only Vancouver and Minnesota are in the Western Conference. Looking at those teams and projecting at least 3 years out of contention for each one, that spans the entire reign of the Chicago Bulls (1990-1998).

Kevin Garnett had been drafted in 1995, the first High School draftee in the NBA since 1975, Moses Malone. Malone wasn't even drafted into the NBA; he was an ABA draft pick. Gheorge Muresan, Dragan Tarlac, Toni Kukoc, Dejan Bodiroga, Eurelijus Zukauskas, Yinka Dare, Andrei Fetisov, William Njoku, Zeljko Rebraca - the NBA was at the beginning of its rush to international talent. Hakeem Olajuwon, Drazen Petrovic, Dikembe Mutombo, and the 1992 Dream Team had opened the door, and suddenly GMs were starting to use it. It would take time for franchises to catch up - bridge the language barrier and having the infrastructure to support these players. There wouldn't be an immediate-impact international player until 2001 - Pau Gasol.

The only team entering 1995-96 season of expansion franchises to have anywhere near the kind of success of the Bulls were the Orlando Magic (1994-95 Eastern Conference Champions).

In the 1995-96 season, the Miami Heat were not contenders. Pat Riley had just left the Knicks to become Head Coach and General Manager of the team; Tim Hardaway was still in Golden State. Don Nelson was hired to take Riley's place in New York, and quit some 20 games into the season amid high expectations and deflated results. His assistant, Jeff Van Gundy, coached the rest of the season. The Indiana Pacers, who played in the Conference Finals the year before, were essentially the same team they had been in 1995, but Reggie Miller would suffer a scratched cornea in the last week of the season heading into the playoffs.

The Conference Standings:

1. Chicago Bulls - 72-10
2. Orlando Magic - 60-22
3. Indiana Pacers - 52-30
4. New York Knicks - 47-35
5. Cleveland Cavaliers - 47-35
6. Atlanta Hawks - 46-36
7. Detroit Pistons - 46-36
8. Miami Heat - 42-40

40-win teams: Charlotte,
30-win teams: New Jersey, Washington, Boston
20-win teams: Milwaukee, Toronto
Teen-win teams: Philadelphia

With exception to the Orlando Magic - Penny, Shaq, Nick Anderson, Scott Skiles, Horace Grant - the Chicago Bulls did not have a true contender in the Conference. The 1996 playoffs were filled with inexperienced teams (Detroit's first appearance since 1992, Miami's first appearance since 1993, Atlanta's first season with Dikembe Mutombo) and aging or injured teams (Indiana without Reggie Miller, Cleveland with Gerald Wilkens and Brad Daugherty retired and Mark Price in Washington).


1996-97's 69-wins are much more impressive, but not that much better:

1. Chicago - 69-13
2. Miami - 61-21
3. New York - 57-25
4. Atlanta - 54-28
5. Detroit - 54-28
6. Orlando - 45-37
7. Washington - 44-38
8. Cleveland - 42-40

30-win teams: Indiana, Milwaukee
20-win teams: New Jersey, Philadelphia
Teen-win teams: Boston

The West was so bad the Minnesota Timberwolves (40-42), Phoenix Suns (40-42), and LA Clippers (36-46) all made the playoffs.

You're right; the Pistons aren't impressive...yet. The Pistons were 11-2 to start 1996-97, 34-12 at at the All-Star break, and hit a high mark of 47-17 in 1996-97. Doug Collins, Grant Hill, and Joe Dumars were all at the mid-season exhibition. Terry Mills, Lindsey Hunter, and Grant Hill had been named players of the week. They set an NBA record for fewest turnovers (1,041). Their road record (24-17) was only surpassed in team history by only the 1988-89 Champions (25-16). They set a franchise mark (since broken) for opponents points per game (89.9). Grant Hill would finish behind Michael Jordan and Karl Malone in Most Valuable Player voting. The 54 wins of the team was the most since 1989-90, and has yet to be surpassed.

However, they would finish the season 7-11 and had rumors in the last two weeks of the season that Collins was about to be fired. The Pistons won their first road playoff game since 1991 with their victory in Game two of their playoff series vs. the Hawks, and won game three (with Game 4 at home) to come one win away from winning their first playoff series since 1991. The Pistons fizzle, however, and the season is never spoken of again.

Ask an angry Wings fan about the 1995 season, when Detroit set the NHL's record for winning percentage. They are more likely to be able to make mention of 1996-97, 1997-98, and 2001-02 when they were Stanley Cup Champions.

That's why most of the Pistons fans I know agree with me when I say the NBA regular season for this team is a full six months of foreplay, but it's been some great foreplay. We have adopted the same motto of the last team to win 70 games: "It don't mean a thing without the ring."

In 1988-89, the Pistons were haunted by a seven game series against the defending-champion Los Angeles Lakers. They set a franchise mark of 63 wins, and steam-rolled to a 15-2 postseason, an NBA record at the time (2000-01 Lakers went 15-1). The team felt they had given up a great chance to win a Championship, and came an Isiah Thomas' twisted ankle, a shadow-foul called on Bill Laimbeer, and an errant Joe Dumars runner from being the 1987-88 NBA Champions. Draw that comparision between the results of the 2004-05 Pistons season and what's happening this year.

"It don't mean a thing without the ring."

But if the Pistons win the 2005-06 title, and win the most games of any Champion since the Bulls (anything over 67 would break the 1999-00 Lakers record), and you're still saying "it's not that impressive," I'll be back to match you point for point.

[jochhejaam]

Just curious: You Pistons fans think Billups has a serious chance to win the league MVP award this season?
Depending on how he and the Pistons finish I'd say he could have a good chance of finishing in the top 3

[Kori Ellis]

lmao. The spurs are not the better team. The pistons should win against whoever they play. The spurs should look at all the teams they have to beat to get to the pistons.

So far this season, the Pistons are the best team in the NBA.

But the Spurs have been playing virtually all season with (arguably) their two best players injured. Manu has been injured four times this year and missed a lot of games. And Tim has been playing hurt all year.

Call it excuses if you want, but that's reality. To call the Pistons the team to beat in the playoffs when it's not even the All-Star break is ridiculous. As cliche as it sounds, there's a lot of basketball yet to be played.

For all we know, the Spurs and Pistons could both sputter due to injuries or other reasons, and another team could emerge the frontrunner.

People here need to slow their roll.

[Obstructed_View]

So far this season, the Pistons are the best team in the NBA.

But the Spurs have been playing virtually all season with (arguably) their two best players injured. Manu has been injured four times this year and missed a lot of games. And Tim has been playing hurt all year.

Call it excuses if you want, but that's reality. To call the Pistons the team to beat in the playoffs when it's not even the All-Star break is ridiculous. As cliche as it sounds, there's a lot of basketball yet to be played.

For all we know, the Spurs and Pistons could both sputter due to injuries or other reasons, and another team could emerge the frontrunner.

People here need to slow their roll.
Well put. The Spurs have struggled and are ~4 games behind Detroit. I'll take being in striking distance and getting healthier every time.

[Kori Ellis]

But as far as the original topic is concerned... Shawn Michaels is wrong. Detroit's W-L record IS impressive.

[Darrin]

Depending on how he and the Pistons finish I'd say he could have a good chance of finishing in the top 3

What I'm hoping will happen is the team success will make him the FIRST team All-NBA, the first Piston since Grant Hill in 1997 and only the sixth in franchise history. Kobe will be the first guard; it will be up to the sportwriters to figure if they like 30 and 7 from Allen Iverson on a 35-45 win team or 19 and 9 from Chauncey Billups on a 60-70 win team.

Kobe Bryant is the MVP.

[jochhejaam]

the best thing that could happen to Spurs is Pistons win 70+ games and come into the finals expecting the trophy to be handed to them.
Wishful thinking on your part nkd. I've never heard anyone suggest that a team that got beat in the NBA Finals did so because of overconfidence.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

I don't see either the Spurs or the Pistons breezing through to the Finals.

The Heat and Mavs are going to be tough outs, regardless of how they're playing now or before the playoffs.

As always, health will play a major role in the playoffs...

[mavsfan1000]

I feel Dirk, Duncan, and Nash are the biggest impact players on successful teams. Billups has way too much help on his team to be the mvp. He is a great player but having Hamilton and Rasheed and Prince having a breakout year it is hard to pick them. Kobe is just jacking up a ton of shots and some nights he is making them.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

I feel Dirk, Duncan, and Nash are the biggest impact players on successful teams. Billups has way too much help on his team to be the mvp. He is a great player but having Hamilton and Rasheed and Prince having a breakout year it is hard to pick them. Kobe is just jacking up a ton of shots and some nights he is making them.

I don't understand this argument...

Do people forget who Bird and Magic(to name a few) played with when they won MVP? Don't get me wrong, Billups is nowhere close to them as a player, but that argument is flawed...

[jochhejaam]

What I'm hoping will happen is the team success will make him the FIRST team All-NBA, the first Piston since Grant Hill in 1997 and only the sixth in franchise history. Kobe will be the first guard; it will be up to the sportwriters to figure if they like 30 and 7 from Allen Iverson on a 35-45 win team or 19 and 9 from Chauncey Billups on a 60-70 win team.

Kobe Bryant is the MVP.
I'm sure Chaucey's flattered by being mentioned as a possibe MVP but I'm not so sure he feels that way. It's a team game and all Piston's are focused on winning as a team.

As the old saying goes, there ain't no I in Finals Championship...well actually there's three I's but you know what I mean.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Another interesting question: If Nash wins B2B MVPs, does he deserve induction into the HOF?

[Darrin]

I feel Dirk, Duncan, and Nash are the biggest impact players on successful teams. Billups has way too much help on his team to be the mvp. He is a great player but having Hamilton and Rasheed and Prince having a breakout year it is hard to pick them. Kobe is just jacking up a ton of shots and some nights he is making them.

Yeah, but couldn't the same be said for Michael Jordan when he won the scoring title and the Most Valuable Player award in 1988? His team flamed out in the second round. Phil Jackson wasn't their coach yet, Horace Grant and Scottie Pippen were rookies and barely contributing. It was with guys like Brad Sellers, Sam Vincent, and Charles Oakley they were winning. Couldn't the same be said of Allen Iverson in 2001? The NBA usually recognizes guards who jack up a lot of shots.

As for Billups, he's increased his scoring and assists by over 2.8 a game and his turnovers are only up by .08. That's amazing to me. Before this season, he drew comparisions to Joe Dumars. Now he's a happy medium between Isiah Thomas and Dumars. There's no one who hits more big shots that this guy (10 points in the final 4 minutes vs. the Grizzlies, game-winner in Memphis, last 8 points vs. the Celtics) and he's had some amazing individual performances (37 points against the Magic, a regular-season career high, 28 points and 19 assists vs. the Sacramento Kings).

But the truth isn't in the numbers - he is the unquestioned leader of this team, a team on pace for 72 wins. There is not a single Pistons player at the beginning of the season, including Ronald Dupree now the reserve forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves, that didn't immediately say Billups' name when they were asked that question on media day. He doesn't just run the offense, something he's never been allowed to do in his time in Detroit, but he is also keeping this team focused night to night.

I would argue that Billups has had more impact on the Pistons than Steve Nash on the Suns. There's no way that just because you have options, means you should be punished for using them. There isn't a sports writer in America that picked the Pistons to win the East this season in September. As hard as it is for a two-time Conference Champion and 2004 NBA Champion to overachieve, they are doing it. The amount of layups and open shots the Pistons get is a direct result of great screens and Billups' timely delivery of the passes. That has been the area he's improved the most - his timing. That's everything to a point guard.

Dirk is just as much a dark-horse as Billups. I wanted him to get MVP last season because he was so much better defensively, he took the leadership role from Michael Finley, and his numbers were up because the Mavs figured out they didn't need Antoine Walker and Antawn Jamison. But apparently 118 ppg was just too high a number to not give an offensive-oriented media the MVP to Nash.

[Darrin]

Another interesting question: If Nash wins B2B MVPs, does he deserve induction into the HOF?

I'm probably the last person who should be answering this question since Isiah Thomas was a better player and never won MVP, but I don't think so. I think the fact that Nash is the first non-American to win the award has a better chance of getting him into the Hall. Remember, this isn't run by the NBA; this is an independant Hall-of-Fame calculating a person's overall impact on the sport, not just the NBA.

He has a good chance already, two MVPs wouldn't change anything.

[Obstructed_View]

Wishful thinking on your part nkd. I've never heard anyone suggest that a team that got beat in the NBA Finals did so because of overconfidence.
You almost witnessed it last year.

[JHoLove]

Just because the Pistons beat up a terribly weak Eastern Conf


Yeah, except they also beat up on the Western conference... but anyways I think the Pistons team would agree, it doesnt mean nothing if they dont win the championship. But still their record is pretty good, and they're playing extremely good ball.

[1Parker1]

Looks like Pistons will finally lose a game tonight against the Nets....!

[GO SPurs Go]

Compared to the Spurs, Mavs and the Suns.... Noooooo!

Besides, I listed the top three contenders in each conference. I would not put Memphis in the top three. Maybe four. If you take the time to understand my post you will see. Besides, I think Memphis has one more piece of the puzzle to fill before I seriously consider them making a run for the title. They are not quite there yet. If you don't understand that then you are crazy. There is no way they could come close to beating the top contenders in the west in a flat out series.Who the fuck do you think you are? How about for starters you get this simple message in your head "NO ONE GIVES A GODDAMMED SHIT ABOUT YOUR PREDICTIONS". Oh yeah, and by the way, try getting more than 5 posts before pretending to be Charles Barkley

[TDMVPDPOY]

they just loss to the nets :)

[Darrin]

So far this season, the Pistons are the best team in the NBA.

But the Spurs have been playing virtually all season with (arguably) their two best players injured. Manu has been injured four times this year and missed a lot of games. And Tim has been playing hurt all year.

Call it excuses if you want, but that's reality. To call the Pistons the team to beat in the playoffs when it's not even the All-Star break is ridiculous. As cliche as it sounds, there's a lot of basketball yet to be played.

For all we know, the Spurs and Pistons could both sputter due to injuries or other reasons, and another team could emerge the frontrunner.

People here need to slow their roll.

True, I mean, look at the Indianapolis Colts. Who won the title in 2004 (Pistons) and who had the best regular season record (Pacers)?

It doesn't mean that we can't engage in some debate before hand or that would be a pretty boring season. I'll say this: until otherwise mentioned, the have to prove the Pistons can beat the Spurs just like Indiana and Miami had to prove why they can beat the Pistons. The only regular season games I have looked forward to have been against the Spurs, and that's because San Antonio is the measuring stick right now. Last year's series is what motivates them, keeps them focused.

[Darrin]

they just loss to the nets :)

After winning 11 straight. The Pistons are a joke. :)

[Obstructed_View]

True, I mean, look at the Indianapolis Colts. Who won the title in 2004 (Pistons) and who had the best regular season record (Pacers)?

It doesn't mean that we can't engage in some debate before hand or that would be a pretty boring season. I'll say this: until otherwise mentioned, the have to prove the Pistons can beat the Spurs just like Indiana and Miami had to prove why they can beat the Pistons. The only regular season games I have looked forward to have been against the Spurs, and that's because San Antonio is the measuring stick right now. Last year's series is what motivates them, keeps them focused.
The other nice thing for the Pistons' motivation is that the Spurs have kept relatively close in the standings. Greg Anthony mentioned that today as the reason he thinks the Pistons will win 70 games. It's a good point.

[emveepee]

I'm really curious as to how the pistons will perform if one of their starters goes on the IL.
We have been hit by that bug already and we passed with flying colors. The pistons though might experience stretches of 3-4 game losing streaks.

[Rummpd]

The Pistons are very, very good but the fact is that two things stand out:

1) Easiest schedule so far in the NBA by a credible site:
http://teamrankings.com/nba/27powerratings.php3

2) Their point differential pales in comparison to the Bulls who had about a 13 point PG differential (8.9 PPG). http://www.nba.com/statistics/sortable_team_statistics/sortable1.html (

Last year for much of the year the Spurs had a > PPG differential before Duncan went out by the way)

Still they are the heavy favorites for the title right now but they are not invinceable and they have yet to play a motivated Spurs team at full strength. Too bad these teams do not meet again in say April to get a better guage where each is at.

[JamStone]

The Pistons are very, very good but the fact is that two things stand out:

1) Easiest schedule so far in the NBA by a credible site:
http://teamrankings.com/nba/27powerratings.php3

2) Their point differential pales in comparison to the Bulls who had about a 13 point PG differential (8.9 PPG). http://www.nba.com/statistics/sortable_team_statistics/sortable1.html (

Last year for much of the year the Spurs had a > PPG differential before Duncan went out by the way)

Still they are the heavy favorites for the title right now but they are not invinceable and they have yet to play a motivated Spurs team at full strength. Too bad these teams do not meet again in say April to get a better guage where each is at.


The strength of schedule argument is fine, but it is inherently flawed because Detroit doesn't play itself. Detroit's record, in itself, gives every other team that has played Detroit a greater strength of schedule. And, the interesting thing is that I would assume that the strength of schedule doesn't take into account back-to-back sets. I bet it just looks at the records of opponent and maybe home v. road games are taken into consideration. The Pistons have played ELEVEN back-to-back sets, twelve after tonight. Is that factored into the strength of schedule? Anyway, the Pistons are 10-2 against the Western Conference on the road, including wins at San Antonio, Memphis, Phoenix, and La Clippers. I'd be interested in finding out what goes into the "strength of schedule."

And, at any rate, what that strength of schedule ranking tells me most is that Detroit is winning the games they are supposed to win, for the most part. Why aren't Washington, Orlando, Boston, and Philly doing better? Do you discredit a kid for acing the SATs just because he's a genius? Is it still not impressive when a major league pitcher throws 95 mph? You still have to out there and do it. But, the strength of schedule argument is acknowledged and accepted, with hesitant recognition.


As for the point differential, does Detroit not have the BEST point differential in the league this season? Why do people want to continue to compare this Pistons team with the 1996 Chicago Bulls? Since that was arguably the best regular season team in the history of the league, you would think even comparing the current Pistons with them shows just how good the Pistons are. The season is barely half over, there are about 40 games left to bring that point differential up or watch it go down. Who knows what the point differential will be by the end of the season. But, right now, it's the best point differential in the league, and it's not even close. To discredit it by comparing it to one of the best NBA teams ever is to ignore the difference in eras and to search for something just for the sake of discrediting. John Hollinger does enough of that for everyone.

[JamStone]

Another interesting question: If Nash wins B2B MVPs, does he deserve induction into the HOF?


Yes, he would be all but guaranteed an induction.

[JamStone]

I'm really curious as to how the pistons will perform if one of their starters goes on the IL.
We have been hit by that bug already and we passed with flying colors. The pistons though might experience stretches of 3-4 game losing streaks.


Next to "the starters will be fatigued," the greatest source of hope for Spurs fans. So many Spurs fans want to see one of the Pistons starters go down so they can see the Pistons struggle. Quite honestly, it's sad.

[leemajors]

the spurs fans that think that would hopefully be in the minority, it has been shown our starters play about as much as yours.

[Rummpd]

JamStone = The strengh of schedule site takes into account the Pistons have not played themselves.

The Pistons this year are also helped greatly by the fact they only have to play the Spurs, Suns, and Mavs 2x (plus other relatively strong teams like Memphis and the Clippers) all year as the entire East, other than Detroit is a dissapointment period. Miami has not won a single game vs a top 5 team all year!

Granted the Pistons are doing good against these teams so far (other than the Mavs) but teams change throughout the year. Playing in the East has to be worth 3-4 games this year easily.

Re the point differential it has been a significant predictor of dominance in any era and right now granted the Pistons have a pretty good differential but again it was not as high as the Spurs were for much of last year and the
Spurs now have about a 7 point differential, despite 4 more losses!

This suggests that when the Spurs are on they are right now developing into a team that is pretty close to the level of the Pistons despite continuing injury woes.


My prediction is that the Spurs will surge to within 1-2 games of the Pistons for HCA then when Pistons clinch and Spurs hold off Mavs - Pop rests starters last game or two.

Pistons 67 wins - still a darn good accoplishment.
Spurs 64 wins

Each team will be barring injury within 2 games either way of that. That give the Spurs a slight chance if they can finish say 31-6 with 66 wins of eaking out the Pistons (if they dropped to 65) for the HCA but it will very difficult.

[jochhejaam]

.

The Pistons this year are also helped greatly by the fact they only have to play the Spurs... 2x (plus other relatively strong teams like Memphis and the Clippers) all year as the entire East, other than Detroit is a dissapointment period. Miami has not won a single game vs a top 5 team all year!

We're 2-0 against the Spurs and we dominated both games so how are we helped by only playing them twice?
Seems more like a help to the Spurs.

[Obstructed_View]

Next to "the starters will be fatigued," the greatest source of hope for Spurs fans. So many Spurs fans want to see one of the Pistons starters go down so they can see the Pistons struggle. Quite honestly, it's sad.
What's sad is that Pistons fans can't associate the team's health with the 3 game lead in the standings.

[Obstructed_View]

We're 2-0 against the Spurs and we dominated both games so how are we helped by only playing them twice?
Seems more like a help to the Spurs.
The help to the Pistons is that both games were early in the season.

[emveepee]

2 losses in a week for detroit.

[JamStone]

39-7 is still the best record in the league. Losses will happen over an 82 game schedule. Digging up this thread because of a loss is pretty funny.

[Rummpd]

Dear JamStone:

Losses early in the season do not mean much to the Spurs, Manu did not start either game etc.

Don't look back, the best thing to happen to the Spurs it seems like was losing to Detroit and getting pushed hard by the Mavs.

4 games back (3 losses and tie breaker) for HCA - Mavs stll only 3 back.

It is not implausible the way all these teams are playing = Spurs on an upswing now with relatively full health, Mavs continuing to gell and surprise with their record vs. Detroit coming back to earth recently to see either the Spurs or Mavs catch them for best record!

After all the pompous Pistons "smugness" this year (not by the fans as much as by the players) it would be a wonderful thing to see and don't count against it!

[JamStone]

Dear Rummpd:

Where in my last post did I even mention anything about the Spurs' losses?

Where in my last post did I mention the Spurs' losses to Detroit?

Where in my last post did I say the Spurs or the Mavs would not be able to catch Detroit for the best record?

You read way too much into things.

I just thought it was funny a Spurs fan was so excited about Detroit losing that he/she had to go looking for this thread to up it. That's all.

Call it pompous or smugness if you want. It is your goal in life to discredit the Detroit Pistons team. Have your happy moment. Congratulations.

[Darrin]

2 losses in a week for detroit.

They lost two of three earlier this season (at Dallas L, vs. Denver W, vs. Washington L).

[mavsfan1000]

Detroit is losing their edge. I think their honeymoon period with Flip Saunders is wearing out. Now it will be hard for them to regain the focus they had earlier the season.

[Darrin]

Detroit is losing their edge. I think their honeymoon period with Flip Saunders is wearing out. Now it will be hard for them to regain the focus they had earlier the season.

I guess we'll see what happens from here on out. I have full confidence that the Pistons will maintain their focus.

[Tanya]

Detroit is losing their edge. I think their honeymoon period with Flip Saunders is wearing out. Now it will be hard for them to regain the focus they had earlier the season.

This is absolutely what you wish would happen. But it won't.
I hope Dallas will keep their focus during the playoff too, if they want to win the spurs.

[emveepee]

Detroit should focus on playing their bench a little more. If not, theyll need more than Motor Up and synthetic oil to keep the engine chugging!

[Dario]

All this talk about starters playing to much minutes is very overrated. They are athletes all their life and can manage to play whole 48 minutes every game if they need to without problems. It all goes down to willpower and pistons had plenty of that so far. If they continue to be lucky with injuries to their starters they will get that 1st seed this year, but i believe in spurs playoffs. :)

[mavsfan1000]

All this talk about starters playing to much minutes is very overrated. They are athletes all their life and can manage to play whole 48 minutes every game if they need to without problems. It all goes down to willpower and pistons had plenty of that so far. If they continue to be lucky with injuries to their starters they will get that 1st seed this year, but i believe in spurs playoffs. :)

Actually minutes do wear down players. There are 82 games in the regular season and playing heavy minutes can really take a toll. The nba season is a marathon and not a sprint. Teams who play their starters heavy minutes won't likely keep up their intensity and start to slow down. If Flip is doing this than he is making a mistake and maybe a reason for the latest letdown.

[JamStone]

Actually minutes do wear down players. There are 82 games in the regular season and playing heavy minutes can really take a toll. The nba season is a marathon and not a sprint. Teams who play their starters heavy minutes won't likely keep up their intensity and start to slow down. If Flip is doing this than he is making a mistake and maybe a reason for the latest letdown.


If you truly believe that, you must be worried about Dirk Nowitzki wearing down and breaking down, since he's played every game and has averaged 37.8 minutes a game (more than any Pistons starter). And, since your team would be completely different with a worn down Dirk, I guess you should worry very much as well.

[emveepee]

that is why the mavs may also ran out of gas before the play-offs

[Avery_19]

You're right, Detroit's record isn't that impressive.

What's impressive is how they've managed to finish games. OT win against the Bucks, 4th quarter last night against the Grizz, ass-whooping the practically unbeatable Spurs on their home court. That is what's impressive about the Pistons. Not the number of wins, but HOW they've managed to win.you a very smart basketball fan!

[mavsfan1000]

If you truly believe that, you must be worried about Dirk Nowitzki wearing down and breaking down, since he's played every game and has averaged 37.8 minutes a game (more than any Pistons starter). And, since your team would be completely different with a worn down Dirk, I guess you should worry very much as well.
Well I was thinking of players that have to play 40+ minutes. Also depends on their style of game. It takes a lot more energy on offense as a slasher than to be a jump shooter. Also strength and conditioning is huge. I think a player that is likely to run out of steam is Steve Nash since he has to do so much for Phoenix. Dirk is usually catch and shoot.

[himat]

flip said that he's going to play the bench more especially on back to backs.

[Marklar MM]

flip said that he's going to play the bench more especially on back to backs.

Good time to start.

[ABDENOUR POWER]

Hunters back! :)

[cheguevara]

Dirk is usually catch and shoot.

u got that right that's why mavs wont win

[mavsfan1000]

u got that right that's why mavs wont win
Most of the pistons team is catch and shoot. You are stupid to say the catch and shoot players can't win.

[CharlieMac]

It's almost retarded to think that their record isn't impressive.

[BAGUIO_BOYKR]

Dear Rummpd:

Where in my last post did I even mention anything about the Spurs' losses?

Where in my last post did I mention the Spurs' losses to Detroit?

Where in my last post did I say the Spurs or the Mavs would not be able to catch Detroit for the best record?

You read way too much into things.

I just thought it was funny a Spurs fan was so excited about Detroit losing that he/she had to go looking for this thread to up it. That's all.

Call it pompous or smugness if you want. It is your goal in life to discredit the Detroit Pistons team. Have your happy moment. Congratulations........

[JamStone]

Dear Rummpd:

Where in my last post did I even mention anything about the Spurs' losses?

Where in my last post did I mention the Spurs' losses to Detroit?

Where in my last post did I say the Spurs or the Mavs would not be able to catch Detroit for the best record?

You read way too much into things.

I just thought it was funny a Spurs fan was so excited about Detroit losing that he/she had to go looking for this thread to up it. That's all.

Call it pompous or smugness if you want. It is your goal in life to discredit the Detroit Pistons team. Have your happy moment. Congratulations........


Ok, ano pag-ibig sabihin mo? Ano ang raison na post mo?

Pambahira ka naman. Walang hiya ka.

Get a new gig than trolling your own messageboard.

[ca®lo]

pinoy kaya yan?

[jochhejaam]

I'm impressed by our 40-8 start as I would be by any team that started out with that record. We're slumping a bit but the win last night against a good Clippers team will hopefully put us back on a roll.
Big game coming up Sunday at Miami.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Im impressed they havnt been exposed yet

[jochhejaam]

Im impressed they havnt been exposed yet
Only 34 games left, when do you think it might happen? :lol

[Darrin]

I'm impressed by our 40-8 start as I would be by any team that started out with that record. We're slumping a bit but the win last night against a good Clippers team will hopefully put us back on a roll.
Big game coming up Sunday at Miami.

I think it will be a bigger game for Miami than for Detroit for the same reasons that the Spurs/Detroit matchups were bigger for the Pistons this season - they have to have the confidence in that what they are doing this season will translate into wins in the postseason. However, I think this is a test for the Pistons, too. A team that is gunning for them, a team that is better than all the other teams in their Conference, and they are playing the Heat in the midst of what can only be considered a slide when comparing it to the rest of the season and fighting off the exhaustion of 10 games in 17 days with 3 back-to-backs.

In that sense, the intensity of the game, the hostile crowd, and the fact the Pistons aren't playing like an historicly great team right now will make this an interesting test to see how close the Pistons are to playoff ready. Big game for Miami in terms of being able to win it, but just as important to the Pistons as a way to see what they need to work on when they get back from break.

[Darrin]

Only 34 games left, when do you think it might happen? :lol

If I had to guess a response, he'll say it will happen right around the time the Pistons and Spurs tip off in the Finals?

[JamStone]

Miami game is very important to the Pistons as well as the Heat. First big NBA game on ABC since the Superbowl. A national audience will be watching. And, if the reports are true, there will be four Pistons on the all star team, and I think in a nationally broadcasted game, the Pistons players will want to validate their inclusion ... well at least Rip and Chauncey. Ben has been there multiple times and Rasheed doesn't care. Maybe it also motivates Prince, who will likely not make the team.

If it is a competitive game and the Pistons play well, the win or loss does not matter much. But, if the Heat decidedly beat the Pistons, I think it will be noteworthy.

[WayDowntownBang]

Pistons Will Lose Again!!!!!!!!!!!

There's a pretty good chance you're right. Great prediction. :rolleyes

[ChumpDumper]

Remember when Minnesota was better than Golden State?

[1Parker1]

Miami game is very important to the Pistons as well as the Heat. First big NBA game on ABC since the Superbowl. A national audience will be watching.


Speaking of that, once again I found out that ABC will be showing the Sixers vs Wizards game instead of the Pacers vs Spurs game. :flipoff This is complete BS. I understand the whole regional coverage thing, but seriously...watching two lottery bound teams is not fun. I'm sure even Sixers fans don't enjoy watching the Sixers anymore! :lol

[himat]

Speaking of that, once again I found out that ABC will be showing the Sixers vs Wizards game instead of the Pacers vs Spurs game. :flipoff This is complete BS. I understand the whole regional coverage thing, but seriously...watching two lottery bound teams is not fun. I'm sure even Sixers fans don't enjoy watching the Sixers anymore! :lol

i remember the last time this happened, and the philly game ended up being good, and spurs lost to nuggets. they're only doing it because of iverson and arenas.

[1Parker1]

i remember the last time this happened, and the philly game ended up being good, and spurs lost to nuggets. they're only doing it because of iverson and arenas.


I know the Philly game ended being good last time, but still. I want to see my Spurs!! How come the Heat vs Pistons game doesn't get regional coverage? :lol

[himat]

I know the Philly game ended being good last time, but still. I want to see my Spurs!! How come the Heat vs Pistons game doesn't get regional coverage? :lol

i don't have cable, but at least when they're not on local tv i can listen to them. why did you decide to not live in san antonio?

[1Parker1]

i don't have cable, but at least when they're not on local tv i can listen to them. why did you decide to not live in san antonio?


:lol I've actually never been to SA, born and raised in Philly. And as much as I love the Spurs...I can't move just to be in the same town as them :)

[emveepee]

SAS 40-10 despite Manu missing 13 games and Duncan missing a couple and playing hurt.

Det. 41-8 no injuries

Undoubtedly so, SAS' record is much more impressive!!!

[Carrera_4S]

SAS 40-10 despite Manu missing 13 games and Duncan missing a couple and playing hurt.

Det. 41-8 no injuries

Undoubtedly so, SAS' record is much more impressive!!!

Half empty...Half full...you make the choice.