Piston Fans

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Now I'm just curious. You've seen for the most part how us spurs fans feel about us winning the championship, be it from us going all the way to others thinking we may not even get past rd 2 and for a while there thinking we may even drop to the #4 spot. I'm just curious in your HONEST opinion how confident you guys feel in your team winning it this year. I don't mean if's and but's, I mean as of this moment are you worried at all? or do you think it's your year. you've got the HCA, the #1 seed, you may have faltered a bit in the 2nd half of the season, but so have dallas and SA for the most part, but on the brightside your bench is making some strides in the past month. how good do you feel about your chances this year?

[Marklar MM]

Pretty good.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

Even money...

[JamStone]

I think the Detroit Pistons can beat any team in the NBA in a seven game series, especially with homecourt advantage.

That said, in the world of sports, anything can happen. And, I am sure a series against San Antonio and even Miami could go either way. Against Dallas, New Jersey, Phoenix, and Cleveland, they could all be challengins series, but I would expect to beat each of those teams.

I like the Pistons' chances. But, anything could happen.

[T.F. Storm]

I think we have as good of a chance as anybody. Lots of things could happen between now and the last game of the finals, though.

[mavsfan1000]

Spurs would own the Pistons. Book it.

[WayDowntownBang]

Spurs would own the Pistons. Book it.

Considering we're 2-0 vs. the Spurs this year, explain how they would 'own' the Pistons. Win a close matchup between two tight teams, sure. But 'own'? That's a bit strong. Are you sure you're not just bitter about your team's 3 game skid?

On topic, the Pistons are the #1 seed, and so far, the #1 record in the league. We're 2-0 against the Spurs, and the Mavs are skidding. The Heat wants to start coming strong, and we beat them, and the teams like Indiana Pacers and New Jersey Nets just don't have 'it' this year, the intimidation factor.

Mathematically, the Pistons are in the driver's seat. I'm confident in my team. That being said, we've all seen SOOO many times in sports where the upset happens, especially to a team in this position. There's no guarantees in sports, and even though on paper the Pistons are 2006's best bet for a championship, I'm not foolish enough to believe it quite yet.

[samikeyp]

Last year win it mattered, the Finals, both teams were able to one the other's court. Like a lot of people have said....there is a lot of basketball left between now and the Finals. Anything can happen. For anyone to guarantee anything at this point is foolish. It is equally foolish to discount either team.

[Pistons < Spurs]

Confident, but not cocky. Anything can happen in the playoffs.

Still alot of ball before anyone has a parade.

[DDS4]

That 2-0 record that the Pistons have over the Spurs this year is just as old as the game 7 victory by the Spurs last year.

Spurs right now >>> Spurs in December and January.

[SpurForLife]

Agree with DDS4. Just need to do a much better job on the boards should we meet up with them in June.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

true which is what'll make the finals matchup should it happen much more intriguing. should pistons and spurs meet in june, it'll be nearly six months since they have had last played each other. be interesting to see how far along both the teams have come since the january/december matchups

[ABDENOUR POWER]

I'm not very confident.

But then again, I never am. :lol

[Jimcs50]

I think they are quaking in their Nikes.

[Leetonidas]

Considering we're 2-0 vs. the Spurs this year.

And the Mavs beat the Pistons by 30 points earlier this year, so what's your point?

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

the Spurs got owned on the boards (58-27) by the Nuggets not even 2 weeks ago

They will get owned by the Pistons in a finals series unless they learn how to rebound soon

[Leetonidas]

the Spurs got owned on the boards (58-27) by the Nuggets not even 2 weeks ago

They will get owned by the Pistons in a finals series unless they learn how to rebound soon

:lol

[jochhejaam]

I think they are quaking in their Nikes.
To coin a Sheedism, "We ain't scared of those cats man". :D

Just lookin' forward to playoff basketball here. It would be great to meet the Spurs again. I feel like we are capable of beating anyone in a 7 game series but I'm not brash enough to say that we will.

Confident but not cocky.

[FreshPrince22]

If Dice and Tayshaun continue to play the way they have lately, and everyone stays relatively healthy, I like our chances. Anything can happen though.

[freedom&justice]

In a seven-game series, the pistons are capable of beating anybody, but that's not a guarantee that they will. Any series could go either way, but I like their chances.

[Sense]

Considering we're 2-0 vs. the Spurs this year, explain how they would 'own' the Pistons. Win a close matchup between two tight teams, sure. But 'own'? That's a bit strong. Are you sure you're not just bitter about your team's 3 game skid?

On topic, the Pistons are the #1 seed, and so far, the #1 record in the league. We're 2-0 against the Spurs, and the Mavs are skidding. The Heat wants to start coming strong, and we beat them, and the teams like Indiana Pacers and New Jersey Nets just don't have 'it' this year, the intimidation factor.


You're throwing the 2-0 on us when you should know better...


There are a couple of teams...... bad teams that have a 2-0 on you but does that mean they're better?

Not really, playoff time, you'll see the real Spurs team and what they stand for.

[anthologyct]

I give Detroit a 60-40 chance in their favor of winning; homecourt or not.

[Kriz-Maxima]

I like our chances. I think it will go down to game seven in the finals against San Antonio and then, I hope they win. They have the ability to but so does the spurs. Miami could surprise us but I dont think they will, but you never know. I feel more respect basketball wise towards San Antonio than Miami so if we where to lose ( god forbid ) Id rather it be to The Spurs. Dallas have gotten a good run this years but in the past they have prove to be chokers, so thy will have to prove me wrong.

With that said, I will be sitting in my house watching the playoffs praying endlessly. I feel confident in my team but to say its a hundred percent they will win its nuts. They broke my heart last year and that one still hurts, but I feel they wont do it this year.undefined

:fro

[SAGambler]

I think Miami has got to get everyone healthy to give you guys a game.

Now Lebron on the other hand, is rolling, rolling, rolling.

Right now, if I were the Pistons, I would be more worried about Cleveland, than I would Miami.

[Pistons < Spurs]

Right now, if I were the Pistons, I would be more worried about Cleveland, than I would Miami.


The Nets worry me more than the Cavs.





Although, IF Hughes comes back effectively for the playoffs, it could be interesting.

But really the cavs do not worry me one little bit.

[SequSpur]

spurs in 4

[Kriz-Maxima]

haha gotta see that to believe it

[GO SPurs Go]

spurs in 4
right sequ. :smokin

[mavsfan1000]

2 months ago the pistons were better but it is a different story now.

[Pistons < Spurs]

2 months ago the pistons were better but it is a different story now.

2 WEEKS ago the MAVS were better but it is a different story now.

[Leetonidas]

2 WEEKS ago the MAVS were better but it is a different story now.

:owned :lol

[celldweller]

Detroit has had an amazing year and record, and on top of that there starting five has been in tact the whole year thus far. The Spurs are only one and a half behind for the best record. One can only imagine there record if Tim Duncan didn't have his foot injury, Manu didn't miss so many games (13 I believe), if Robert Horry wasn't out so long with his ab strain, or if Nazr would of started the entire year. Makes you wonder.

[Trainwreck2100]

Lebron has no PO experience, so needn't worry about the Cavs

[Kriz-Maxima]

and down the slide they go.

[cs100]

I don't think either the Spurs or Pistons will have an "easy" path to the finals. If both teams do meet, regardless of Home court, it is a 50-50 split as to who wins. When this is the case, I will always cheer for my Spurs. The Spurs have only 2 more losses than Detroit, yet with the ongoing foot ailment that Tim has, the missed time Manu has had, Horry being out as well, and mediocre defense at times, it is a wonder that the Spurs are only two down and have a great chance of exceeding the franchise record for wins in the regular season.

I think that Detroit's biggest advantage is their experience playing together. The Spurs keep working on their chemistry and execution. They have spurts of sloppiness, but they are continuing to get better. TD is biting the bullet with the pain in his foot and leading, by example, his team in the right direction.

The one big advantage I give the Spurs over Detroit is the coaching experience and superiority of Pop over Flip. No explanation needed there. The coaching experience more than makes up for not having HCA, if it comes to that.

All we can do is hope and support our team. Good luck to all. :)

[Vinnie_Johnson]

Pistons are coming out of the east like it or not I have no dought. I am not sure who will be standing in the west but feel it should be the spurs. I think this year it goes to a game seven like last but a differnt team will have HCA. Pistons in 7 game seven will be a blowout by 15 or more I know I sound cocky but just know how hungry they will be.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

i dont buy into the coaching experience as much if only b/c the pistons themselves have been there and wont need to rely on flip to get them out of a jam. but obviously the coaching edge would go to pop

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Pistons are coming out of the east like it or not I have no dought. I am not sure who will be standing in the west but feel it should be the spurs. I think this year it goes to a game seven like last but a differnt team will have HCA. Pistons in 7 game seven will be a blowout by 15 or more I know I sound cocky but just know how hungry they will be.


it wouldnt surprise me if it was a blowout in game 7. SA better have a 3-2 heading into game 6 or the series will be all but over. the middle 3 is killer cuz it'll be next to impossible to win all 3 in a row at home against a team like the pistons. the only team in history that was able to win all 3 home games just happens to be detroit

[mavsfan1000]

2 WEEKS ago the MAVS were better but it is a different story now.
Things started going down hill when Harris, Howard, and Griffin went down. What are the Pistons excuse? :lol

[Vinnie_Johnson]

Things started going down hill when Harris, Howard, and Griffin went down. What are the Pistons excuse? :lol


Pistons have the best record in the NBA where you at?

Go cut my lawn mav fan..... :lol

[Vizzini]

Things started going down hill when Harris, Howard, and Griffin went down. What are the Pistons excuse?

The Pistons excuse is that they wouldn't get beat soundly by the freakin' Magic no matter who was injured or not.

[FreshPrince22]

Things started going down hill when Harris, Howard, and Griffin went down. What are the Pistons excuse? :lol

Excuse? They're fuckin' 58-14!! Their record in this "down hill" ball as you call it (starting with the loss in NJ on 1/31/06) is 21-9. That's .700 basketball. The Pistons were a .650 team last year. In their supposed "slump", they have still played better than they did last year.

[Tanya]

I am not going to predict who will win it. But in the league, the HEALTHY PISTONS is the only team can beat the HEALTHY SPURS in 7 game series. And the HEALTHY SPURS is the only team can beat the HEALTHY PISTONS in 7 game series. It's 50-50.

Miami is a threat, but Shaq never seem to stay healthy consistently, Walker is Mr. air ball, Payton is much slower than before, J williams is invisible in clutch time. This team got two super stars and so many talents, but maybe it will only be a joke at the end. DAL is better than MIAMI as a team.

HOWEVER, if one pistons starter goes down(touch wood), then the healthy Miami, New Jersey, even Cleveland can beat them. If TP or Ginobili goes down(knock on wood), the mavs and suns have a chance to beat them.

I am always confident in the healthy pistons. They can beat anyone in 7 games. They got a thin bench last year(actually no bench) but this year they are better.

[JamStone]

touch wood?

[mavsfan1000]

Excuse? They're fuckin' 58-14!! Their record in this "down hill" ball as you call it (starting with the loss in NJ on 1/31/06) is 21-9. That's .700 basketball. The Pistons were a .650 team last year. In their supposed "slump", they have still played better than they did last year.
Well that is a decent record but we are talking about the Spurs here. You gotta do better to beat the spurs in the playoffs. The Pistons in the last 2 months haven't shown that they are better and this is the most important time of the year to be at your best.

[aaronstampler]

My opinion on the matter is that the Spurs, at their absolute peak, can achieve a level of basketball even the Pistons can't achieve because they have more quality players on their bench who can contribute, more 3 pt shooters, and guys who can score in a lot of different ways in Manu, Tim, and TP. At their peak, they're the best team in the world and they cannot be beaten.

However, the Pistons are the more consistent team, and they're more likely to play four A-, B+ quality games than the Spurs are, especially with home court. I'm not so sure the Spurs can coax four A- or better performances because of Tim's PF, and the mismatch on the floor with TP, where he can't really guard either of the Pistons guards.

Our best chance, assuming it is a Spurs-Pistons final, and both teams are relatively healthy, is that Pop can coach rings around Flip. Otherwise, HCA will matter.

[jochhejaam]

The one big advantage I give the Spurs over Detroit is the coaching experience and superiority of Pop over Flip. No explanation needed there. The coaching experience more than makes up for not having HCA, if it comes to that.

If I were to grade Pop's coaching skills based on some of the Spurs fans reactions to Pop in the forum after some of the Spurs losses I'd have to give a big edge to Flip. :)

We get some of the same types of threads started in the Pistons forums. You'd think that with only 14 and 16 losses for our teams Coach-bashing wouldn't be so in vogue even after losses.
I guess it's that Championship teams fans have unrealistic expectations for our teams. We demand perfectection and nothing less will suffice! :lol

[Darrin]

With the Pistons next win, they will officially make this the second-winningest season in franchise history (1989-90). With 11 games to go, the Pistons are 5 wins away from making this the most successful regular season in franchise history. With one more road win, they will break the mark for road wins in a season, and if the Pistons can go undefeated at home (9 games), they can break the mark for the most home wins. All of those records point back to 1988-89. If you'll notice, that's 2 of the 3 Championship years.

That sets up two things: This will be either the most disappointing postseason in Pistons history or a corronation.

I respect the Spurs more than any other team mostly because the Pistons have a 31-17 record in the playoffs with these 5 starters, and have lost one series in the last nine, and that was a seven-game series where they entered the fourth quarter with a 57-57 tie. History tells me that when a team with that much experience goes on a run like this, a significant increase in wins after a lot of success, they are poised to win a Championship. There's a difference between this team winning 62 games and the Suns winnning 62.

However, the Spurs are right behind the Pistons. They are just as experienced, if not more so, and that one series in nine came against San Antonio. There's always a chance the Pistons will not win - I mean look at the 2003-04 Lakers. But if they lose to the Spurs again, it doesn't matter if they win 20 games or 60 next season, they will be the Spurs' bitch. All the good things that happened this season will not be remembered if they lose.

So yes, I believe they are title-bound, and if they don't win, they will just be the team that broke up the Lakers and had some good seasons.

[anthologyct]

Things started going down hill when Harris, Howard, and Griffin went down. What are the Pistons excuse? :lol


People around the league act as though when the Pistons lost a few games right after the All Star break, that they had somehow fallen off.

I'll ask you ........... How many games ahead of San Antonio & Dallas were the Pistons at the All Star Break, and how many were they the day before they beat Dallas last week?

Then come back and tell me if they've somehow fallen off?

[freedom&justice]

People around the league act as though when the Pistons lost a few games right after the All Star break, that they had somehow fallen off.

I'll ask you ........... How many games ahead of San Antonio & Dallas were the Pistons at the All Star Break, and how many were they the day before they beat Dallas last week?

Then come back and tell me if they've somehow fallen off?

mavsfan1000 = :owned

[jochhejaam]

Things started going down hill when Harris, Howard, and Griffin went down. What are the Pistons excuse? :lol


A Limerick for Mavsfan1000

There once was a ball team named Dallas,
Whose play often mimicked an Alice,
With their injuries three,
Mavsfans said "woe is me",
While the Finals were played at the Palace.


The End. :lol

[samikeyp]

One thing that Spurs fans and Pistons fans can agree on....

The Mavs are playing for third. :p

[anthologyct]

Things started going down hill when Harris, Howard, and Griffin went down. What are the Pistons excuse? :lol

mavsfan1000,

What excuses? We don't have any excuses because there's no need. Excuses are for losers!

Going into the All-Star Break, here are the records of the 3 best teams

Pistons: 42-9
Spurs: 40-11
Mavs: 41-11

Here are the records BEFORE the Pistons beat the Mavericks last week:

Pistons: 55-14
Spurs: 54-16
Mavs: 54-16

So, if my math is correct ........... before the All-Star Break, the Pistons held a 2 game lead over San Antonio & Dallas in the loss column. And before our matchup last week, we still held that lead, right?

So, please explain to me how we have been going "down hill". If the Pistons have gone "down hill", then we took the Spurs and Mavs with us.

Bottom line is this: There is no need for excuses when your team is 58-14.
* The Pistons own the best overall record in the league.
* The Pistons own the best home record in the league.
* The Pistons own the best road record in teh league.


I'm out,
Like the Dallas Mavericks!

AnthologyCT
GO PISTONS!

[freedom&justice]

A Limerick for Mavsfan1000

There once was a ball team named Dallas,
Whose play often mimicked an Alice,
With their injuries three,
Mavsfans said "woe is me",
While the Finals were played at the Palace.


The End. :lol

Nice rhyme. :lol

[JamStone]

My opinion on the matter is that the Spurs, at their absolute peak, can achieve a level of basketball even the Pistons can't achieve because they have more quality players on their bench who can contribute, more 3 pt shooters, and guys who can score in a lot of different ways in Manu, Tim, and TP. At their peak, they're the best team in the world and they cannot be beaten.


Actually, I think if the two teams play at their respective absolute peaks, the Pistons would play the best basketball possible. Having more quality players on the bench isn't that much of an advantage when 1) you can only play five players at a time and 2) teams generally only play a 7-8 man rotation in the playoffs.

If the Spurs put out their best five players, it's probably Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Bruce Bowen (maybe Finley because of offense), Tim Duncan, and Robert Horry. I would still take the five player group of Billups, Hamilton, Prince, Wallace, and Wallace.

I think if both teams play at their absolute peak, the Pistons have the best chemistry with their five top players, have a defensive mindset that could hold teams under 70 points in a game, play with an unselfishness on offense that involves ALL FIVE players on the court, and have an unbelievable energy that can't be matched by another entire team.

Glimpses of the Pistons playing at their absolute peak were seen in the 2004 NBA Finals against the Lakers where the Pistons absolutely stifled the Lakers and blew them out three times. Glimpses were seen when the Pistons held five straight opponents to under 70 points in a game.

I don't know if I've seen this Spurs team play at their absolute peak. And, if they did last year in the Finals, well, then their absolute peak was JUST good enough to beat the Pistons. We can't go back to 2003 because this team no longer has David Robinson. We can't go back to 2004, because they didn't accomplish their goals. We can look at games 1 and 2 of the Finals when the Spurs absolutely destroyed the Pistons. If that's there peak, that's pretty good. Difficult to fairly evaluate since the Pistons were not at 100% coming off of their series with Miami.

It's a matter of opinion, but I think the Pistons are a better team if the two play at their absolute peaks of their games.

[bdubya]

mavsfan1000,

What excuses? We don't have any excuses because there's no need.


Actually, there is one thing that troubles me and makes me worry about some kind of problem with the coaching, or our mental focus: Every game we've lost this year has been to an inferior team with a worse record than ours. How do you excuse THAT? :lol

[himat]

You're throwing the 2-0 on us when you should know better...


There are a couple of teams...... bad teams that have a 2-0 on you but does that mean they're better?

Not really, playoff time, you'll see the real Spurs team and what they stand for.

I don't think he said that to say anything bad on the spurs he just wanted to tell someone that the spurs won't blowout the pistons in a series.

[cwalk989]

I think the pistons are hands down the NBA champs this year. They lately have proven they still have their team defense in tack, and they obviously can put points on the board. Here's a break down of why the other 3 teams in the league that pose a threat (spurs, mavs, and heat) can't beat them.

Starting with your spurs. The pistons have just became to offensive for them, but remained just as good on the defensive end. The pistons can get dirty at the defensive end, but still put up big numbers of the offensive. Both teams match up well, but with the pistons improved offense, the spurs just cant keep up with them. Duncan isn't healthy and he already struggles with sheed anyways, and that is obviously gonna make it tuffer for them to really pose a threat. In a seven game series Pistons in 6

Mavs, you seen the game earlier this week they just don't have it. Their not a championship team and the spurs will knock them out in the playoffs anyways. They play ok defense, but at times like against the Pistons on Tuesday, they just would stop playing D, and you can't do that when you play at and a championship level. In a seven game series Pistons in 4.

The Heat are frauds. They are nothing but a poor mans 2004 lakers team. D-Wade is a star and Shaq is Shaq. They appear to have what it takes, but they can't match the Pistons play. You can force wade into taking a lot of bad shot, which is the same problem shaq had with kobe. Wallace x2 can keep shaq in check and wade not feeding shaq the ball, when he is supposed to will also help. Their pf are rather weak, and sheed will have a field day on the block against them. In a seven game series Pistons in 5.
2003-2004 NBA CHAMPS
2005-2006 NBA CHAMPS you just don't know it yet.
DEEEEEEEEETROIT BASKETBAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!

[SpursWoman]

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37632

[phyzik]

:rolleyes

[leemajors]

someone call stern and tell him to cancel the rest of the season!

[Trainwreck2100]

I think the pistons are hands down the NBA champs this year. !
Position: Volatile Forward
Team: Detroit Pistons
vBookie Cash: $500
Post Count: 1

Whatever on earth could make you think that
http://www.pegasus3d.com/download/giant_rolleyes.gif

[cwalk989]

Read the post and thats what makes me think that.

[samikeyp]

so then Cwalk....the Spurs have absolutely no shot whatsoever?

[smeagol]

Pistons need to step it up. Down by 14 at haltime against the Suns.

[cwalk989]

so then Cwalk....the Spurs have absolutely no shot whatsoever?

No chance at all!!!

[SpurForLife]

Well, I guess thats that then. All hail the new basketball overlords!!! :rolleyes :drunk

[Trainwreck2100]

No chance at all!!!




http://img427.imageshack.us/img427/310/rolleyes5ju.gif

[Trifecta]

Actually, there is one thing that troubles me and makes me worry about some kind of problem with the coaching, or our mental focus: Every game we've lost this year has been to an inferior team with a worse record than ours. How do you excuse THAT? :lol

Playing DOWN to the level of the competition :oops !

Some games the team that SHOULD win (on paper) just "coasts" along and then pick up their game in the second half. On some nights, however, it's too late to pick it up!

In other words, its easy for the team favored to lose to "get pumped" to play a contender than the other way around (confusing?)

[1Parker1]

Pistons beat Heat, Mavs, and Phoenix convincingly in their supposedly "rough" stretch of the season. They looked scary in the second half against the Suns...especially freakin Billups. :(

[FreshPrince22]

2-0 vs. Spurs
2-0 vs. Suns
1-1 vs. Mavs
2-1 vs. Heat

7-2 vs. the rest of the top 5. I'll take it.

[Kori Ellis]

The Pistons need to avoid NJ in the playoffs if they want to be in the Finals. This season they split the series 2-2 but the Nets held them to 84 ppg and 38% shooting in the four games.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

The Pistons need to avoid NJ in the playoffs if they want to be in the Finals. This season they split the series 2-2 but the Nets held them to 84 ppg and 38% shooting in the four games.

I just hope Nets/Heat goes 7 in the 2nd Rd...

[DDS4]

No chance at all!!!

I'm glad I now know that the Spurs championship last year was a fluke.

[FreshPrince22]

The Pistons need to avoid NJ in the playoffs if they want to be in the Finals. This season they split the series 2-2 but the Nets held them to 84 ppg and 38% shooting in the four games.

Well, the good thing is that the way it's set up, if the Pistons face the Nets, that will mean the Heat are knocked out. IMO, I'd much rather face the Nets. It would be much easier on Big Ben to face Krstic than Shaq for 7 games. It would certainly help in the long run since going against Shaq sapped his energy for the first 2 games of the Spurs series, IMO.

I am very confident the Pistons can beat NJ in a 7 game series. Just as you said, they have shot 38% against them this season, and still managed to be 2-2. I'll take it. They also had a great chance at winning both of the games they lost. The 2 they won were pretty much blowouts.

[SAGambler]

What I wonder about the Pistons is how many times can they dig themselves a 15, 17 point deficit in the first half, and then manage to pull it out in the second.

[conqueso]

If I were to grade Pop's coaching skills based on some of the Spurs fans reactions to Pop in the forum after some of the Spurs losses I'd have to give a big edge to Flip. :)

We get some of the same types of threads started in the Pistons forums. You'd think that with only 14 and 16 losses for our teams Coach-bashing wouldn't be so in vogue even after losses.
I guess it's that Championship teams fans have unrealistic expectations for our teams. We demand perfectection and nothing less will suffice! :lol

I know I'm way behind in this thread and that's it's not the appropriate place for a post like this, but the animosity towards Pop -- especially after a loss -- aggravates me to no end.

There are a few factors that explain this tendency. The most apparent is the one you mention: unrealistic expectations. But this factor is much more pervasive than just thinking an excellent team should win most (if not all) of their games.

Historically, the basketball culture in San Antonio has always had high expectations which have frequently been let down. When DRob and Elliott joined the team, everyone in San Antonio thought a championship was just a few years away. One of the most physically-gifted, charismatic centers of all time combined with a stellar swingman was supposed to bring multiple rings. However, several forces combined to frustrate the Spurs for many years. While most of the blame should have been assigned to the people who actually played in the playoff games we lost to the Warriors, Suns, Rockets and eternally-reviled Jazz, many people felt bad about pointing a finger at such wonderful, likeable guys who just couldn't get it done. In San Antonio, DRob was almost above criticism because of his civic contributions and upstanding demeanor. As a result, Larry Brown, John Lucas, and Bob Hill took a lot of heat that was truly undeserved. Combined with the lingering animus over the firing of Bob Hill, Gregg Popovich has also had to endure this cultural tendency of criticizing the coach and apologizing the players.

While many other coaches on many other teams face this same fate, there are a few who haven't had to shoulder the load of their teams' failures. Jerry Sloan in Utah and Phil Jackson in LA are prime examples in the modern era, while Red Auerbach and Chuck Daly remained unsullied even on the rare occasions when their teams didn't live up to expectations.

Many fans in Detroit do the same thing to Larry Brown that Spurs fans have done to Gregg Popovich: languidly laudinng his successes while vehemently villifying his failures (sorry for the hokey alliterations). While not completely undeserved, I still feel embarrased when Spurs fans unnecessarily place too heavy a burden on the coach, blaming him when his players fail to perform. Now I know that there are plenty of people on this board who distributed blame freely to anyone they get upset at, but I still believe Pop gets the shaft more than he should.

Pop won the Coach of the Year award in 2003 while guiding the Spurs to 60 wins. Arguably, he should have won the award at least two or three times. He has a career winning percentage of .673 (second highest active, fifth highest all-time), and a career playoff record of 69-41 (.627, fifth highest all-time). He has led the Spurs to the league's best record three times in 10 years. He has won three NBA Championships in 9 full seasons of coaching. He is undoubtedly heading for the Hall of Fame, and when his career is over, he will be renowned as one of the greatest coaches of all-time. While none of this insulates him from criticism, it also should command respect from the people who have the most intimate knowledge of his career: Spurs fans. Everyone knows that David Robinson and Tim Duncan are gifts from God...San Antonio should realize that Gregg Popovich is too.

[T Park]

San Antonio should realize that Gregg Popovich is too

blasphamy around here.

Don't you know that if you dont rip up the coach after every loss, your a "homer"

[conqueso]

A Limerick for Mavsfan1000

There once was a ball team named Dallas,
Whose play often mimicked an Alice,
With their injuries three,
Mavsfans said "woe is me",
While the Finals were played at the Palace.


The End. :lol

Classic limerick! Here's a slight edit:

There once was a ball team from Dallas
Whose owner licked quite a large phallus
With their injuries three
Mavsfan1000 said "woe is me,"
While the Finals were played at the Palace

[cwalk989]

What I wonder about the Pistons is how many times can they dig themselves a 15, 17 point deficit in the first half, and then manage to pull it out in the second.

When we play the spurs our only worry will be to expand on a 15 point half time lead.

[samikeyp]

nice to see the Piston trolls are starting early. cwalk was here last year but got banned...he just added the 989.

[smeagol]

When we play the spurs our only worry will be to expand on a 15 point half time lead.
:blah :blah :blah :blah :blah

[SpurForLife]

When we play the spurs our only worry will be to expand on a 15 point half time lead.

Must not, shall not, feed the troll!!!

[Cant_Be_Faded]

it will be funny if neither spurs nor detroit make the finals this year

[cwalk989]

nice to see the Piston trolls are starting early. cwalk was here last year but got banned...he just added the 989.

Tryin to keep it clean this year. Me getting banned last year was a bunch of crap, I only got banned, because everything I said would happen in game 6 happened.

I hope you guys realize this year that the pistons are on a different level than anyother team in the league. Nobody is gonna be able to do anything with us in the playoffs this year. I can't wait.

[samikeyp]

You got banned because you were being a troll. The people who have the power to ban here don't ban you for getting a prediction correct. The other Piston fans here are capable of having mature basketball debate, why aren't you?

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

You got banned because you were being a troll. The people who have the power to ban here don't ban you for getting a prediction correct. The other Piston fans here are capable of having mature basketball debate, why aren't you?

Spurs suck! Pistons in 3....

[FreshPrince22]

it will be funny if neither spurs nor detroit make the finals this year

I would absolutely puke if it was a Miami/Dallas finals. :pctoss

[samikeyp]

Spurs suck! Pistons in 3....

:lol see? like this! :)

[samikeyp]

I would absolutely puke if it was a Miami/Dallas finals.

I would agree.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

LOL dallas is still too soft to make it to the finals

it will be phoenix and miami

[cwalk989]

You got banned because you were being a troll. The people who have the power to ban here don't ban you for getting a prediction correct. The other Piston fans here are capable of having mature basketball debate, why aren't you?

What have I said that isn't mature. Whenever I say the pistons are better than the spurs, you guys get your panty's all in a bunch, and say I not mature or whatever.

If I got banned last year, because of vulgar language it wasn't any worse than what any of you idiots said to me.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

pistons suck though

[samikeyp]

so now all Spurs fans are idiots?

[cwalk989]

pistons suck though

This is real mature right old proffesor

[samikeyp]

about as mature as this....


No chance at all!!!

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Pistons are the greatest jump shooting/free throw shooting/defensive/rebounding team in the history of the NBA. Not only do 4 of their starting 5 (plus mcdyess) shoot excellent jump shots from virtually anywhere on the floor, but everyone rebounds extremely well, and they get offensive rebounds like no other, play suffocating defense, and the guys that go to the line the most almost never miss free throws.

Chauncy billups can shoot a three whenever he wants to, at any point in the game, at any time, against any player. He also has perfected the "travel dribble" [for slow motion accurate footage, refer to his commercial from last year] to such a degree that he can get into the lane at will.
Tayshaun is so long and skinny and long that he can lock down any single player he guards at any time. He also is a jump shot master this season and can knock down the three when he pleases. His rebounding and putbacks and dunks are at the highest level of his career this season.
Ben Wallace has proved time and time again why he is a former 2 time DPOY (except against shaq), and is also slowly becoming a Jumpshot King.
Chauncy billups can hit threes any w here, any time, any place, from any spot on the court. If the pistons are down? Just go into the Chauncy Billups Three Offensive Mode. And if he misses? No worries, Pistons will always get that Offensive Rebound so he can shoot it again.

Tayshaun can also lock down any player he wants to, and get offensive rebounds.

[smeagol]

Pistons have yet to prove they can beat the Spurs in 7. Pistons' only difference from last year is the coach. The starting five are the same. Bench hasn't changed that much. Is that enough to beat the Spurs? Spurs bench, OTOH, has gotten deeper.

We'll see.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

The thing about the Pistons is that any time they are down in a game, their defense is still there, and Chauncy Billups can just dribble-travel up to the three point line, and sink a perfect swish Three. He can do this at any time. When the pistons are down? Just let chauncy sink the three.

And when he misses? Tayshaun, or the Wallaces will get that OR 99% of the time.

They're infallible. Chauncy threes.

[samikeyp]

The Pistons were only a quarter away from repeating are playing better than they were last year. IMO, they and the Spurs are the two favorites for the title. To say its a fact that the Spurs are a lock to repeat is foolish, to say its a fact they can't do it is equally foolish.

[cwalk989]

so now all Spurs fans are idiots?

If your gonna take what I say out of context, than there is no reason for you even to respond to any of my post.

To make this easier for you quote one thing that i've said that wasn't mature. Don't make yourself out to be and IDIOT, by saying things that aren't true, calling me a troll, or making what I say to be something that it isn't because you don't have and articulate enough answer to respond with.

For example of some of the ignornant things people would say to me last year was shit like, Detroit would roit if we won. How is that mature and what does stuff like that have to do with basketball.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Thinking about it, I realize now that it may even be pointless to have a postseason.

When you have such an mvp caliber player as Chauncy Billups, who can sink threes off balance, fading away, catch and shoot style, or off the dribble, or even the rare move he hardly busts out, pump faking and tricking the defender by actually pump faking so well both of his feet get off the ground THEN he sinks the perfect three swish.

Chauncy's three point shooting repetoire is amazing. Any single time in the game when the other Jumpshot Kings are missing their 22 footers, just pass it to chauncy and he'll dribble travel into position to sink that three.

He has to be without a doubt the greatest jump shooting/free throw shooting/big strong body point guard in the history of the game.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

And don't get me started on Chauncy's body. Hes so big and strong he can just overpower any mere normal point guard out of his way, and get into the lane (by dribble travelling) and either sink a J, finsih at the rim, or set up another Jumpshot King.

Chauncy is just so big and strong, so much bigger and stronger than other point guards. But if his short range J is off? Just pass it back to him and let him shoot that three :smokin Pistons are infallible.

[cwalk989]

about as mature as this....

When I said no chance at all. That was a response to what someone asked me. They asked if the spurs had a chance at beating the pistons and they don't.

Please explain what isn't mature about it. You are just posting anything right about now.

[samikeyp]

then whom were you referring to when you said this...


If I got banned last year, because of vulgar language it wasn't any worse than what any of you idiots said to me.

I was just quoting what you said. Or did you not say that?

and what is "and idiot"?


My point is this...your only purpose here is to cause problems. You are not here to have real basketball debate. If you want to do that...great. There is no problem with you thinking the Pistons are the best in the league or that they will win the title. That is your opinion and you are entitled to it. There were times this year when myself and other Spurs fans thought the Pistons were the best in the league. I think they have come back to the pack a bit but still, IMO, the best in the East.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

mvp finals goes like this:

jordan
jordan
jordan
olajuwan
olajuwan
jordan
jordan
jordan
Duncan
O'Neal
O'Neal
O'Neal
Duncan
BILLUPS
Duncan

See the pattern here? Chauncy is a master of hte finals mvp too
Greatest finals mvp ever

[samikeyp]

I do think Billups is an MVP candidate though.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

mvp finals goes like this:

jordan
jordan
jordan
olajuwan
olajuwan
jordan
jordan
jordan
Duncan
O'Neal
O'Neal
O'Neal
Duncan
BILLUPS
Duncan

See the pattern here? Chauncy is a master of hte finals mvp too
Greatest finals mvp ever

[Winnipeg_Spur]

I can't tell if CBF is being sarcastsic or not, but one thing I seriously have learned watching close Pistons games this season, Spurs absolutely have to put Bowen on Billups in the 4th and play him tight, try to take away the three. Whenever they need points, it seems like almost always it's Billups for three. I swear, it's like half their fourth quarter offense...

[cwalk989]

An idiot is a foolish or stupid person. A lot of people on here had nothing to say me about basketball last year, rather they talk about rioting in Detroit. My first post on here was a break down on how the Pistons would repeat and explain why. Doing nothing more than stating my opinion.

[samikeyp]

I agree Winnepeg. Today's game was almost like Detroit was toying with Phoenix. It was like "ok...run all you want....then in the 4th, we will get you." and it worked. I think it was CBF that said something about the roster is the same. It is but Flip has done a good job. I also think that Larry Brown and all the drama associated with him being gone, the Pistons look looser.

[Winnipeg_Spur]

Tryin to keep it clean this year. Me getting banned last year was a bunch of crap, I only got banned, because everything I said would happen in game 6 happened.
What happened in game 7? I forgot...

[samikeyp]

A lot of people on here had nothing to say me about basketball last year, rather they talk about rioting in Detroit

Those people who brought up the rioting were wrong, as were those Piston fans who started it with the anti-San Antonio smack.

Your opinion is fine as I said earlier, but you have to respect others opinions even if they aren't the same as yours, as others who differ from you should respect your opinion.

[Marklar MM]

What happened in game 7? I forgot...

Those damn refs.... :spin

[samikeyp]

Game 7 hadn't happened yet. His game 6 call was right on.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

I can't tell if CBF is being sarcastsic or not, but one thing I seriously have learned watching close Pistons games this season, Spurs absolutely have to put Bowen on Billups in the 4th and play him tight, try to take away the three. Whenever they need points, it seems like almost always it's Billups for three. I swear, it's like half their fourth quarter offense...




Ex-fucking-actly

Every single time the pistons are in a fix, need to win that meaningless little regular season game? Just hand it back to your finals mvp Chauncy Billups, and let him sink that three. Every single time.
Every time. He will shoot and make that three with a perfect swish.

And if you're all over him? He'll pump fake you so well that even TV Replays will show that both of his feet were like 6 inches off the ground, then sink that three right in your perplexed grill. And sometimes even get an and 1 for the Billups Four Point Play.

I think I remember Bowen stuffing the ever living shit out of The Piston Billups Three Offense when it really really counted, in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, game seven. I think. I'm not sure.
Is that what happened? Cuz, as a spectator, it spoke very highly of Bowen's mental grasp of the game (and billups style) if he somehow, some way, by some stroke of luck, managed to anticipate that all-too-unstoppable Billups Perfect Swish Three.

[cwalk989]

What happened in game 7? I forgot...

I got banned. Then the Pistons got cheated, by the refs, calling some bull fouls on CB who was dominating at any point he was in the game.

I like to look forward though and never in the past. The stones will get it done thought this year.

[samikeyp]

Those damn refs....

they got my check. :spin

[samikeyp]

Then the Pistons got cheated, by the refs call some bull fouls on CB who was dominating at any point he was in the game.

This is the lack of respect I am speaking of. You seem to think that the only way the Spurs could win was with the refs. There were BS calls both ways but refs don't decide game, players do. You don't give respect to the opponent's effort, whereas myself and a lot of Spurs fans (no not all) gave the Pistons their just props for their wins.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

I mean if you're a player on another team, and you're task is to match up against Finals MVP Chauncy Billups, do you or don't you go into the game expecting him to dribble travel to the three point line and shoot a three?

Do you or don't you try to take away that shot from Billups?
Apparently it doesn't matter, cuz noone, nothing, no player, no point guard can ever stop Billups from shooting his three and making it whenever he has the desire to do so. Except Bruce Bowen, in the final minutes of the final quarter of the final game of the championship series.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

To be fair, there's quite a few Spurs fans who believe the Spurs would have swept if it wasn't for the officiating....

[cwalk989]

Those people who brought up the rioting were wrong, as were those Piston fans who started it with the anti-San Antonio smack.

Your opinion is fine as I said earlier, but you have to respect others opinions even if they aren't the same as yours, as others who differ from you should respect your opinion.

I have no problem with anyones opinion. It appears you have a problem with mine though, by always referring to me and other pistons fans as trolls.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

The finals series was horribly officiated though. It's like the refs didn't know what to do with two elite defensive teams. At least it could have been consistent. When I saw the Pistons go to the line for the 30th time in one game I was convinced the series was fixed.

Then the next game neither team hardly goes to the line.
Ridiculoso

[samikeyp]

To be fair, there's quite a few Spurs fans who believe the Spurs would have swept if it wasn't for the officiating....

I agree...and they were just as delusional.


It appears you have a problem with mine though, by always referring to me and other pistons fans as trolls.

see...now you are just lying. In this thread I have propped up Pistons fans several times...you were the only one I called a troll and that was based on your behavior last year. By coming over here for the sole purpose of causing trouble, that makes you a troll. If that is not your intent this year, then it will be fun to talk hoops with you.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

The finals series was horribly officiated though. It's like the refs didn't know what to do with two elite defensive teams. At least it could have been consistent. When I saw the Pistons go to the line for the 30th time in one game I was convinced the series was fixed.

Then the next game neither team hardly goes to the line.
Ridiculoso


I'm sure that was after G2 though right?

:lol

The officiating was terrible from game to game...

[samikeyp]

The officiating was horrible pretty much all of last year. Hasn't been that much better this year.

[DisgruntledLionFan#54,927]

The officiating was horrible pretty much all of last year. Hasn't been that much better this year.


I don't mind blown or missed calls in a game. What I don't like is calling it tight, then letting them play, then calling it tight etc...

That's fucking stupid because the players are never allowed to adjust...

[samikeyp]

I agree.....keep it one way or the other.

[JamStone]

samikeyp,

Give it up. You are just not going to change the minds of some people. And, for the record, not all Spurs fans gave the Pistons their props after their wins. There are a few fans from every team that just won't do that. And, you know that as well as I.

[samikeyp]

I agree with you. That is why I said


You don't give respect to the opponent's effort, whereas myself and a lot of Spurs fans (no not all) gave the Pistons their just props for their wins

Sadly every team has idiot fans, we have them here too.

[Winnipeg_Spur]

I got banned. Then the Pistons got cheated, by the refs, calling some bull fouls on CB who was dominating at any point he was in the game.

I like to look forward though and never in the past. The stones will get it done thought this year.
That's a pretty pathetic excuse for an excuse. The whole series came down to the 4th quarter of that game, which started 57-57, and Billups played the whole 4th as I recall, so he got his opportunity to help determine the outcome.

I don't know how you can be so confident this year, since we've still got the refs in our pocket. :lol

Hopefully the Pistons will get cheated again. :lol

[FromWayDowntown]

I don't mind blown or missed calls in a game. What I don't like is calling it tight, then letting them play, then calling it tight etc...

That's fucking stupid because the players are never allowed to adjust...

It happens from game-to-game in a playoff series, but what really irks me is when officials will call things tight for a quarter or so and then loosen up, only to later call things tight again. If it's consistent in a game, you can't really complain much, I think; but if it's inconsistent within the context of a particular game, it's ridiculous.

For the record, I'm thankful for the many reasonable Pistons fans who visit with us here. They up the level of basketball discourse, which makes this much more fun. I hate the "Mavericks suck because they've never won anything" type of crap that too many use in this context; I'm a much bigger fan of reasoned arguments and thoughtful opinions.

[samikeyp]

We have some really good Pistons fans here.

[JamStone]

A lot of Pistons fans really enjoy this site.

[cwalk989]

A lot of Pistons fans really enjoy this site.

I know I do.

[Pistons < Spurs]

A lot of Pistons fans really enjoy this site.
:tu

[Marklar MM]

I like it because most of the people are intelligent...and that beast of a forum known as "The Club".

[samikeyp]

Marklar is the Marklar! :)

[Marklar MM]

Marklar Yeah!

[Tanya]

it will be funny if neither spurs nor detroit make the finals this year

That's true.
But don't worry~ if the pistons out before they meet the spurs, I will be cheering for the spurs from my home.

[Vizzini]

A lot of Pistons fans really enjoy this site.

Couldn't agree more.

[Vinnie_Johnson]

I like it because Spurs fans are smart and show alot of respect.

[Kori Ellis]

What have I said that isn't mature. Whenever I say the pistons are better than the spurs, you guys get your panty's all in a bunch, and say I not mature or whatever.

If I got banned last year, because of vulgar language it wasn't any worse than what any of you idiots said to me.

You got banned last year for just talking non-stop trash and not bringing any legitimate basketball takes. Part of it wasn't your fault because you got caught up in that whole lame "Detroit is ghetto" "San Antonio is Mexican" argument. But don't act like you were just an angel.

And now today you are doing the same type of thing with your take that the Spurs have "no chance". This is a Spurs board afterall. Have a little respect.

[Hassdabballman]

To be honest with you guys, as a piston fan, i would rather play the spurs over mavs or suns any day. We can play with any team and we can beat any team in the league, its just that dallas and phoenix scare me more then the spurs do.

[Trainwreck2100]

To be honest with you guys, as a piston fan, i would rather play the spurs over mavs or suns any day. We can play with any team and we can beat any team in the league, its just that dallas and phoenix scare me more then the spurs do.


seriously, they scare you more?

[dragonfly]

To be honest with you guys, as a piston fan, i would rather play the spurs over mavs or suns any day. We can play with any team and we can beat any team in the league, its just that dallas and phoenix scare me more then the spurs do.

If our teams meet in finals, I'd be glad it if this would be the way players and coaches would think about Spurs. Would mean a nice advantage. But then again, to get there we must beat western teams... so can't really see it happen. I think that finals series couldn depend on a daily shape and inspiration of some key players on both teams.

[Dunc]

To be honest with you guys, as a piston fan, i would rather play the spurs over mavs or suns any day. We can play with any team and we can beat any team in the league, its just that dallas and phoenix scare me more then the spurs do.

Are you serious? After this past week for both the Mavs (losing big to the Cavs and Magic) and Suns (getting the shit kicked out of them by New Jersey and then been shown who was boss today), you worry about those two teams more than the Spurs?

[JamStone]

I agree to a certain extent. It's not the talent or the experience or the actual quality of Dallas or Phoenix that presents more of a challenge than the Spurs. It's their "STYLE OF PLAY" that presents more of the challenge. The Spurs can play any style, but they are still more half-court oriented. The Suns and Mavs just jump out and run and run and run and run. The Pistons have played ok against those styles and still won. But, that style can just come at a team not used to it and build a 10 point lead like it was nothing. The Mavs got a 20+ point lead on the Pistons in the FIRST QUARTER. I think that's why some Pistons fans might rather play the Spurs over the Suns or Mavs. Spurs might be the better team of the three, but the styles of the Suns and Mavs really create problems for a team like Detroit which is not used to playing that breakneck, helter skelter, fast-paced style.

[freedom&justice]

:tu

:tu :tu

[cwalk989]

You got banned last year for just talking non-stop trash and not bringing any legitimate basketball takes. Part of it wasn't your fault because you got caught up in that whole lame "Detroit is ghetto" "San Antonio is Mexican" argument. But don't act like you were just an angel.

And now today you are doing the same type of thing with your take that the Spurs have "no chance". This is a Spurs board afterall. Have a little respect.

I'm gonna say whatever I want to, when some starts talkin the crap like people did last year. I talked trash back, but I'm pretty sure none of the guys who said the "detroit is ghetto" stuff got banned.

[mike detroit]

When I said no chance at all. That was a response to what someone asked me. They asked if the spurs had a chance at beating the pistons and they don't.

Please explain what isn't mature about it. You are just posting anything right about now.


It wasn't a mature opinion for the same reason it wasn't mature to say that the Pistons had no chance against the lakers 2 years ago. Mature people don't argue in absolutes.