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Pistons notebook: Detroit knows how to start on right foot
Web Posted: 06/09/2005 12:00 AM CDT
San Antonio Express-News
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/b...2f620e665.html
A common thread in the Pistons' recent postseason success has been their ability to seize control of playoff series early.
And playing on the road hasn't been a factor.
In the past two seasons, the Pistons are 6-1 in Game 1 of a playoff series. The only loss came in last year's Eastern Conference finals, but Detroit was able to steal Game 2 in Indiana.
They also won Game 1 of last year's NBA Finals at the Los Angeles Lakers and Game 1 of this year's conference finals at Miami.
"Last year, it was a big statement when we got Game 1 in L.A.," forward Rasheed Wallace said. "It doesn't necessarily have to be Game 1 (against the Spurs), but we're going to try to get one of these two."
Defensive poster boys: Detroit's Ben Wallace said he hopes the outstanding team defense expected to be on display in this series will help convince other players around the league to take pride in their defensive efforts.
"So many players in the league think their best defense is their offense, but when you think that way, you get too relaxed," said Wallace, adding that it should be no surprise that the teams that reached the Finals are defensive-minded squads.
"It's no accident at all. This league has built itself on offense, but the teams that win are usually the ones with guys that can come down and get stops and make plays on both ends of the floor."
ESPN NBA analyst Jack Ramsay agreed with Wallace, who won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award this season. He also won the award in 2002 and 2003.
"You have two very good defensive teams here that are extremely well coached," Ramsay said. "Both put a high priority on defense. It's the essence of their games and their offense very often comes out of their defense.
"It's good for basketball. You are going to see a very high level of team defense played in this series by both teams. It's a good showpiece for the NBA. Fans will like it. There will be hard-played, hard-fought, well-orchestrated games. It should be a terrific series."
Picking up the slack: Ben Wallace said a big key to the Pistons' success is their ability to spread responsibility and adjust their roles when teammates struggle.
"We're all pieces in the unit," Wallace said. "If one guy's failing or one guy's not hitting his shots, that puts a little more pressure on the other (guys). We're all working together in a smooth groove."
Firing up Rasheed: Detroit guard Chauncey Billups admitted Wednesday that playing with Rasheed Wallace sometimes can be frustrating. But not for the reasons people might think.
"Sometimes I get a little mad with him because he's sometimes a little too unselfish," Billups said. "Because I feel like he has a mismatch every night, I really do. So when we go to him and he's not looking to score, sometimes I have to get on him, and say, 'What are you doing man? Come on now, that's what we want.'"
Ready for Manu: Tayshaun Prince said he's prepared for anything while guarding the Spurs' Manu Ginobili.
"All left-handers are crafty players," Prince said. "They have a unique-type game, and he definitely has it."
But shouldn't it be easier for Prince because he's also a southpaw? "It doesn't help," he said.
EC phone home: Backup center Elden Campbell said he spent much of his time with Utah and New Jersey this season chatting with the Pistons via phone.
Detroit traded the 16-year veteran to the Jazz early in the season for Carlos Arroyo. After Utah released Campbell, he joined the Nets. He was reunited with his former teammates in March after the Pistons bought his contract.
"I kept in contact with the guys the whole time," the 7-foot, 280-pound Campbell said. "It's such a family unit."
Mike Finger, Tom Orsborn
