Pistons/Magic 2nd Round Game 5, May 13th, 7:00 PM TV - TNT Can the Pistons take care of their business and end this in five, so Billups can heal. Or, will Jameer Nelson`s guarantee come to pass and force a game six in Orlando?
I think the Pistons win a tight contest. Billups will play sparingly. Flip needs to convince these guys not to take this team lightly despite the 3-1 lead. Finish 'em off and on to the ECF.
They definitely need to take it seriously. The games have been hard fought, and Orlando could totally steal one in Detroit if we don't watch out. With that said, I doubt the Pistons let their guard down. I say Billups will be available but will not start, and the Pistons win convincingly with strong performances from Max and Stuckey. GO PISTONS!!!
Pistons win the series in 5 after a glorious victory. They're standing tall and proud and want to make a playoff statement as they go. So it is written. So it shall be done.
The key is whether or not we have figured out their offense. Since mid-game 2, they have been able to run their offense way too smoothly. We need to pressure their guards more. Lewis has been a problem. Sheed has slowed some with age and doesn't seem to be able to handle him outside. On the other hand, Sheed has done well with Howard. Tay has had problems with Hedo. Hedo did a lot of damage in the 4th quarter in game 4. Nelson only drives right yet we seem to be unable to contain his drive as we should. Still, I think we have seen what they are about and hopefully, we can get some adjustments from this slow moving (historically) coaching staff whoever is in the game. The key is not who we play so much as to how we play. That said, I wouldn't mind seeing key defensive short stint substitutions using Afflalo and yes, even Amir. But for the limited purpose of jamming their offense up. I would like to see Theo in when Howard is out to be a shot blocking force.
9.2 DR, Bup-Bup very iffy. Nelson and Dooling better be careful they don't go back to Florida in a body bag. Stern rules of an elimination game anything can happen. How does this taste Or., 4 and 1, 1 and 4 ... back to the drawing board.
The questions for me are all about the Magic, not the Pistons. The Magic team hasn't shown a lot of discipline, mental toughness or focus. Faced with having to win 3 in a row, will they battle to the final buzzer, or will they roll over if they are down, early or late? These guys don't have a lot of playoff experience. A meltdown would be appropriate.
Got to have much better rotations if we want to win. Use the bench. Inactivating Amir this game will be a mistake IMO, inactivate Arvis and play AA at back-up SF. He has shown the ability to guard Lewis as well. We won despite some iffy coaching in Game 3. Go back to starting Max, and let Stuck run the pick n roll. He should be ALOT more comfortable at home. Magic will come out like they have nothing to lose, and if they win this game, we're in trouble. If Flip utilizes the right bench players, we should be fine. The bench has been able to lock up the Magic in the 2nd quarter. He needs to learn to sub them in the 3rd as well. Keep fresh bodies on the floor, keep the defensive energy up, move the ball. And Rip needs to play under control again. Also i think Tay's problems w/ Hedo have alot to do with shouldering more of the offensive load, and the insane min he's playing. If AA can guard Lewis, he can keep Turkeyglue in front of him.
couldn't have said it better myself. i'll be at the game and hoping to see the pistons as the 1st team advance to the conference finals.
Um, still no play him or sit him poll on CB. IMO we dress Billups, but start Stuckey.... If Stuckey is suckey, then play CB sparingly and dress Hunter too for oldtimes sake. Dixon and Amir can sit. If we are able to get a lead and maintain it without CB, then he can rest and mend until the ECF starts. However this is a close out game and we do not need to play anymore games until the ECF. So they need to take care of business Tuesday so that Rip and Tay can get a breather too for a few days.
I don't think that the defense is an issue as much as the offense is. When they toughen up defensively, Sheed has been able to shut down Lewis (when he wanted to) and they make Howard uncomfortable, Tay can hold the fort down against Hedo. I think the key is to shut the little one up. If Pistons guards can stay in Nelson's grill for the game and make him play defense, it will be a much easier game for the whole team.
We were pretty lucky to win that game with one of our best players on the bench. I have to say I had my doubts. I thought he would have to get at least 5 seconds of of playing time.
You're absolutely correct (I believe this picture was taken prior to the tracheotomy/voice-box installation that Henry had after his brief stint with the Albany Patroons of the CBA). You REALLY know your hoops man!
