Lifelong Pistons fan, guilty as charged. I am rooting for them to push everyone out of their way to win the championship this year. For game 4, my view is leave Chauncey Billups where he is. In the training room.
You saw what happened in game 3. Rodney Stuckey came alive. Yeah, our boys got whipped and slapped all over the court by the time the clock stopped. But let's look at the whole team. Stuckey was great. Tayshaun had a solid night. Hamilton did what he always does. Rasheed stunk. His shot was off, and his defense was missing a lot of the night. Ratliff was allowing Howard to get those 3's off pretty easily. My point is simple.
Regroup, refocus, and reenergize this team without jeopardizing the finals. Stuckey emerged like Tayshaun did when Carlisle inserted him as a starter a few years back to mix things up. We all remember "the block" he put on Reggie Miller that year. History and a player in the making. The same thing is beginning to happen with Stuckey. The problem is the other guys. They need to get their game back up to speed. Let Chauncey get the extra conditioning for his injury. You can always bring him back later against the Magic.
The strength of the Pistons is THE TEAM. NOT ONE PLAYER. Granted, Chauncey is normally in the driver's seat. But that is why Stuckey is here, because one day Billups will be gone. This team can find a way to come together and win this series without Chauncey if they really dig down deep. Just watch. But they can't moan and waste opportunities in game 4. They need to clamp down on defense, and play smart offensively. If they do, they can take this series in 5 games. Without Chauncey in the lineup. This could cement Flip Saunder's legacy in Detroit. Or confirm the doubts of his coaching skills. Just don't do anything that will permanently sacrifice Chauncey for when he is needed most, as in the next round and the finals. That's all I'm sayin'.
Can't agree with you more. I also believe that Lindsey Hunter is going to see a butt load of time. This is the reason Joe D has kept him sitting on the bench all season long. In the playoffs you can't buy a vet point guard. I think we should let Billups rest and see what stuck and hunter can do.
I agree MainManx, there is point in rushing him back. Stuckey and Lindsey can run the point well enough. Mine as well let him rest it up so we can have him to close it out in Detroit. Hamilton did what he always does.
I actually think Rip was terrible last game. Yes, he scored great (probably better than anyone besides Prince), but he wasn't on top of his game defensively and made too many stupid turnovers.
Sheed was no where to be seen last game. Howard had the post locked down on defense, and was dominating on offense as well. That needs to change if the Pistons want to win tomorrow.
It took tons of energy, and caused some bruising, but the key to erasing most of that 18-point deficit was driving hard to the rim and creating contact. Stuckey was nailing those free-throws. Tayshaun was hitting his stroke for some, too. For as "tough" as Sheed wants to say he is, he sure tends to back off and plays soft, like game 3. Drive to the hoop. Make those guys pay. The Magic started ringing up 3 and 4 fouls on most of their players when Detroit played like that. Then the stupid bug bit them mid way through the 4th, they panicked, and started jacking up 3's from what seemed like 90 feet away. Dig in and be tough, guys!
The strength of the Pistons is THE TEAM. NOT ONE PLAYER.
Thats why they should keep Chauncey on the bench.
I want them to NOT play Chauncey and start Lindsey Hunter. I think Lindsey is 100% capable of running the team. He can run all the plays and help get everyone involved.
Stuckey I would use more for scoring. He is not capable of running the team YET.
Lindsey is fully capable and I trust him to not make bad (rookie) mistakes.
I love having a complete TEAM. Someone goes down and there is always 2-3 players that can fill the void.
They could even suit him, but only use him as an emergency type thing. That way, you could get his presence on the court for a maybe a few minutes, but not run any serious risk of reaggrevating/worsening his injury.
Words spoken like a prophet MainMax. The Pistons sat Chauncey and managed to pull out a big win without him! Now there is no need to push him to get back in the lineup for game 5 if he is not ready.
Congratulations Pistons. Everyone looks like the hero today. Flip Saunders looks good in the win, the team picks up some defensive intensity, and Tayshaun, Rip and Lindsey play a big role in making the score stand up on top in the end. The big difference for the game, keeping Howard out of his comfort zone. Defense, baby. And we don't need Big Ben back to make the defense look good, either!
nice job Pistons sunday afternoon keep it going for tuesday night and i hope they go up 3-1 in the serries and play a good game and rebound well a good around all game
Stuckey and Hunter can fill in for Mr.Big Shot. It will also open things for Prince. He can play the point-forward role and become more involved with the offense.
