You, Me and DP

This play stupified me, in a good way. The degree of difficulty, the implications of the game...there I go again. Prince, adding to his legend.


Here we are, You, Me and the DP. Back in the Eastern Conference Finals. Back to where we were humbled last year by a Cavaliers team that went on to get massacred by the San Antonio Spurs. The Magic series was a good one. After Detroit turned it around vs. Philly I began to take notice of their focus, their energy level and their aggressive play. Let's be honest, that's what it comes down to at this point for the Pistons. They have been to the Conference Finals 6 consecutive times, 6 times! They know they can score. They know they can pass and rebound. They know they can get stops. The question is will they be focused and make their shots? Will their energy level power them to secure rebounds and recover loose balls? Will they be relentless on defense? Will they be physical and force their will? If they do the aforementioned they will win the NBA title this year. There, I said it. There is not a team out there that can match up when the Detroit Pistons are focused, sharing the ball and locking things up on D. Not LA, not San Antonio, not New Orleans, not the LeBrons or the Celtics.

First of all the backcourt (and Chauncey getting the chance to rest will be key) is a match-up nightmare. Billups is not terribly quick (though I have been impressed with the way he had been finishing at the rim before the infamous "stretch") but he is strong, he doesn't turn the ball over and he is a versatile scorer (in the paint on a post up or 26 ft. from the basket on a pull-up three). Besides that, Chauncey brings a stablizing effect and on-court leadership to every game he plays. No matter what the score I never feel like a game is out of reach when Number 1 is on the floor for Detroit.

Rip is hitting his stride at the right time. In game one versus Orlando he was hitting his jumper with such consitency that I nearly broke down in tears for the beauty of it all. He also reminded me during the Orlando series that he is 6'7", fast, and able to post up better than I thought he could. He was an assassin from the free-throw line allowing him keep the pressure on the Magic even when his jumper wasn't falling. Now throw in Stuckey at 6'5" with 15 pts., 6 assts. and 0 Turnovers in a close-out playoff game AND Lindsey, (what is the guy, like 80?) who can still lock people up and has a knack for hitting shots when the team needs him to, and you have the makings of a championship backcourt. (Rodney, you can consistently shoot over smaller, quicker, players and drive past bigger, slower, players.Plus you are money from the line. One of these days you will realize that you really cannot be stopped and I hope I'm around to see it).

By the way, if I had to pick a player of the game last night 'Dyess would edge out the rest of the team for his 4th quarter performance. 11 points and 9 Rebounds in the fourth quarter of a close-out playoff game after you just heard that your grandma who pratically raised you had died back in Miss.? Guts, heart, drive, focus. 'Nuff said.


Next: The Frontcourt, More McDyess, Uncle Rasheed and the Incredible J-Max.