Detroit Pistons vs. San Antonio Spurs series thread

[IndianBaller27]

The two best defensive teams in the NBA clash in the NBA Finals. How fun is this gonna be?

I think the Pistons will win in 7. Rasheed Wallace will be the Finals MVP.

What do y'all think?

[WackyJacky]

I predict a SWEEEEEEEEEP for the Spurs. :D

[akhhorus]

I think Detroit would be lucky to win one. They're a good defensive team, but the Spurs are light years ahead of them at playing defense. Duncan vs. One of the Wallaces and Billips, Hamilton and Prince trying to crack Bowen, Parker and Manu. The Spurs just shut down one of the greatest offenses of the last 5-10 years and detroit has been seriously struggling to score points. On top of that, they only beat Miami because Wade and Shaq were hurt; if both them were healthy, the Heat would have swept them. And on top of that: they have to try and slow down Duncan without hacking themselves to death. I think Spurs in 5(and that probably generous), Duncan is MVP. The Pistons wont get the calls they got in the Eastern Conference playoffs, so expect some meltdowns on their part.

[SkinsASchamps]

My vote goes to the spurs because they are a lot like the patriots. One flashy name Duncan (brady). A good defense (bowen is shut down, and the rest aint bad). Good parts to run the system (Parker and Ginobli). Spurs will win in 6 is my prediction.

[skinfanjon]

Im going Spurs in 6. The biggest factor to me is the bench. Detroit just doesn't have much in that department, though I think they match up evenly on the starting lineup. The only reason I think Detroit will win a couple is because Parker is bound to have a couple of bad games. And when Parker struggles, SA struggles.

[ShaggySkins]

I like the Spurs in 6. I think it will take them atleast 1 game to get the rust off but after that they can defend as well as the Pistons, are a deeper team and have more offensive weapons. MVP of the Finals will be Manu Ginobili but the surprise player who will be key is Brent Barry.

[skinfanjon]

Well, chalk game 1 up to the Spurs...man, Ginobili is something. I won't be shocked if he is MVP. Several things jump out at me about this game:

1. The Wallaces COMBINED for 11 points, that needs to be at least 25, probably 30

2. Prince and Hamilton combined 11-33 FG's, both at 33%

3. Steady Needy Duncan, always clutch, always on par

4. Despite a modest stat line, Parker was EXTREMELY active and was effective.

5. Billups was Detroit's only reliable offensive threat.

I expected Detroit to play their worst game of the series tonight, and I think they did. Game 2 should be a much better effort, but I still think the Spurs pull that one out at the end. If Detroit wants to have a chance, they better rectify the first two points I made above.

I'm still saying 6 games, but a comfortable 6, ala Chicago vs the Sonics in the fourth running of the Bulls.

[IndianBaller27]

Damn... LETS GO DETROIT IS GAME 2!!!

[akhhorus]

The most telling thing about Game 1 was that Detroit played the best defense that I've seen them play all playoffs, and San Antonio played even greater defense. And the Pistons couldn't stop the Spurs. The Pistons have to win tomorrow night or it is over.

[skinfanjon]

The most telling thing about Game 1 was that Detroit played the best defense that I've seen them play all playoffs, and San Antonio played even greater defense. And the Pistons couldn't stop the Spurs. The Pistons have to win tomorrow night or it is over.

I agree that Detroit played their best d of the postseason...for about 43 of the full 48 minutes. All of a sudden with about 10 minutes to go in the 4th, Detroit broke down defensively and allowed SA to get easy looks. At 10:22 left, the score was 55-53, SA. Over the next 6 or so minutes, Detroit was outscored 19-4, with 10 of the points SA scored coming on layups or jumpers within 4 feet, and an additional 3 points from the free throw line. The other 3 buckets were jump shots of 11, 15, and 19 feet. By the time Detroit realized there was a game being played and pulled themselves together, the damage had been done: the score was 74-57 with only 5:24 remaining in the game. Although Detroit managed to pull it within 7 in the final 3 minutes, they couldn't overcome thier poor play during that devastating 5 minute stretch.

Not suprisingly, the sequence that occurred at the 10:22 mark was the charge/block play between Wallace and Ginobili, which was called on Wallace and led to a technical foul. Detoit was obviously shaken either mentally or emotionally. IMO, if that play was called a charge, the game would have stayed close and perhaps that may have been a turning point where Detroit could have taken the momentum and gone on a run. But the Pistons lost their composure, as Akkhourus warned us about, and it all unravelled.

[skinfanjon]

It's hard to disagree that if Detroit loses game 2 that the series is over. I personally don't see any way Detroit can beat the Spurs 4 games out of 6, which is what they would have to do from this point on just to win in 7. Certainly a win in game 2 would help, but it will only delay the inevitable. I predict a close Spurs win in Game 2, this time with Duncan being the catalyst down the stretch. The Pistons will do everything possible to contain Ginobili's penetration and turn him into a shooter, which should leave the door wide open for Mr. Fundamental. Spurs bench also plays a much bigger role in the win.

[akhhorus]

I agree that Detroit played their best d of the postseason...for about 43 of the full 48 minutes. All of a sudden with about 10 minutes to go in the 4th, Detroit broke down defensively and allowed SA to get easy looks. At 10:22 left, the score was 55-53, SA. Over the next 6 or so minutes, Detroit was outscored 19-4, with 10 of the points SA scored coming on layups or jumpers within 4 feet, and an additional 3 points from the free throw line. The other 3 buckets were jump shots of 11, 15, and 19 feet. By the time Detroit realized there was a game being played and pulled themselves together, the damage had been done: the score was 74-57 with only 5:24 remaining in the game. Although Detroit managed to pull it within 7 in the final 3 minutes, they couldn't overcome thier poor play during that devastating 5 minute stretch.

Not suprisingly, the sequence that occurred at the 10:22 mark was the charge/block play between Wallace and Ginobili, which was called on Wallace and led to a technical foul. Detoit was obviously shaken either mentally or emotionally. IMO, if that play was called a charge, the game would have stayed close and perhaps that may have been a turning point where Detroit could have taken the momentum and gone on a run. But the Pistons lost their composure, as Akkhourus warned us about, and it all unravelled.

Detroit always falls apart emotionally when they realize that the refs aren't going to let them get away with the calls they want/demand. They're like a 6 year old who has been told no. They are the biggest whiners-along with Brown-to the refs in the NBA. And they only win when the refs let them get away with everything and if the refs call it someone even, half the Pistons get in foul trouble early. Now the Spurs got called for 3-4 cheap fouls early in game 1, but you didn't see them whine to the refs.

[SkinsASchamps]

Detroit always falls apart emotionally when they realize that the refs aren't going to let them get away with the calls they want/demand. They're like a 6 year old who has been told no. They are the biggest whiners-along with Brown-to the refs in the NBA. And they only win when the refs let them get away with everything and if the refs call it someone even, half the Pistons get in foul trouble early. Now the Spurs got called for 3-4 cheap fouls early in game 1, but you didn't see them whine to the refs.


I agree with what you are saying but Tim Duncan, who i respect and think is the best player in the league, bitched moaned all game and because he is TD the refs didnt do anything about it. He is respected by the refs and it was a home game which skews the refs judgement. Detroit needs to grow up but they dont get the equal treatment like TD does (the MJ rule extended).

[WackyJacky]

Ooooooooh, guess who's going to the game toniiiiiiiiight!!! Yup, I'll be up in the cheap seats, which ain't so cheap these days. Sweeeeeeeet! :D

[akhhorus]

I agree with what you are saying but Tim Duncan, who i respect and think is the best player in the league, bitched moaned all game and because he is TD the refs didnt do anything about it. He is respected by the refs and it was a home game which skews the refs judgement. Detroit needs to grow up but they dont get the equal treatment like TD does (the MJ rule extended).

Duncan knows how to do it properly. Don't show them up, don't be emotional. Whenever: Rasheed, Ben Wallace, Billips, Larry Brown or the entire pistons team gets a call at all, they run over and whine. And if the refs still don't give them the calls they demand, they start losing it. Stan Van Gundy might have been bitter, but he was speaking the truth when he made his comments about the Pistons' whining. If the refs called most pistons' games fairly accurate and even, the Pistons would be lucky to win 45 games.

[chrisbcbu]

The spurs are just to dominate for the Pistons. I hope its not a sweep, just because i like to watch good games, but i want the Spurs to win in 7 since this could be the last season of b-ball for a little bit since they are probably going to be locked out next season.

[skinfanjon]

It's obvious Detroit can't win in SA, but does anybody think they will win 2 of 3 at home and take this to a game 6? I'll stick with my earlier prediction and say yes, but i think a 5 game series is likely at this point.

[skinfanjon]

Huge win for the Pistons. I think the Spurs bounce back and take Game 4.

[WackyJacky]

I predict a SWEEEEEEEEEP for the Spurs. :D
Spurs in 5!!! :D

[Santheb]

Well, my prediction was Spurs in 5 and at most 6..but they just got blown out tonight by 31 points. Who is going to give me my crow?

[IMALILTEAPOT]

deeeeeeeetrioott baasssssssketballlllll.....



even though im a wiiiiiiiiiiiizzzzzzaaaaaarrrrdsssssss fan

[Minnesota Mike]

Spurs in 5!!! :D

Do I hear 6?

[WackyJacky]

Do I hear 6?
Six!!!

(OMG they SUCKED last night!)

[WackyJacky]

Whew, game 5 was too close! I can't tell you how glad I am that the Spurs got out of Detroit with a win. Thank you, "Big Shot Bob"!

[Seebs]

Big Shot Rob!
He asked for the Rob, not the Bob!

[GibbsRules!]

Robert Horry is good for one game winning shot in the playoffs when his team needs it most. The man has ice in his veins it seems.

I'd take him over anyone in the league right now if a game was on the line and my team needed a game winner...unbelievable.

[WackyJacky]

Big Shot Rob!
He asked for the Rob, not the Bob!
Duncan teases him by calling him Big Shot Bob, or Big Shot Bobby. I'm just going with what Tim says! :D

That was a huge game for the Spurs. I hope we can finish 'em off on Tuesday. I can't take another nail-biter like last night.

[IMALILTEAPOT]

that shot bu horry was great, but that dunk he had, what the hell??? he just jumped out of nowhere

[chrisbcbu]

that shot bu horry was great, but that dunk he had, what the hell??? he just jumped out of nowhere

that dunk was incredible. It should have been a offensive foul. But Rip Hamilton started falling before he got hit. What a wuss. Take the charge!!!

[lakeskin]

That was the best finals performance by player since Kobe's game 4 show against the Pacers. Horry hit EVERY big shot in that game. He took over and won the game for the spurs. Unbelievable. Usually he just hits one big shot and calls it a series, but last night shot after pressure shot. I was amazed.

That's it for Detroit btw. No way they win 2 in SA.

[Santheb]

Big Shot Bobby!

Oh, and I guess we know that the Duncanbot is human after all. Well, at least I think so. I was laughing at his post-game conference thing when he was describing Horry's season.

[IndianBaller27]

nooooo!!!

LETS GO PISTONS IN GAME 6 TONIGHT!!!

[skinfanjon]

that shot bu horry was great, but that dunk he had, what the hell??? he just jumped out of nowhere

He forgot he was Robert Horry and just took off....There are moments in sports when guys make plays they have no business making simply because they don't think about it. Horry was playing on instincts, took it to the rack, and blacked out. Next thing he knew his arm hurt from being stretch armstrong on the court. UNBELIEVABLE

[The Skinsinator]

He forgot he was Robert Horry and just took off....There are moments in sports when guys make plays they have no business making simply because they don't think about it. Horry was playing on instincts, took it to the rack, and blacked out. Next thing he knew his arm hurt from being stretch armstrong on the court. UNBELIEVABLE

That dunk was insane. It almost looked Jordanlike with the reach and the defender totally getting dissed.

[akhhorus]

He forgot he was Robert Horry and just took off....There are moments in sports when guys make plays they have no business making simply because they don't think about it. Horry was playing on instincts, took it to the rack, and blacked out. Next thing he knew his arm hurt from being stretch armstrong on the court. UNBELIEVABLE

And Rasheed made one of the single stupidest moves ever in the NBA finals: Leave the guy who has hit four 3 pointers in the 4th quarter and is known for clutch shots in the playoffs for the guy who has been cold all night. Unless Rasheed has 50 points in each of the last two potential games, he is Least Valuable Player of the Finals.

[IndianBaller27]

It's gametime folks!!!!

[GibbsRules!]

It's gametime folks!!!!

Here we go IB! My wife is from right outside Detroit. She has a friend that was on the court for the first game at the Palace and said it was intense. I think they'll miss that home cooking this time...Detroit is a relentless team though.

[WackyJacky]

Fuuu...dge! Game 7, here we come. :banghead:

[GMUskinsfan]

Rasheed comes though in the clutch with 5 fouls haha, as shakespeare once said "tempt not a desperate man." The pistons will win in 7 to put it in the face of all those who said they'd be swept.

[chrisbcbu]

I hope its not a sweep, just because i like to watch good games, but i want the Spurs to win in 7.

Hahah this is what i wanted so hopefully the Spurs will win it in game 7. They need to pick it up if they are going to. Maybe get some Pistons into foul trouble especially Billups.

[akhhorus]

There was one play last night, that just is the perfect example of why I don't like the Pistons and think they are bad for the NBA. Duncan gets the ball in the paint in the mid 3rd quarter. McDyess hacks him and gets called for the foul. He spends the next minute or so doing this big production to the refs on how it was a terrible call. And then ABC showed the replay--he obviously fouled him, it wasn't close. If the Pistons would do what the Spurs did and just take the fouls without whining, I wouldn't mind them. But any team that spend 2 days during the NBA finals whining that there is a conspiracy of refs against them doesn't deserve to be there. And, throughout the Playoffs, when the Pistons don't get the calls they want, they lose. They cannot win if the game is called fairly.

[chrisbcbu]

There was one play last night, that just is the perfect example of why I don't like the Pistons and think they are bad for the NBA. Duncan gets the ball in the paint in the mid 3rd quarter. McDyess hacks him and gets called for the foul. He spends the next minute or so doing this big production to the refs on how it was a terrible call. And then ABC showed the replay--he obviously fouled him, it wasn't close. If the Pistons would do what the Spurs did and just take the fouls without whining, I wouldn't mind them. But any team that spend 2 days during the NBA finals whining that there is a conspiracy of refs against them doesn't deserve to be there. And, throughout the Playoffs, when the Pistons don't get the calls they want, they lose. They cannot win if the game is called fairly.

Rasheed Wallace did the same thing on his 5th foul. jumped up and down and basically ran back to the bench screaming. I thought they gave him a Technical for it, but they didnt.

[akhhorus]

Rasheed Wallace did the same thing on his 5th foul. jumped up and down and basically ran back to the bench screaming. I thought they gave him a Technical for it, but they didnt.

Rasheed and all the pistons do that whenver they are called for a foul. It's always an unfair outrage if the refs dare to whistle them. Brown does that if the Pistons miss a shot, he goes and whines to the refs. Thats the only reason they have won in the playoffs this year-whenever the refs call the game evenly, they lose.

[BigCountry]

And Duncan keeps his mouth shut all game long. I'm so sick and tired of hearing about what a class act he is when he complains about every foul called against him with that dumb innocent look.

[akhhorus]

And Duncan keeps his mouth shut all game long. I'm so sick and tired of hearing about what a class act he is when he complains about every foul called against him with that dumb innocent look.

Duncan doesn't do interpretive dance like the Pistons do whenever a foul is called on him. He doesnt spend 2 days during the NBA finals whining about a conspiracy against him.

[WackyJacky]

Rasheed Wallace did the same thing on his 5th foul. jumped up and down and basically ran back to the bench screaming. I thought they gave him a Technical for it, but they didnt.
I realy thought they were gonna give him a T for that. Kind of surprised me that they didn't because his behavior was pretty outrageous right then.

Everyone complains when they get called for a foul, but too many players go completely overboard with it. Duncan will go up to the refs to get an explanation, but what he does is nothing compared to the hissy fits that Rasheed & Co. throw.

It looked to me like Detroit was hungrier and wanted the win more than the Spurs did. The Spurs played okay but not great, and they sure didn't have the same level of intensity as the Pistons. They better realize what it is they're there for, and really go after it on Thurs. night.

Spurs in 7! :D

[GMUskinsfan]

Duncan and Popovich whine just like EVERY OTHER nba player and coach does, i wouldn't be quick to lock in the spurs for a win in game 7. When the game was on the line rasheed wallace and the pistons showed up while duncan and the spurs disappeared in game 6.
I don't know who will win but remind me again how many rings duncan has without david robinson on the team.

[BigCountry]

Duncan doesn't do interpretive dance like the Pistons do whenever a foul is called on him. He doesnt spend 2 days during the NBA finals whining about a conspiracy against him.

Where's the fun in that though? Ok I admitt I'm biased because I despise the Spurs but my point was Duncan complains as much as anyone, he's just not as animated.

[chrisbcbu]

I was hoping this series would go to 7 games. Otherwise it would have been a crappy series. I expect the Spurs to come out on all cylinders this game. This is the last game of the season. Gotta put it all on the line.

The spurs need to attack Billups if they want to win. With Billups doing nothing they have no chance to beat the Spurs.

[IndianBaller27]

I hate Chauncey more than anyone in the league, but I want him to come through HUGE tonight.

[WackyJacky]

I hate Chauncey more than anyone in the league, but I want him to come through HUGE tonight.
:devil2:



(j/k)

Gosh, I can't believe I'm actually nervous. I normally don't get so worked up over basketball...and I have no nails left to bite after Game 5.

We tried to talk our boss into letting us open the store late tomorrow, on account of how we would all be up late celebrating. But he said no. :rolleyes:

[IndianBaller27]

ooooooooooooo man.... Just a 1 point game at halftime.

lol Jacky, I'm on my summer break. Don't you wish you were still a kid? :D

[WackyJacky]

lol Jacky, I'm on my summer break. Don't you wish you were still a kid? :DYes! :) I have to be at work at 4:30 a.m. My alarm clock goes off in about 6 hours...and it's only halftime!

[GibbsRules!]

Yes! :) I have to be at work at 4:30 a.m. My alarm clock goes off in about 6 hours...and it's only halftime!
Don't feel bad WJ, mine goes off at 4am. If the Spurs win you won't feel the least bit tired. :)

[WackyJacky]

If the Spurs win you won't feel the least bit tired. :)True dat.

My stomach is in knots!

[akhhorus]

Great game 7, great series. The Spurs are bringing over an Argentinian forward who has been described as Manu only 3 inches taller. And the best part of the NBA offseason, no 6 months until the draft. Its on wednesday I believe.

[WackyJacky]

Whooop! Wow, what a game. The Spurs really stepped it up in the 2nd half. I almost think Horry should be MVP!

Okay, as much as I want to go downtown and party, I'm going to bed now. Gotta be up in 4 1/2 hours...it'll be more like a big nap than a night's sleep!

Whoop again!

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

congrats to the spurs on their win and to jacky! you can stop biting those fingernails now. :)

[BigCountry]

Oh well...I think I'm gonna be sick but oh well.

[GibbsRules!]

Whooop! Wow, what a game. The Spurs really stepped it up in the 2nd half. I almost think Horry should be MVP!

Okay, as much as I want to go downtown and party, I'm going to bed now. Gotta be up in 4 1/2 hours...it'll be more like a big nap than a night's sleep!

Whoop again!

Congrats to the Spurs and especially WackyJacky!

I'm sure Riverwalk will rockin all weekend. Enjoy!

[chrisbcbu]

That was a great series. I was hoping it would be. Looks like home court advantage paid off for the Spurs. Duncan was just too dominate in the 4th quarter this game that he wouldnt be denied.

[lakeskin]

Congrats WackyJacky! In my eyes the Spurs had the best team all year. Thanks to the Spurs for restoring order and returning the Ship back to the Western conference. Enjoy!!!

[IMALILTEAPOT]

Im so funny. Theres a game 7 on between 2 great teams for the championship, and i go out and watch a movie with my cousins. lol, oh well, congrats to the spurs

[skinfanjon]

Im so funny. Theres a game 7 on between 2 great teams for the championship, and i go out and watch a movie with my cousins. lol, oh well, congrats to the spurs

I would tune in to game 7 of a ping pong series, but that's just me....maybe even NHL :Peace:

Great game, great series, congrats to both teams for "playing the right way". It seems to me that Horry has replaced Parker in the Spurs big 3. Parker's averages for the series were decent, but I don't think he had much of an impact. Going up against Chauncey can have that effect, though.

[WackyJacky]

http://home.satx.rr.com/bubbleswondercat/parade12ss.jpg
Tony Parker's float during the Spurs' river parade celebration.

Can't wait for next year! :)

[Seebs]

I would tune in to game 7 of a ping pong series, but that's just me....maybe even NHL :Peace:

Great game, great series, congrats to both teams for "playing the right way". It seems to me that Horry has replaced Parker in the Spurs big 3. Parker's averages for the series were decent, but I don't think he had much of an impact. Going up against Chauncey can have that effect, though.
TP is just 23. he needs to mature. Manu is 28 (and was multiple MVP in Europe), Rob is just a clutch player.