MVN - Most Valuable Network

Pistons Control From The Jump; Push 76ers To The Brink of Elimination

The Pistons finally did it. For about 47 of their 56 wins this season they’ve coasted through games but still manage to control every aspect of it. A 6 point deficit is really about 10 or 12. These are known as “Pistons-style games and for the first time they managed to get one this series.” They got in trouble for it for doing this because the Sixers had an unmatched sense of urgency in the first few games but they seemed to have left it in Philly.

Detroit took a 12-point lead into halftime and once again a run to start the 3rd quarter ended Sixers’ hopes. Motown takes a 3-2 series lead heading back to Philadelphia for the pivotal Game 6. Chauncey Billups returned to form scoring 21 points and dishing out 12 dimes. Rip had 20, Tay had 17 and Sheed’ chipped in with 19. The team collectively shot at a 58% rate compared to our 42%.

This game wasn’t the best example of this type of game because the Sixers didn’t play good and Detroit played excellent. All you need to look at is floor general Andre Miller’s 5-17 shooting night to have an idea of how the game went. Willie Green, who has been having a great series shot 3-10 himself. The only bright spot is Andre Iguodala seemed to have broken his slump. He had 21 points on 8-13 shooting. His all-around play remained turning in 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. His 6 turnovers are the only alarming thing.

We have found out in this series that Sixers defense is their best offense and when Detroit is making shots, the game becomes too slow. The 76ers’ defense wasn’t terrible, but when Detroit is really playing the Sixers need perfection. Chauncey controlled the tempo, Rip and Sheed did the scoring and Tayshaun did everything else. That’s Detroit Basketball.

The new mohawk Sam was sporting was the only good thing about his game tonight. in 30 minutes of action, he had 4 points, 6 rebounds and 3 fouls. To be effective on defense, we need Sam to be the force in the middle when somebody gets pass their defender (which is happening way too often). The re-assurance of having Sam back there allows people to stay with their man, cutting down 3-pointers.

In an ideal world, Andre Iguodala would build on this performance and Andre Miller and Sam Dalembert would get to back to normal next game. If this is was a “Pistons-style” game, then this next “win or go home” contest could be considered a “Sixers-style game.” When faced with adversity and written off by most, this team usually rises to the occasion. I know the Sixers will give it 110% and not hold anything back for the entire game. If they don’t win, I’ll be comfortable knowing this team played hard every single game this season.

Notes: Larry Brown has connected with former Tar Heel Michael Jordan in Charlotte to become the 3rd Bobcats coach in their history.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 at 10:31 pm and is filed under Andre Iguodala, Sam Dalembert, Andre Miller, Willie Green, Sixers, Sheed, North Carolina Tar-Heels, Michael Jordan, Chauncey Billups, Charlotte Bobcats, Richard Hamilton, Detroit Pistons, Defense, Larry Brown, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, Philadelphia 76ers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.