** NBA Conference Finals ** - Page 23

TheHip41 · #**221** 05-25-2006, 02:30 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Heat in 5. Mavs in 7.

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yeah, i don't think so. pistons in 7, still. The pistons played so horrible, and they were still in it near the end. They aren't going to shoot 15% from the field every game.

Also, they aren't going to be down 11-0 in a game again.

Schwartzy61 · #**222** 05-25-2006, 03:15 AM

Well, Wade and Shaq will play more than 30 minutes the next couple of games.

Detroit won't shoot 87% from the line.

And Detroit wound up shooting 38% from the field which isn't too far from what is probably expected.

Detroit wasted a perfect opportunity. They had Shaq and Wade sitting on the bench with foul trouble and the Heat actually increased the lead...

It'll be Heat in 6 or Detroit in 7...

llabb · #**223** 05-25-2006, 01:32 PM

I was surprised that not just one, but both underdogs won Game 1. Props to Miami and Phoenix. However, does anyone think that anything you saw in either of these games changes your expectation much?

I.e., does anyone who thought Detroit and Dallas would win their series actually think that Miami and Phoenix will now win?

And for the minority that initially thought Miami and Phoenix would win, you expected 6 or 7 game series, which probably meant expecting a split of the first 2. But do you now think they will also win Game 2?

llabb · #**224** 05-25-2006, 01:44 PM

Question for Detroit supporters: How confident are you in the Pistons to win Game 2, and then the series?

Like most others, I expect them to bounce back and win tonight. However, that is what we expected in Game 4 of the Cleveland series as well, after losing Game 3. And certainly in Game 5 at home, after losing 2 straight.

The fact of the matter is that the Pistons have now lost 4 of their last 6 games outright, which they were all expected to win. They did not bounce back against Cleveland until a desperate Game 7. They are now tired and somewhat injured. Their defense is not as tight as past Det teams. Rasheed, in particular, is somewhat gimpy, and Flip has said he will bench him more and use McDyess more.

Not trying to bash Det, just trying to assess them honestly, when in the past they've been viewed as a superteam and extremely strong lock to win at least the East, minimum.

Hornacek · #**225** 05-25-2006, 02:11 PM

llabb-

This is the first year we were considered "favorites". Even once the playoffs started, the Spurs were considered favorites.

The Pistons never blow anyone out. They haven't swept anyone in the last 5+ years. All they do is play grinding playoff basketball and wear you down over the course of a series. Over the course of a 7 game series, an offense can sputter, but a defense probably won't. That's why defense wins championships. That's why experts say it is VERY hard to beat the Pistons 4 games out of 7.

Is this our year? I don't know. We will bounce back, but this Miami team looks strong. I am expecting a win tonight, but I'm scared which team is going to show up: the Pistons team from the last 6 games (minus game 7), or the Regular Season monster. Even if we lose tonight, we nearly came back to win last year's Finals after going down 2-0.

Finally, Sheed and Rip. Our two keys. How bad are their injuries? I've been worried about Hamilton since Round 1. His injury seems legit; he is not even close to playing like his normal self. Sheed seems more reserved too. These two ultimately determine our fate. If their injuries are serious, there is VERY little chance we have against Miami AND Dallas/Phoenix. We need those horses.

llabb · #**226** 05-25-2006, 04:10 PM

Some good points, Horn. Do you think your thoughts are indicative of most Pistons supporters? I used to think it was a lock that Det would beat Mia, but am not sure now. It would be interesting to me if most Pistons supporters were not confident anymore. Towards the beginning of the playoffs they were 4:1 to win the East, so they were a clear favorite.

In completely unrelated news, D-Wade was seen playing poker late last night in Greektown Casino in Detroit, until the wee hours of morning actually. Is he a night owl and sleeps during the day? Because I find it odd that on a gameday of one of their most important playoff series ever, he's up gambling until 5:30 am and beyond.

Hornacek · #**227** 05-25-2006, 04:30 PM

wow. I am SHOCKED that Riles didn't enforce a curfew. I'm not too surprised about the poker thing; there's not much of a nightlife in dTown outside of GTC, MCC, MGM, and Windsor.

tuq · #**228** 05-25-2006, 04:42 PM

Horny,

Forget about all the minute details: the Pistons are going to win tonight, per me. This is way more binding than if it was guaransheed.

Aloysius · #**229** 05-25-2006, 04:42 PM

[ QUOTE ]
wow. I am SHOCKED that Riles didn't enforce a curfew.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, isn't that standard for most teams? Especially a hard-ass like Riley?

Maybe D-Wade just gets to do what he wants.

-Al

Hornacek · #**230** 05-25-2006, 04:48 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Horny,

Forget about all the minute details: the Pistons are going to win tonight, per me. This is way more binding than if it was guaransheed.

[/ QUOTE ]

Goddamn it tuq, you just gave Miami some locker-room motivation material. You bastard.

If we lose tonight the Miami media and press are going to roast you alive.