My high school basketball coach used to tell us to “get stuck in early.” He’d say this at the beginning of the game and then again at half-time. You see, basketball is a cyclical game of emotional runs with Uncle Mo (momentum) jumping from bench to bench several times a quarter, but the team that “gets stuck in early” typically has an added advantage of playing with an early lead and not having to lure Mo with intense defense, a monster dunk, or 3-pointer from the parking lot.
The Pistons have played two games in a row now where they’ve allowed their opponent to jump out to an early lead. In game four one could easily point to the early turnovers or the fact that the Bulls shot 49.3% to Detroit’s 37.3% (not including 3pt attempts). Last night was more of the same. Bulls shot 57.3% (43-75) from the field and an amazing 62.5% (10-16) from downtown. That compared to Detroit shooting 42.3% (33-78) and 26.3% (5-19).
In the NBA all teams can shoot for the most part. When I see a high shooting percentage for the entire game it leads me to believe they were not pressured enough. Appropriate adjustments were not made to change the Bulls’ shooting rhythm. Not making adjustments can and should be pinned on Flip Saunders, but the lack of urgency and focus has to be put on the players and perhaps Chauncey. The team has been playing defense any Western Conference team would be embarrassed to play. Where’s the Pistons Playoff tough-guy mentality? I thought I heard McDyess say something about not allowing a free pass through the lane? I guess that didn’t apply to Kirk Hinrich.
Pistons should have played a total of 12 games in route to the Finals Championship Series. Now I can’t even be sure this team can win this series.
Game 6 is back in Chicago. Can the Stones get stuck in early or will they be run over by the Bulls? Stay tuned.
More from around the NBA…. David Stern continues to prove why he’s the best commissioner in professional sports. Even in the midst of what is considered by most as one of the best series in recent NBA history Stern threw down a 2 game suspension on Robert Horry and 1 game suspension to Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw for their actions in game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals. This morning, media was critical of the suspensions and feared they would drastically alter the outcome of the series. They are probably right, maybe next time a professional athlete feels they need to fight they’ll think of their teammates, the fans, and the city they play in.
Horry flagrantly fouled Steve Nash then rocked Raja Bell with a forearm shiver. Stoudemire and Diaw left the bench to retaliate.
Keep up the great work Stern!
MVP Announced
Dirk Nowitzki......WTF!!!??? Anyone remember Kobe? He's the real MVP in my opinion.