I've always said that if the Pistons scorers are actually doing damage, then they have a chance to make it a series. It's just usually difficult to do that against the Laker defense-- but Detroit showed me something tonight. The analysts were quick to point out LA's lackluster performance with the caveat that they "weren't taking anything away from Detroit", which has to be the most backhanded compliment ever.
It'll take Detroit winning at least another game before the media start giving them any credit. I couldn't BELIEVE that Ben Wallace was hitting his jumpers today, though. And, like I said, the Lakers made it a point to help Kobe guard Hamilton, as every time Rip came off a screen and Kobe was trailing, Shaq would show and the next defender over on the perimeter would also come over. Sure, if you're gonna do that all series just to make Kobe look like an all-world defender, then fine-- but it's gonna throw off the rest of your defensive rotations imo. We'll see how it plays out tuesday evening.
And if Prince can keep doing the job on Kobe that he did tonight, Detroit is in a GREAT position for the series. Kobe's struggle to get good looks against him was noticeable, so much so that he had to go to the pump fake on the fadeaway to draw the foul in the 4th quarter-- that's how you can tell when he's frustrated and can't locate a shot. He did it a few times against Hassell last series also. But Kobe'll get his before the series is out. I doubt he'll get that Finals MVP that some people seem to think he'll get, though.
Shaq is just unguardable, however-- they have no answers for him.
Rip needs to be more aggressive in using the screens, Billups has to be more aggressive on the pick and rolls (a few times Shaq stepped waaaay out on the floor to help-- Billups should've blown right around him for the layup but didn't), and they have to stop giving up so many offensive rebounds, which was really the only reason the game was as close as it was. They had better come ready to play next game, though, as LA is gonna come out blasting in the first half, mark my words.