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Detroit Pistons / Phoenix Suns

RECAP

The Pistons had a 5-0 sweep of the west for the first time in 15 years. So much for the West dominates the East; well it still does, but the Pistons are an exception to that whole story. This whole trip was a great trip because of the way we played all trip. Flip felt the same way “I don’t think it’s just 5-0. I think it’s how we played,” Pistons coach Flip Saunders said. “More importantly, we played the way we thought we’ve got to play in the playoffs.” First, we came back from a lose at home to win the next game on the road. Next we show the starters worth with the new addition of Chris Webber, and especially with this Phoenix win; we really were able to see the development of our bench.

This game in general was a great game for the Pistons - the whole thing is like a Piston fan’s dream to watch - no huge flaws, and just fan to watch; especially against a run-n-gun type team like the Suns. By the way, Steve Nash is getting that 3rd MVP - he just deserves it, he really is the definition of Most Valuable Player, the Suns without Nash are just a group of talent with no leader - you need a leader like Nash to harness all the talent the Suns have.

Rarely used guard, Flip Murray, had an opportunity to play some meaningful minutes last night and took advantage of every one of them. This was by far Flip’s best game in a Pistons uniform; maybe it was a bad idea to trade him after this game - he showed his value last night when he filled in for suspended Lindsey Hunter (10 game suspension), and injured Chauncey Billups (Strained Groin). Flip was able to score 25 pts on 12-16 shots. He was also able to grab four rebounds, 2 assists, and SIX steals for the game. That is an impressive stat line. Hopefully Flip can show us that consistency more often - he was doing everything he could to win that game which all started from just being aggressive all game.

• Rasheed Wallace once again was “Sheedtastic“, not because of his scoring; which is obviously good (20 pts) - but his defense once again has been top notch. He’s been picking up his blocking numbers - tonight he had three blocks. Animated Sheed is the best Sheed. On a side note - there were tons of Piston fans who you could hear saying “SHEEEEEEEED” - that was cool to see - it seems like the Pistons have fans every city they go to.
• Chauncey Billups did something to his groin and strained it or something - he sat out the whole 2nd half - a huge reason why Flip had his huge night. He should be ok - hopefully he’s ready for our big Dallas game coming up at home.
• Chris Webber was huge once again and had a really nice reverse dunk early in the game. He scored 17 pts, grabbed 9 rebounds and stole two balls. (Pistons had a huge number of steals - 12 steals compared to the Suns’ 2 steals). CWebb showing to everyone that he can be just as effective as old CWebb. I love it.
• Richard Hamilton didn’t have his best game - but that doesn’t get him down because when he can’t score he makes sure to play great defense.
• Carlos Delfino once again has showed how good he is by just putting up. I love how I see him on every loose ball, and every important rebound. Flip had a really encouraging comment on Delfino when he said something to the effect that Delfino now is trusted and actually adds on to a lead and helps instead of just coming in and doing only his job. He has really stepped it up as of late. Last night he had 13 pts, and 7 rebounds in 24 minutes. Solid.
• McDyess also played a nice game but got into foul trouble - but still managed to get a good 9 points. Our bench was just huge tonight.
• Sheed was very emotional - screaming “AND ONE” as loud as I’ve ever heard him. He got a B.S. call from Mike Callahan for showing too much emotion - give me a break - he was just excited over his three that he just made in dramatic fashion - let the guy have his fun. This one should get rescinded.
• Coach D’Antoni gave praise to the Pistons and called this an “old fashioned butt whipping” - I guess you can call it that. I call it solid Pistons basketball - I can’t wait for playoff time in Detroit.

- Eslam (ReppinTheD)

Later.

2 Responses to “Pistons Sweep the West”

1. Kevin Says:
   March 17th, 2007 at 2:45 pm

   and who says the west is much better than the east?

2. Eslam Kersha Says:
   March 17th, 2007 at 9:25 pm

   Are you kidding me? EVERYONE does - and its true anyways.

   Who in the east can you say is a legit title contender?

   Detroit, Miami, Chicago (and thats stretching it)

   Thats nothing.

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