Miami vs. Detroit - Conf. Finals
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Bibby_Is_Clutch
Starter
Detroit wins 106-96. If they play defense like they did tonight in game 5 they will come back to Detroit with a chance to close the series out.
loopymitch
All-Star
I missed what Larry said, is he staying or going to Cleveland?
Bibby_Is_Clutch
Starter
6th said:
Sure is!
Bibby_Is_Clutch
Starter
Eldon Campbell is interesting. I wasnt aware that he was traded and then released twice and picked up twice all before the playoffs started. Im sure hes glad Detroit picked him up right before the playoffs in anticipation of playing Shaq.
Bibby_Is_Clutch
Starter
Pistons not rattled by the pressure surrounding critical Game 5
Pistons not rattled by the pressure surrounding critical Game 5By TIM REYNOLDS, AP Sports Writer
June 2, 2005
AP - Jun 1, 12:20 am EDT
More PhotosMIAMI (AP) -- Pressure situations always seem to bring out the best in the Detroit Pistons.
This season has been anything but smooth and serene for the defending NBA champions, who endured the aftermath of November's brawl with Indiana, a four-game midseason losing streak, plus incessant -- and current -- speculation about coach Larry Brown's future with the franchise.
And, the Pistons overcame a two-games-to-one deficit against Indiana in the second round of this year's playoffs, winning three straight games to advance.
Detroit found itself in a 2-1 hole in these Eastern Conference finals against Miami, before winning Tuesday night to knot the series. Game 5 is Thursday night on the Heat's home floor, and the Pistons know winning this one would move them a giant step closer toward returning to the NBA Finals.
The series is tied 2-2; Game 6 is Saturday in Detroit, and Game 7, if necessary, will be in Miami on Monday.
``We've won a world championship, and other than Shaq, they don't have a lot of guys that have been in that situation,'' said guard Richard Hamilton, who had 28 points in the Game 4 win. ``We knew that being down 2-1 didn't mean we should pack it in. If we keep playing the way we are supposed to play, we'll be fine.'' Indeed, Shaquille O'Neal is the only Heat regular with a championship ring in his possession. He learned last year about the tenacity of the Pistons, who ousted O'Neal's Lakers in five games for the championship.
For O'Neal's teammates, however, tension is a new obstacle. Miami was 59-23 in the regular season, wrapped up the No. 1 seed in the East without much problem and went 8-0 in the first two playoff rounds against New Jersey and Washington.
Now, for the biggest game of the season, the Heat's at home -- where they've won 25 of their last 27 games. But both of those home losses during the last 4 1/2 months came against Detroit.
``Game 5 is a must-win, and they probably think the same way,'' Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. ``Every game we're in is a must-win. We're at home. We're confident at home. It's tied 2-2. Go back to South Beach and see another great game.''
Of the last 21 conference finals series that were tied 2-2, the winner of Game 5 has advanced 19 times.
And home teams have a major edge in tight playoff rounds; according to the NBA, of the 126 times a best-of-seven series has been tied after four games, road teams have won Game 5 on just 32 occasions.
``There's no doubt in my mind, we're going to have to play our best game,'' said Brown, whose team won Game 5 on the road in last year's East finals against Indiana. ``We've got to figure out a way to win one game on the road, and then take care of our home court. That's the only way I can look at it.''
Miami did not practice Wednesday, opting to rest with just one off day between Games 4 and 5. Detroit worked out in Auburn Hills, Mich., before flying to South Florida.
Confidence in the Pistons' camp was high.
AP - Jun 1, 12:17 am EDT
More Photos``We've been here so many times,'' point guard Chauncey Billups said. ``Miami is a strong team, but they haven't been tested like this, not after their first two series. Will that matter? We'll see.''
A lack of big-time playoff experience hasn't held back Wade, who has been spectacular in the last three games, averaging 34.7 points over that stretch.
Yet the Pistons have managed, at times, to keep Wade off-balance.
With reserve guard Lindsey Hunter on the floor, Wade went 5-for-15 from the field in Games 3 and 4, with four of those baskets coming in the latter stages of Tuesday's game. Without Hunter on the floor, Wade shot 17-for-28 in two games at The Palace.
``He comes at you so many different ways,'' Hunter said. ``He's not a kid you force any certain way. He can go left, he can go right, he can shoot the mid-range, and of course he can attack the rim. He really has no weaknesses.''
O'Neal looked as healthy as he's been in these playoffs in Game 3, scoring 24 points, grabbing six rebounds and adding five assists. But his scoring was cut in half in Game 4, largely because of foul trouble -- something that plagued the Heat throughout that game. O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning were limited to a combined 41 minutes because of fouls. Damon Jones got two quick fouls and never found his outside shooting groove that Miami has thrived upon this season. ``We're going to have to come in focused on Thursday morning, have a great shootaround, make those necessary adjustments and come out fighting in Game 5,'' Damon Jones said.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-pistons-heat&prov=ap&type=lgns
Pistons not rattled by the pressure surrounding critical Game 5By TIM REYNOLDS, AP Sports Writer
June 2, 2005
AP - Jun 1, 12:20 am EDT
More PhotosMIAMI (AP) -- Pressure situations always seem to bring out the best in the Detroit Pistons.
This season has been anything but smooth and serene for the defending NBA champions, who endured the aftermath of November's brawl with Indiana, a four-game midseason losing streak, plus incessant -- and current -- speculation about coach Larry Brown's future with the franchise.
And, the Pistons overcame a two-games-to-one deficit against Indiana in the second round of this year's playoffs, winning three straight games to advance.
Detroit found itself in a 2-1 hole in these Eastern Conference finals against Miami, before winning Tuesday night to knot the series. Game 5 is Thursday night on the Heat's home floor, and the Pistons know winning this one would move them a giant step closer toward returning to the NBA Finals.
The series is tied 2-2; Game 6 is Saturday in Detroit, and Game 7, if necessary, will be in Miami on Monday.
``We've won a world championship, and other than Shaq, they don't have a lot of guys that have been in that situation,'' said guard Richard Hamilton, who had 28 points in the Game 4 win. ``We knew that being down 2-1 didn't mean we should pack it in. If we keep playing the way we are supposed to play, we'll be fine.'' Indeed, Shaquille O'Neal is the only Heat regular with a championship ring in his possession. He learned last year about the tenacity of the Pistons, who ousted O'Neal's Lakers in five games for the championship.
For O'Neal's teammates, however, tension is a new obstacle. Miami was 59-23 in the regular season, wrapped up the No. 1 seed in the East without much problem and went 8-0 in the first two playoff rounds against New Jersey and Washington.
Now, for the biggest game of the season, the Heat's at home -- where they've won 25 of their last 27 games. But both of those home losses during the last 4 1/2 months came against Detroit.
``Game 5 is a must-win, and they probably think the same way,'' Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. ``Every game we're in is a must-win. We're at home. We're confident at home. It's tied 2-2. Go back to South Beach and see another great game.''
Of the last 21 conference finals series that were tied 2-2, the winner of Game 5 has advanced 19 times.
And home teams have a major edge in tight playoff rounds; according to the NBA, of the 126 times a best-of-seven series has been tied after four games, road teams have won Game 5 on just 32 occasions.
``There's no doubt in my mind, we're going to have to play our best game,'' said Brown, whose team won Game 5 on the road in last year's East finals against Indiana. ``We've got to figure out a way to win one game on the road, and then take care of our home court. That's the only way I can look at it.''
Miami did not practice Wednesday, opting to rest with just one off day between Games 4 and 5. Detroit worked out in Auburn Hills, Mich., before flying to South Florida.
Confidence in the Pistons' camp was high.
AP - Jun 1, 12:17 am EDT
More Photos``We've been here so many times,'' point guard Chauncey Billups said. ``Miami is a strong team, but they haven't been tested like this, not after their first two series. Will that matter? We'll see.''
A lack of big-time playoff experience hasn't held back Wade, who has been spectacular in the last three games, averaging 34.7 points over that stretch.
Yet the Pistons have managed, at times, to keep Wade off-balance.
With reserve guard Lindsey Hunter on the floor, Wade went 5-for-15 from the field in Games 3 and 4, with four of those baskets coming in the latter stages of Tuesday's game. Without Hunter on the floor, Wade shot 17-for-28 in two games at The Palace.
``He comes at you so many different ways,'' Hunter said. ``He's not a kid you force any certain way. He can go left, he can go right, he can shoot the mid-range, and of course he can attack the rim. He really has no weaknesses.''
O'Neal looked as healthy as he's been in these playoffs in Game 3, scoring 24 points, grabbing six rebounds and adding five assists. But his scoring was cut in half in Game 4, largely because of foul trouble -- something that plagued the Heat throughout that game. O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning were limited to a combined 41 minutes because of fouls. Damon Jones got two quick fouls and never found his outside shooting groove that Miami has thrived upon this season. ``We're going to have to come in focused on Thursday morning, have a great shootaround, make those necessary adjustments and come out fighting in Game 5,'' Damon Jones said.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-pistons-heat&prov=ap&type=lgns
Bibby_Is_Clutch
Starter
Although I think the Heat have a goot shot at winning tonight I still think that Detroit will win and try to close it out at home.
loopymitch
All-Star
I'm going with Detroit, I like Wade and Zo but had enough of Shaq. I think Spurs-Pistons would be a better final.
Bibby_Is_Clutch
Starter
53-39 Miami at the half. Detroit held to 13 second quarter points after 26 in the first quarter.
Bibby_Is_Clutch
Starter
Detroit Loses. Rasheed didnt score at all...
Bibby_Is_Clutch
Starter
I guess thats the Detroit Pistons for you. Dominating defense but no offense. Could run into some trouble with SA if they make it past Miami.
4cwebb
Starter
What an ugly performance by 'Sheed and the Pistons, one day after Scoop Jackson wrote a nice article about 'Sheed and how important he was to the Pistons' success. Well, looks like Scoop was right -- problem was that 'Sheed had one of those performances where he looks like he doesn't even have the talent necessary to play at the major college level (instead of showcasing the talents that we all know he has).
Bibby_Is_Clutch
Starter
Looks like this series might end up going 7. I dont think Pistons will lose at the Palace.
loopymitch
All-Star
Anyone know how bad Wade was hurt, I heard it was something about his rib? Didn't he sit out most of the second half and they still won??? Pistons must have played horrible.
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Bibby_Is_Clutch
Starter
They played decent defense but so did Miami. Miami's offense was just better.
``My wife is going to have to sleep in another bed tonight, because if she hits me, it'll hurt,'' Wade said.
this is something i did not like; why is he not sleeping in another bed rather than forcing her wife out? evidence for ego-centrism and machoism. shaq was saying that he had not been able to appropriately manage his previous two pupils (penny and kobe) who both turned out to be spoiled egos. wade, like any other human being, is susceptible to praise (due or undue is beyond the point); let us be vigilant before choosing our next basketball hero.
this is something i did not like; why is he not sleeping in another bed rather than forcing her wife out? evidence for ego-centrism and machoism. shaq was saying that he had not been able to appropriately manage his previous two pupils (penny and kobe) who both turned out to be spoiled egos. wade, like any other human being, is susceptible to praise (due or undue is beyond the point); let us be vigilant before choosing our next basketball hero.
twocents said:``My wife is going to have to sleep in another bed tonight, because if she hits me, it'll hurt,'' Wade said.
this is something i did not like; why is he not sleeping in another bed rather than forcing her wife out? evidence for ego-centrism and machoism. shaq was saying that he had not been able to appropriately manage his previous two pupils (penny and kobe) who both turned out to be spoiled egos. wade, like any other human being, is susceptible to praise (due or undue is beyond the point); let us be vigilant before choosing our next basketball hero.
(two cents! Good to see you!!!)
The last thing an NBA wife wants to do is tell her husband he can sleep in another bed...
Kev.in
Starter
4cwebb said:
'Sheed is absolutely the key to this series. Billups won the Finals MVP last season, Rip probably gets the most media attention and Prince has been getting plenty of hype as an x-factor with various people saying he's the team MVP. But the NBA is all about matchups and that's why 'Sheed is the key for the Pistons. He holds every advantage over Haslem and should be killing him, but (as usual) he's only got his head in the game about half the time. That's always been the story with him, he doesn't have the true star mentality and he is too unselfish and passive at times.
He'll probably bounce back and have a solid or huge Game 6 leading to a Pistons win. That's good news and bad news for the Pistons, because it's been a long time since the last time he strung together consecutive solid performances.
Kev.in
Starter
twocents said:``My wife is going to have to sleep in another bed tonight, because if she hits me, it'll hurt,'' Wade said.
this is something i did not like; why is he not sleeping in another bed rather than forcing her wife out? evidence for ego-centrism and machoism. shaq was saying that he had not been able to appropriately manage his previous two pupils (penny and kobe) who both turned out to be spoiled egos. wade, like any other human being, is susceptible to praise (due or undue is beyond the point); let us be vigilant before choosing our next basketball hero.
The way I see it, if he paid for the bed (and he surely did) then he gets to have it like that. PLUS he's hurt. If your honey is hurting, you don't put him/her out like that.
Bibby_Is_Clutch
Starter
VF21 said:Hmmm. Dominating defense is down 3-2. So maybe defense alone doesn't win championships?
Sure doesnt. Just look at the spurs. They have as good of an offense as anyone or can at least keep up with anyone and their defense holds their opponent down while they outscore them too.
Daniela
Bench
What an ugly game. Sheed was a huge disappointment amd the Pistons did not play consitently to save there lives, but the officiating was HORRIBLE as well. It got to be laughable there at times. They are so pushing for a game 7 it's not even funny. To me, and this is not only because the Pistons are my 2nd team, but to me, it seems like they want the HEAT in the finals. Bottom line. With all the commercials and talk and press for Shaq and Wade, it is ridiculous. Also, considering they are going up against the defending champions. Where is the Pistons love??? Just seems fishy.
Bibby_Is_Clutch
Starter
Wade didnt practice today so who knows if he will play in game 6. I suspect he will but who knows.
loopymitch
All-Star
Sheed talked about the horrible officiating in his usual colorful language.
Bibby_Is_Clutch
Starter
Who wins tonight?
I think Detroit will win tonight. They will not lose a must win at home with an injured Wade. Detroits defense has been good enough but they need everyone to score.
I think Detroit will win tonight. They will not lose a must win at home with an injured Wade. Detroits defense has been good enough but they need everyone to score.
Bibby_Is_Clutch
Starter
Wade did not participate in the shootaround this morning. I think his status has moved from questionable to doubtful but still a game time decision.
Bibby_Is_Clutch
Starter
**BREAKING NEWS**
D. Wade will NOT play tonight in game 6 against Detroit.
D. Wade will NOT play tonight in game 6 against Detroit.
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