Game 5: Pistons Vs Raptors - 11/4/09

**Deleterious** · 11-04-2009, 12:22 AM

2-2 (1-1) Vs 1-2 (1-1)

Live from the Air Canada Centre

Game Info: Wed, Nov 4 7:00 PM EST

TV:

Injury Report:

Detroit: Rip Hamilton - Out (Ankle). Tayshaun Prince - Out (Back Spasms)

Toronto: Reggie Evans - Out (Foot).

Team Leaders:

Bosh - 31 PPG, 14.7 RPG

Calderon - 6.7 APG

Hamilton - 25 PPG

Stuckey - 4.8 APG

Wallace - 10.3 RPG

**jonjd** · 11-04-2009, 04:16 AM

I don't know what to think about this game after last night's win. I watch the Raptors just as much as the Pistons and this is a team who definitely needs a win after two tough losses. They are very solid but have been beat by excellent shooting and strong inside play. Basically, they ran into 2 opponents (Memphis and Orlando) who brought their absolute A game. I expect Bosh to have his way against us but I also think we will dominate at both guard spots. Calderon has been off and DeRozan has struggled defensively.

This is a fun version of the Raps this year and they should come out very strong and give us one hell of a fight. I expect a big struggle.

**Kdoogie24** · 11-04-2009, 11:07 AM

Toronto always plays the Pistons hard, but Detroit usually finds a way to win. I see alot of Raps games as well, and they look to be the same inconsistent team as always. Bosh will go for 25-10 and they will find a way to lose with poor defense down the stretch. Not looking forward to listening to the loser commentators on TSN tonight.

**DTroppens** · 11-04-2009, 01:34 PM

This will be a tough back-to-back without Rip and Prince. We are playing with found money after last night's win. It would be outstanding to see back-to-back victories parading the starting lineup the Pistons are.

**Deleterious** · 11-04-2009, 03:14 PM

New faces make Pistons a rather appealing mystery | freep.com | Detroit Free Press

New faces make Pistons a rather appealing mystery

It was one year ago Tuesday that the Pistons dealt Chauncey Billups to Denver for Allen Iverson, officially bringing down the curtain on their reign of Eastern Conference excellence and initiating the start of their tumultuous transition.

And ever since, the biggest question surrounding this franchise was, which core piece would next be on the trading block?

It was curious when Tayshaun Prince was a late scratch Tuesday due to what the team reported as a lower back strain, and Jason Maxiell didn't play against Orlando.

Was there a trade in the works? Were they considering packaging Prince and Maxiell for another expiring contract that could help them next summer in the free-agent shopping market?

Joe Dumars shot down the suspicions, insisting there are no deals looming.

He figures that the Pistons already have enough new faces.

But Dumars also must understand that one of the consequences of transition is the perception of a revolving door in the Pistons' locker room. He truly has a team now that requires a program to identify the names.

They beat the defending Eastern Conference champions Tuesday with not one contribution from any of the three remaining players from the team that lost to Cleveland in the 2007 conference finals -- Rip Hamilton, Prince and Maxiell. They threw at the Magic a rookie forward from Sweden and a diminutive point guard -- Will Bynum -- who took a shot just over the left eye before administering the fatal shot to Orlando in the fourth quarter.

"There are opportunities for a lot of guys to step up and contribute with the people that we're missing," said forward Charlie Villanueva. "We're still figuring out our roles and what everyone can do. It takes some time to get to know everyone's strengths."

They ground out an 85-80 win over the Magic. It helped that the refs spit on Superman's cape, fouling out Dwight Howard with less than 4 minutes remaining.

But the Pistons had combinations on the floor that stretched NBA credibility, putting Bynum, Chucky Atkins, rookie Austin Daye, Kwame Brown and Chris Wilcox in the game together -- a unit with no viable offensive option. They started rookie Jonas Jerebko in place of Prince. He gave them 25 minutes. He didn't score, but he did a decent job defending Vince Carter, and he gave the Pistons a much-needed banger under the basket.

And how bizarre was it hearing a Detroit athlete speak Swedish to reporters in the locker room and not wear a red sweater stitched with a winged wheel?

The local sports landscape is comparable to the local economy, straining to find a glimmer of light.

November remains a newborn, but Michigan and Michigan State's respective football seasons are little more than a litmus test on the virtues of a bowl trip to downtown Detroit being worse for the program's reputation than staying home from the bowl season altogether.

The Lions remain ... well ... the Lions, requiring no further commentary.

The Wings are dinged, but they've more than earned the benefit of the doubt after 18 straight Stanley Cup playoff appearances. They might struggle through winter but few will question their championship resolve once the playoffs arrive next spring.

The Pistons are the wild card.

They're a mystery, but that's also part of their attractiveness. Their strongest lure will be the constant suspicion that another big trade is a big part of their immediate future.

Contact DREW SHARP: 313-223-4055 or dsharp@freepress.com.

**Porcelain God** · 11-04-2009, 04:03 PM

Prince and Maxiell for Stephen Jackson?

**EatEmUpTigers711** · 11-04-2009, 05:25 PM

We get another preview to see the guy (Chris Bosh) that we're going to sign this offseason....

**lesgoblu02** · 11-04-2009, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by Porcelain God

Prince and Maxiell for Stephen Jackson?

Exactly what the team needs. Another guard.

**Hart** · 11-04-2009, 06:23 PM

Originally Posted by lesgoblu02

Exactly what the team needs. Another guard.

Jackson plays the same position as Prince. But he is a headcase and that is not what a rebuilding team needs.

**Deleterious** · 11-04-2009, 07:10 PM

OK, I'm listing the over/under for Piston assists at 13.5 tonight.

**drownwithyou** · 11-04-2009, 07:12 PM

One of these announcers on the Raptors broadcast has a hilarious voice.

**drownwithyou** · 11-04-2009, 07:16 PM

Charlie V with a sweet block.

**drownwithyou** · 11-04-2009, 07:24 PM

Amir Johnson sighting.

**drownwithyou** · 11-04-2009, 07:27 PM

Ben Gordon is ridiculous.

edit: I'll stop talking to myself.

**Deleterious** · 11-04-2009, 07:32 PM

Did I ever tell ya how good Amir is in the +/- category...

**drownwithyou** · 11-04-2009, 07:34 PM

I'm listening...

**Deleterious** · 11-04-2009, 07:35 PM

He was actually the Piston leader last year for adjusted +/-. I mean it was off the chart, something like +15. Just goes to show what a horrible stat that is haha.

**drownwithyou** · 11-04-2009, 07:37 PM

Welp that lead went away quickly.

Wilcox and Daye on the floor now. Should be interesting.

**drownwithyou** · 11-04-2009, 07:39 PM

Hey Deleterious... are you watching the stream? Are you hearing random game announcing from other games or am I going insane?

ugh Raptors on a 12-1 run...

**Deleterious** · 11-04-2009, 07:40 PM

That announcer does have an odd voice. Its like a cross between New Jersey mobster and someone from New England.

**Hart** · 11-04-2009, 07:41 PM

This is getting brutal. Get the Ben's back in the game. The Pistons have the worst bench in the league right now.

**Deleterious** · 11-04-2009, 07:41 PM

Originally Posted by drownwithyou

Hey Deleterious... are you watching the stream? Are you hearing random game announcing from other games or am I going insane?

ugh Raptors on a 12-1 run...

Yes! It did the same thing last night. I would hear a whistle clear as day, and the Pistons/Magic would still be playing and I couldn't figure out why. Then I started hearing some Celtic talk and realized it was two different audio feeds.

**Deleterious** · 11-04-2009, 07:43 PM

Someone remind Daye to dribble.

**Deleterious** · 11-04-2009, 07:44 PM

I said it this summer, but I like to repeat myself. If Colangelo gets Bosh to sign with Toronto again, he should instantly be given the executive of the year award.

**drownwithyou** · 11-04-2009, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by Deleterious

That announcer does have an odd voice. Its like a cross between New Jersey mobster and someone from New England.

Wow you totally nailed it haha

Originally Posted by Deleterious

Yes! It did the same thing last night. I would hear a whistle clear as day, and the Pistons/Magic would still be playing and I couldn't figure out why. Then I started hearing some Celtic talk and realized it was two different audio feeds.

Okay, I'm glad I'm not going crazy. I thought I was hearing random whistles and I just thought it was my lack of sleep.

Our bench gets on the floor, and we give up the lead. I'm glad Gordon is back on the floor...
Stuckey and Kwame have been putting up ugly bricks.

**drownwithyou** · 11-04-2009, 07:45 PM

Pistons are getting owned by... Jarrett Jack?

**Deleterious** · 11-04-2009, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by drownwithyou

Pistons are getting owned by... Jarrett Jack?

I forgot he was even in the league before tonight.

**drownwithyou** · 11-04-2009, 07:51 PM

Please get Oakley off the mic...

**Deleterious** · 11-04-2009, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by drownwithyou

Please get Oakley off the mic...

He takes 3 minutes to say something most people can say in 20 seconds.

**Deleterious** · 11-04-2009, 07:53 PM

So Summers has barely played so far this year. Is he awful?

**drownwithyou** · 11-04-2009, 07:57 PM

Crap my stream keeps buffering.

**drownwithyou** · 11-04-2009, 08:01 PM

Oakley says he wants to coach... I'd probably fall asleep if he was trying to explain something to me.

**Deleterious** · 11-04-2009, 08:24 PM

Pistons just gave up 68 points in the first half. Or exactly 12 less than they gave up in the entire Orlando game.

10 assists at the half.

Max did play just over a minute.

**ScrubBeaterUpper** · 11-04-2009, 08:26 PM

Jerebko has as many TOs as Rebounds. Even with our bench, I am sure we can find someone better. I know he made a 3, but he has looked totally lost and ineffective on offense too.

**ScrubBeaterUpper** · 11-04-2009, 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by drownwithyou

Oakley says he wants to coach... I'd probably fall asleep if he was trying to explain something to me.

I'd listen to Oakley.... for tips on a crazy night of 3-some action.

**ScrubBeaterUpper** · 11-04-2009, 08:39 PM

ANother Raptors Offensive board, don't think I can watch anymore.

**KleShreen** · 11-04-2009, 08:47 PM

Fact:

Chris Wilcox is the worst player in the NBA.

Fact.

**Buddha** · 11-04-2009, 09:01 PM

Dear Rodney,

Drive, draw and dish.

Drive, draw and DISH!!!!

DISH!!!!!

**ScrubBeaterUpper** · 11-04-2009, 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by Buddha

Dear Rodney,

Drive, draw and dish.

Drive, draw and DISH!!!!

DISH!!!!!

Can say the same thing to Bynum too. In Rodney's defense, he is drawing a lot fouls that re not being called. At least by the defintion of the word foul. They do not always give those calls to non-star players. Wade would have earned 3 more trips to the line.

But yeah, he could look to facilitate some.

**DrWho17** · 11-04-2009, 09:11 PM

The Pistons are getting away with a crazy small lineup. Stuckey is the rebounder of the group. Nice comeback though, hopefully they keep it up. Maxiel sighting as well, why they keep playing Wilcox is beyond me. Kwame appears to be bench locked now, and Villanueva has earned a spot on the bench, I already like this coach. If the guys can't defend, they won't be playing.