November 6, 2005
Pistons Hold Off Wizards
Washington falls in the deciding fourth period.
-Washington 97 - - - - - - - - Detroit 103
[
Box Score ]
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - The Pistons have been one of the top contenders for a few years and are definitely a one in 2005-06. The Wizards, who had a decent playoff run last year, forced Detroit to play at their top throughout the game.
The Pistons were off to a strong start, but the Wizards didn't fall far behind. Although Detroit had 7 steals just in the first quarter, Antawn Jamison (7 points, 3 rebounds) and Brendan Haywood (6 points) kept their team within 10 points. Detroit was led by Billups, who scored 11 in the first quarter.
Although the Wizards fell behind 23-34, Gilbert Arenas was able to get his team back in the game almost all by himself. Arenas scored 17 points in the second period and was supported by Jamison's 4 points and 6 rebounds as the Wizards went ahead 40-39. McDyess was the best Piston in the period with 6 points and 3 boards as Detroit lost their early lead and was trailing 49-48. Point guards Gilbert Arenas (21 points, 2 assists and a steal) and Chauncey Billups (13 points, 2 assists and 2 steals) were the most effective players by then.
The game stayed close after the halftime. Although Arenas scored another 10 points and dished out 4 assists Pistons' Ben Wallace answered with 15 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks. Besides the two Washington's Caron Butler scored 5 and Detroit's Chauncey Billups 7 points. The Pistons won the quarter and held a 76-73 lead before the final period.
The beginning of the fourth was something totally different. Detroit stepped up their game and dominated the offensive rebounds. Although none of the Pistons scored over 4 points in the period they managed to get an impressive 98-82 lead just 4-5 minutes before the end. Washington, still led mostly by Arenas did answer with a run of their own but it was too late as the fell 103-97.
Gilbert Arenas was of course the player of the game with 43 points, 9 assists and 3 steals, but his game was haunted by his 12 turnovers that were more than a half of the whole team's. The Pistons leaders were Big Ben with 27 points, 8 boards and 3 blocks, Prince with 19 points and 3 steals and Billups with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
Coach Eddie Jordan was disappointed with the team's game. “The rest of the team couldn't find its shooting-touch and that's why Gilbert stepped up. Although had had a lot of points and assists, 12 turnovers is way too much for a single player in the game. Basically what I want to say is that the score doesn't reflect the game. Detroit dominated the game. I don't care what the stats say. They did!”
GAME NOTES:
- The Pistons grabbed 8 ofensive rebounds in the fourth.
- Gilbert Arenas scored 17 points in the second quarter.
- Detroit was hopless from outside, shooting just 11%.
- Washington had 13 more TOs than Detroit. (22-9)
- Detroit had three times more steals thna DC. (15-5)
Ingame Photos
Detroit's Ben Wallace was unstoppable down low. He had 27 points, 8 boards, 3 blocks.
Butler's shot poorly, but he still managed to finish with 13 points, 5 boards and 5 assists.
Video Highlights
Arenas scoring few of his 43 points.
Download Video (4.08MB)
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Golden State Warriors (November 10th)
@ Tim.
I like this dynasty 
Puerto Rico #1
