Live06|Detroit 06-07|Playoffs|Cleveland hold on @ Detroit|

[Ren_Amlo]

Nice win, but Howard injured again? Your opponents must have something against him

[3PK]

What a game! It looked like it was going to go into another OT but Stromile was short. Man this is a great season for the Pistons!

I wonder if they will be able to win the title with you watching the games now....

Yeh i thought he would hit it, and i think they can win it if we keep healthy

wow, what a game - an OT 2 point win, keep it up!

Thnx good to see someone different commenting

Nice win, but Howard injured again? Your opponents must have something against him

thnx and i'm extremely unhappy i can't believe he got injured again and this also forces Turkoglu to do more then he can and mucks up my rotation, he might also be out for part of the playoffs which will b terribel so fingers crossed for Howard he's a great player and to win the championship he need to be there, I knwo i probably didn't write much about this in my recap but he scpre 15 of 17 points in the 1st half and kept me in the game throughout the 1st qaurter

Anyway thnx for the comments guys well appreciated

[deihatein]

Nice another OT thriller and also you beat my current dynasty team. Keep up the realistic stat dude

[Ren_Amlo]

this also forces Turkoglu to do more then he can and mucks up my rotation

You must really love playing Turkoglu (sorry, couldn't resist opportunity for sarcasm )

[deihatein]

Turkoglu is not bad i think but i really dont use i tall men who i know that doesn't have shooting in real life.

[3PK]

Nice another OT thriller and also you beat my current dynasty team. Keep up the realistic stat dude

Thnx i'll try and keep the realism up

You must really love playing Turkoglu (sorry, couldn't resist opportunity for sarcasm )

Well i'm gonna really pay close attnetion to him in the bucks game and i would really luv to have Howard atm because Turkoglu has to gourd Deng, Ncioni and Melo in the next couple of games.

Turkoglu is not bad i think but i really dont use i tall men who i know that doesn't have shooting in real life.

He doesn't actually score that many games from shooting he scores from easy shots

Thnx for the comments guys i will try to get the Bucks game done tonight if not tommorow anyway thnx

[3PK]

Wednesday 11th of April Detroit @ Milwaukee

Preview:
The pistons host Milwaukee after a tough OT win against a spirited Memphis team. A key for the bucks is to just play with no fear and play as if there is nothing on the line for either team [which there isn’t]. The strategy for Detroit will definitely be to play tight defence on Redd and not to give room to shoot. This will be a tough task for the bucks and another important thing for them will definitely be to try and catch Shaq and Dirk of guard and be very active on offence, if they can do this it will first of all draw plenty of fouls from Shaquille O’Neal and also wear Dirk out two very important factors. This can all be said but the biggest factor will be to get it all done and this is not an easy task so 3PK’S prediction is the pistons to cruise home and win 101-87.

Detroit starting 5
C- S. O’Neal
PF- D. Nowitzki
SF- R. Hamilton
SG- B.B Carpenter
PG- C. Billups
Coach– Flip Saunders

Milwaukee Starting 5
C- A. Bogut
PF- C. Villanueva
SF- B. Simmons
SG- M. Redd
PG- E. Boykins
Coach- Larry Kristkowiak

Pistons go to OT for Second night in a row but……….


Summary

1st Quarter Milwaukee came out playing a 3-2 trapping zone in which did not seem to work as Detroit found a simple path into the lane and got to the line twice on offence to take a 4-0 lead. The Bucks then went with a casual half court man to man but this still didn’t work as Detroit got to the line from the inside on this occasion and took a 6-0 lead. The pistons where then playing there trademark zone on the other end but the Bucks moved the ball swiftly to get there first points on the board an uncontested Simmons three. From this Detroit had the crowd sucked out of the game as they motored to a led of 16-3. This then saw the Bucks forced to time-out and restructure and they came out a completely different side scoring the next two baskets. Although this was not enough to keep Detroit out of the game as with unselfish offence they kept a 10 or so point lead throughout the 4th minute. The bucks then again changed the game as they played tight Defence and forced turnover after turnover to get within 5 again [22-17]. In the last two minutes the bucks committed far to many turnovers but Detroit couldn’t capitalize as Milwaukee where the ones advantages as the got within 2 points with just 30 seconds to go. But a late Piston run saw them take a 26-20 lead after 1 quarter.

2nd Quarter The second started in deep shooting fashion as Bobby Simmons once again found an open shot from three and drilled it. Then next two possessions where dominated by rebounding as both teams missed shots then got them tipped back in. Boykins then began to get involved in the game as he levelled a great pass to Simmons for an easy Lay-up. Both teams from hear hit a stride as they wouldn’t actually they couldn’t be stopped at the offensive end. The pistons then re-cooperated on Defence and kept there solid offence going to break out to a 40-31 lead. But nor Billups of Shaq’s solid defence could stop Boykins as he weaved through miniature holes and dished to Redd for the highlight jam. The Bucks then played at a rare level for them as they played aggressive and straight forth defence to calm down the pistons up tempo game. But they could do nothing to stop Mr. Big Shot as he dropped a double contested shot clock beating three. Regardless of this Milwaukee focused on there own game and got back within 4 points, 45-41 with two minutes to go. In the last two minutes both tams played a slow game getting to line 3 times each but it was the pistons who came of best to lead 55-48

Players at the half
Detroit Chauncey Billups 17 points, 4 assists and 1 steal
Milwaukee Mo Williams 10 points, 1 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals

3rd Quarter The second half started off in spectacular fashion for Milwaukee as they dropped a great team three then forced a turnover and got within 3, off the back of 1 out of 2 free throws. The pistons then hit back show boating there skill to waltz away with a 59-52 lead. The game then became almost a foul off as both teams went to line on almost every 2nd play and everyone was leaving the game with foul trouble. From this stage B.B Carp began to score as he hit two contested jumpers to get them leading solidly 65-56. Hamilton then became the X-Factor as he was Detroit’s link to the basket, although the game was still contested with fouls as in the next 3 plays a player went to the free throw line to shoot free throws. The Bucks began to like this style as it forced pistons to go to there underperforming bench and as a consequence they trailed by just 4. Both teams then began to loosen the pressure because they couldn’t afford to foul any more but still the damage had been done as both teams where over the foul limit. Then in what was a foul ravaged quarter the score ended up 79-78 in Detroit’s favour. NOTE 13 fouls where committed in this quarter in and 23 free throws where attempted

4th Quarter In the last quarter Detroit once again took command scoring the first bucket, although this didn’t enter Redd’s thought process as he powered one home then completed the 3 point play to tie it up at 81-81. From this stage both teams stayed quiet for a while and where deadlocked at 82-82 now. But the bucks wanted this one and they did everything in there power to take an 86-84 lead. Milwaukee then stayed determined but Detroit never got out of the game once again taking the lead 90-88 after a Hamilton three. Although Simmons again found him self shooting an uncontested three in the same area which he had been unconscious all game, But Billups bettered this getting them really going with a three and a silky assist to get them leading 95-92. Once again Milwaukee challenged although Detroit relentless defence kept them leading by 6 with two minutes to go. Although this was short lived as Redd got them back within 3. Then the bucks kept at it and ties the scores up at 103-103 with 5 seconds to go. The pistons then gave one last attempt but this time it was Nowitzki falling short to give them a second overtime in two days.

Overtime Once again overtime was on the table for Detroit as had been the case yesterday. Both teams didn’t want to lose this one and it was definitely hanging in Milwaukee’s mind the fact that Detroit would have been affected largely by fatigue. Milwaukee then became what was certainly the much better team early as they jumped out to a 109-106 lead. Then it certainly became Detroit bad luck as B.B Carps season looked in possible as he left the game with what looked like a possible arm injury [later determined as non-serious]. This just gave the bucks more hope now that Detroit had no deep threat shooter and they took a 114-110 lead. But with two minutes left Detroit had tied it up at 114-114. Although Milwaukee showed a desperate hunger taking a 117-114 lead. But once again the game was definitely not over as Detroit drawn level AGAIN and tied it up at 118-118. Milwaukee then again hit the lead at 122-120 with the last possession left to Detroit who failed to convert a lay-up and fell behind by 4 with 10 seconds to go. Detroit could then do no more and lost 128-122 in a dramatic loss.



Quarter By Quarter Score line
1st Quarter Pistons lead 26-20
2nd Quarter Pistons lead 55-48
3rd Quarter Pistons lead 79-78
4th Quarter Tied 103-103


surprise of the game
The surprise of the game was definitely the fact that Milwaukee actually won in what was a great game

3PK’s Game breaker:
Andrew Bogut The #1 pick was a perfect choice for this award in the fact that he cleaned up the boards all night and also manage to put up good numbers, in total he had 17 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block

Notable performers
Andrew Bogut 17 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block
Chauncey Billups 26 points, 12 assists, 1 rebound and 2 steals
Dirk Nowitzki 34 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assists, 6 blocks and 1 steal


Player Of The Game Bobby Simmons 32 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals

Statistic Leaders
Points Nowitzki 34, Simmons 32
Rebounds Villanueva 13, Bogut 12
Assists Billups 12, Boykins 8
Blocks Nowitzki 6, O’Neal 3
Steals Hamilton 7, Williams 3, Patterson 3, Simmons 3

Shooting percentage
Detroit:arrow: 54%
Milwaukee 49%

3-pt shooting percentage
Detroit 36%
Milwaukee 30%

Bench points
Detroit 18
Milwaukee 38

[deihatein]

Aw, too bad you lost but still make the game realistic and also you make Hamilton SF? you should make Haslem SF or make Williams SG

[TomCat]

Oh man, now it is realistic! you lost to Bucks!!!!!!

I really hope that you dont get eliminated in the 1st round of the playoffs! cos that would be really heartbreaking, and now that you are watching the games you could get eliminated! i think playoffs will be very interesting......

[3PK]

Aw, too bad you lost but still make the game realistic and also you make Hamilton SF? you should make Haslem SF or make Williams SG

Yeh i will trial Williams at SG and Hamilton at SF

Oh man, now it is realistic! you lost to Bucks!!!!!!

I really hope that you dont get eliminated in the 1st round of the playoffs! cos that would be really heartbreaking, and now that you are watching the games you could get eliminated! i think playoffs will be very interesting......

If i get eliminated in the 1st round i will go mad absoultley PYHSCO, nah i porbably won't care

Geez i also don't think i would've lost with Howard coz it was all Simmons in that game and Howard could've stopped that

BTW Howard is out for 5 weeks now so he won't play in the 1st round

[JJ_Weir]

nice game.... unlucky u lost to BUCKS hahahaha anyways good luck next game.... BILLUPS 4 MVP

[3PK]

nice game.... unlucky u lost to BUCKS hahahaha anyways good luck next game.... BILLUPS 4 MVP

Thnx it was an absolute great game..... DAMM I LOST TO BUCKS heheheheheheh thnx for the good luck...... The MVP Race is now Between KG, Dirk and Billups should end up a good finish

[deihatein]

Any news on Dirk? I am not hearing from him for awhile since he return from injury?

[3PK]

Any news on Dirk? I am not hearing from him for awhile since he return from injury?

What u mean u havn't heard from him he's been racking up a few notable performances with around 33 points and 10 boards of l8 if u want to know more on how he's going just tell me

[deihatein]

Maybe i just didn't read the news about him. Dirk isn't in the MVP Candidate? Every game i think he is averaging 30 ppg per game?

[3PK]

Maybe i just didn't read the news about him. Dirk isn't in the MVP Candidate? Every game i think he is averaging 30 ppg per game?

If u look on the 1st page it actually has MVP candidates in the 1st post and i also look at this

The MVP Race is now Between KG, Dirk and Billups should end up a good finish

I think you need to open your eyes lol

[deihatein]

Hehe,

[3PK]

I'm Back
Hey i'm back guys sorry i havn't posted in ages, my internet has been unavailable but during the meantime i was busy playing a few games and now i'm up to my last one, I will post game 27 and 28 now and have the last game against denver done by today or tommorow well anyway hears the 27th and 28th game.................

[3PK]

Monday 10th April Chicago @ Detroit

Preview:
Both teams will come in with big hopes as Chicago sit 9th just one game behind Miami in the east with a 12-15 record. This is a must win for Chicago and will have to attack with Gordon, Deng and Hinrich. Another key for Chicago is to ensure Wallace is flying on Defence to prevent the monster big men on Detroit. Overall it’s a very difficult task but Detroit is feeling the pain after they’ve fought very hard to get a lot of wins. On the other side of the table the advantage Detroit will need to take advantage of is the lack of Depth at PF for Detroit meaning that Dirk and Haslem need big games. Overall should be a close one, but 3PK’S Prediction is the Pistons to win 101-96.


Detroit starting 5
C- S. O’Neal
PF- D. Nowitzki
SF- R. Hamilton
SG- B.B Carpenter
PG- C. Billups
Coach– Flip Saunders

Chicago Starting 5
C- B. Wallace
PF- P.J Brown
SF- L. Deng
SG- B. Gordon
PG- A. Barret
Coach- Scott Stiles

Pistons survive relentless Bulls and get back on Winners list


Summary
1st Quarter The 1st quarter started out in a similar fashion to what had been a great 06-07 season as Detroit finessed their way out to a 9-2 lead. The Pistons had been attacking the inside then finding other targets although though then Shaq and dirk wanted a go as they forgot about the pass and went solo. It was a nightmare start for Chicago as they only managed to hit 1-6 shots. Although after they trailed 13-2 Stiles made a game changing move and they then hit there next 4 shots to trail 13-8. The next few minutes where very much dominated by the trading of buckets but the pistons where just too good as they allowed no mercy or peace to lead 20-10. Although this was barley enough to side track Chicago as they got back within five again. But once again, as had been the case all through this thorough season, Detroit jumped out of the gates in the last two minutes and magnificent 28-20 lead.

2nd Quarter In the 2nd it became a real shoot-out as both teams tried to either get back in the game or run away with the game, with this is retrospect it was Chicago taking the advantage in the quarter as they gathered 4 offensive rebounds to trail by only two points. Detroit then answered with consecutive buckets to get a break on the bulls, although once again this was short lived as Chicago quickly answered. Chicago then began t find it impossible to score just like Detroit as neither team could get there 4oth point up. Although this desperate crusade for points was answered as Detroit powered away to lead 43-38. The mighty Pistons then managed to find cruise control as they led a marry dance to go ahead 45-40 at the half.


Players at the half
Detroit Chauncey Billups 12 points, 1 assist and 4 steals.
Chicago Andre Barret 6 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal

3rd Quarter In the 3rd Chicago came out with a sense of urgency and Purpose but it was all going to waste as they played poor defence inside and wasted easy scoring opportunities. This then sparked the bulls to make a contest of this game and get back in it, they then produced results as they trailed by just two (51-49). This urgency then lifted again as they took a one point lead, but with severe perseverance Detroit managed to lead 58-53 in seconds. Detroit then lifted the game to another level (a show- boating one) as they alley-ooped on consecutive plays to begin to lead big. The game then became about turnovers and ball distributions as Detroit moved the ball swiftly and carefully whilst Chicago turned the ball over through an inconsistency of Risky passes and conservative passes. The pistons then began to play carelessly and almost allowed Chicago the lead until they sparked once more and led insurmountably 72-64 but a late Chicago run once again saw them as a danger trailing by only 4 (72-68).

4th Quarter The last was always going to be a battle and neither side gave an inch. But as flip commented at the break “Shaq and Dirk it’s finally time you get your head in the game and start working”. The duo then responded to these critical words and took an 80-72 lead. But it was Chicago who looked like the desperate team as they tied it up at 80-80. Detroit then tried to pick it up but it was Chicago running away with the game as they took an 86-80 lead. All this did was embark a massacre scoring spree by Detroit as they ravaged out to a 92-88 lead. From this both teams began to play desperate basketball but it was the pistons who took command as Williams scored twice to take them out to a 98-88 lead. The bulls then faced a difficult final 1:30 half but they where heading in the right direction as Wallace Blocked Williams to set up Barret for two free throws in which he converted only one. Neither team then could sway the game in there favour as Detroit got back on the winners list, eventually winning a tough game 104-96.

Quarter By Quarter Score line
1st Quarter Detroit lead 28-20
2nd Quarter Detroit lead 45-40
3rd Quarter Detroit lead 72-68
4th Quarter Detroit win 104-96


surprise of the game
The surprise of the game was tough as it played out as to plan but it must be said that it was a surprise in the fact that Detroit shot only 55% from the line and Chicago shot only 63% from the line

3PK’s Game breaker:
Dirk Nowitzki Dirk was a certain choice for game break because the way he managed the last quarter with stats of 13 points, 4 rebounds 1 assist and 1 steal in the last and stats of 24 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal in the game

Notable performers
Jason Williams came to life of the bench with 19 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 5 steals
Ben Gordon stated his presence with 28 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal
Dirk Nowitzki brought Detroit to life in the last and finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal


Player Of The Game Chauncey Billups 20 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals

Statistic Leaders
Points Gordon 28, Nowitzki 24
Rebounds Nowitzki 10, P.J. Brown 7
Assists Billups 7, Barret 6
Blocks O’Neal 5, Wallace 4
Steals Billups 6, Williams 5

Shooting percentage
Detroit:arrow: 54%
Chicago 50%

3-pt shooting percentage
Detroit 40%
Chicago 50%

Bench points
Detroit 25
Chicago 24

[3PK]

Wednesday 25th of April Golden State @ Detroit

Preview:
Detroit will play out there final home game of the regular season to a fired up home crowd. The pistons have not rested any players due to the fact that they want momentum going into the playoffs, this ensures a great contest with plenty of points. Both teams will need to attack from the backcourt due to the fact that there very strong but Detroit have the advantage inside and expect them to use this as a tatic in there gameplan. The key for both teams stands at the point guard spot and this match-up could determine the winner so overall should be a great match. The only thing stopping the Warriors from winning is Detroit Big men Dirk Nowitzki and Shaquille O’Neal so if they are kept quiet and score under 20 points Golden State are a good chance to win. With this all taken into context 3PK’S prediction is Detroit to win 95-89

Detroit starting 5
C- S. O’Neal
PF- D. Nowitzki
SF- J. Howard
SG- R. Hamilton
PG- C. Billups
Coach– Flip Saunders

Golden State Starting 5
C- A. Bierdrins
PF- A. Harrington
SF- J. Titov
SG- J. Richardson
PG- B. Davis
Coach-

Dirk scores 43 but Pistons get hammered


Summary
1st Quarter Detroit and Golden state both came out with a solid intention to attack and play at a frantic pace. This continued as both teams went to 4-4 but then the game got tipped on it’s head as both teams made mental errors and there was no score for the following two minutes. Once again the game twisted as both teams now tried to utilize there strengths and scoring became a must. The warriors then got off to a quick 10-4 lead but it was Detroit who made best use of the crowd as they got them off there seats and cheering Detroit back into the game. But the warriors where just playing too good and once again they broke out a mini lead, and led 14-10. The pistons then looked to Williams and mourning for a spark of the bench but not even this could give them a sniff as Golden State just kept increasing the lead, which was now 9 points. Although the crowd got Detroit firing again and they began to make a push with three minutes left in the half as they cut into the lead which now was only 5 points. But once again the powerful warriors team took the lead back out to 9. The last minute then saw a frequent occurring of turn-overs as Detroit trailed by 5 [20-25] after a dismal at best quarter.

2nd Quarter Flip Saunders got stuck into the players at the break but it seemed to do no good as they slipped behind by 9 early in the quarter. Flip then needed something to change so he bought back on some started and in the blink of an eye they where only losing 26-29. But as had been the case all game the warriors ensured they weren’t going to get any closer and ran away with a 35-26 lead. Detroit just weren’t on there game and Flip demanded they got there head in the game but this could do no more as Jason Richardson slammed home a double digit lead [39-26]. Then finally the pistons responded as they scored the next five points. But from this things just got worse as they fell behind by 20 points. Then Flip put more words into the there heads ensuring they would make a run and finally then began to make a run trading buckets and then eventually picking up there defence to cut the lead back to 12 at half. The score line was 53-41 in favour of the Warriors.

Players at the half
Detroit Dirk Nowitzki 25 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal
Golden State Baron Davis 17 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists

3rd Quarter The second half needed change from the pistons if they where to threaten. This was then responded by a crowd oriented run which saw Detroit claw back into the game and reduce the margin to just nine points but golden state quickly responded taking a 13 point lead. Detroit play then dropped to a dangerous level as they got pounded and played disgraceful Basketball. The pistons needed a source of inspiration but they where they couldn’t find one until Shaq and Hamilton combined to cut the lead back down to single digits. Although this didn’t slow down the warriors at all as they pounced on Detroit and took back an 11 point lead with possession. A miracle then needed to present it’s self but the only miracle on offer was a show from Baron Davis which took the lead out to 13 again. This led to rage and frustration in Dirks game but he unleashed it in the right way monstering to a massive 3 point play and then scoring again to see them trail by just 6 points [60-66]. The pistons then played hard nose defence but this could do no good as they failed to hit shots on offence time after time. As a consequence the warriors took command of the game and once again got the lead back out to double digits. Detroit then made a mini run but could do no better then trailing by 9 [66-75] going into the last


4th Quarter This was going to have to be a big quarter if Detroit where going to win and it started of in the right way as they scored a team lay-up. This then set the pace for the quarter as both teams shared the ball although it was Detroit coming of the better team as the cut the deficit to 5 points. But unfortunately Detroit couldn’t provide the defence necessary and for the next five possessions as they got no closer then 7 points. This then saw Golden Sate break away and lead by 13, although Big Diesel responded scoring 8 of the next 10 points to have them trailing by just 6. The pistons then began to slug it out in a game which looked like it was going to the wire, but the warriors where playing that bit better as they took a solid 9 point lead going into the final minutes. But the pistons kept with them until the warriors scored consecutively and began to break away as they took a double digit lead again. Although Detroit managed one last run and ended getting hammered by 11 points 105-94

Quarter By Quarter Score line
1st Quarter Detroit trail 25-20
2nd Quarter Detroit trail 53-41
3rd Quarter Detroit trail 75-66
4th Quarter Detroit


surprise of the game
The surprise of the game was the dominance of Baron Davis throughout the whole game as he never slowed down with 34 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

3PK’s Game breaker:
Baron Davis Baron had a great game scoring in high single digits every quarter and he was also able to get to the line on 8 separate occasions in which drew many fouls on Shaq and Dirk who ended up both fouled out. Baron finished with 34 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists

Notable performers
Dirk Nowitzki 43 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal
Chauncey Billups 8 points, 4 rebounds, 14 assists and 2 steals
A. Bierdrins 15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks


Player Of The Game Baron Davis 34 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists

Statistic Leaders
Points Nowitzki 43, Davis 34
Rebounds O’Neal 10, Bierdrins 9
Assists Billups 14, Davis 4, Bierdrins 4, O’Neal 4
Blocks Bierdrins 4, O’Neal 1, Harrington 1, Turkoglu 1
Steals 6 tied with two

Shooting percentage
Detroit:arrow: 47%
Golden State 56%

3-pt shooting percentage
Detroit 23%
Golden State 22%

Bench points
Detroit 13
Golden State 26

[deihatein]

Bad lose despite Nowinsteak scored 43

[TomCat]

ahh, sucks that you lost that last game. nice win vs bulls though

cant wait for last game and playoffs!

[3PK]

Monday 30th April Detroit @ Denver

Preview:
Both teams play there last game of the season and neither team has rested players ensuring that they want to go into the playoffs with momentum. Denver are a solid team and this is expected to be the NBA Finals preview so both teams will look to get the mental edge in what’s a massive Game. The key is definitely held at PG for both teams with the Billups Iverson match-up and most believe that will determine the match-up. Overall it will be two great team fighting hard but 3PK’S prediction is the pistons to win In overtime 117-1114.

Detroit starting 5
C- S. O’Neal
PF- D. Nowitzki
SF- J. Howard
SG- R. Hamilton
PG- C. Billups
Coach– Flip Saunders

Denver Starting 5
C- M. Camby
PF- K. Martin
SF- C. Anthony
SG- J.R. Smith
PG- A. Iverson
Coach- George Karl

Detroit fall asleep in Last Quarter but survive late push….. JUST…..


Summary
1st Quarter Both team came out playing to the best of their ability but it was Detroit who got an early 8-4 lead thanks to points from four different individuals. The tempo then became unbelievable as both teams played un-thought of basketball. This was when it became a complete showdown of Offence and Dirk Nowitzki was Showing why he is such a good bet for MVP. Detroit at this stage led 16-8 but Denver gradually began clawing back into the game as they trailed by just two [after Shaquille O’Neal got foul number three called on him] with the score at 16-14. From this Point Detroit began to play at there pace and there style as they slipped out to lead by 6. Although this wasn’t the end of frequent runs as Denver quickly got back in the game and tied it up at 20-20. Then in the last two minutes Detroit played a superior game which not only involved slick passing and teamwork but also great defensive plays and they took ascendancy of the game to lead 28-22 after one quarter.

2nd Quarter Denver came out as if they where a more rejuvenated and excited team although they where still missing the finish. Although then J.R Smith sparked them with a big 3 point play but it came at a cost as he couldn’t continue to further play. From this point Dirk began to give Detroit a reliable route to the basket but a relentless Denver kept in the game and with 5:30 left they Allen Iverson gave them a 33-32 lead. At this stage both teams where trading buckets and neither could really break away. Although there was another swing in play as Detroit began to lose grip of the game as they allowed easy free throws for Denver play after play. But from here an experience Detroit team made a few line-up changes and once again where blossoming as they broke the Nuggets chains and went out to a 40-37 lead. Carroll then came of the pine for Denver and made a big difference scoring the next two buckets and regaining the lead for the Nuggets. Although as had been the case all game Detroit went on another run and just played magnificent team oriented basketball as they rocketed out to a 48-41 lead. This score had one point added to it and Detroit led 49-41 at the half

Players at the half
Detroit Dirk Nowitzki 14 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal
Denver Allen Iverson 4 points, 1 rebound, 7 assists and 4 steals

3rd Quarter In the second half Detroit came out just like the first half playing great team basketball and rummaging out to a comfortable 10 point lead. At this stage Denver hit back in rapid succession and found themselves trailing by just 6. Then both teams started a trading buckets game until Shaquille re-entered after a long sit on the bench and made an immediate impact taking Detroit out to a 61-47 lead and grabbing 4 rebounds. Then the game began to slip away as they kept the lead around 14-16 points in a gigantic performance. The pistons then set out to show the west [Denver top 5 record in West] what they where really up for as they played TRUE basketball. Detroit then finished a great quarter definitely there best of the season, as they scored 28 point and only allowed Denver 21 through pure work ethic taking a into the last 77-62 lead.


4th Quarter The last was pretty much time for the pistons to freshen up for what hopefully is a NBA Championship. Neither team really gave a “Stuff” as they both rested superstars and just played out the game. Although Shaq was determined to make a statement and get some game-time under the belt as they dominated the paint on the glass and then finishing under the ring. Detroit by now had taken an 81-66 lead and it didn’t look like Denver where getting any closer. But then the game took another twist as Denver re-stated there presence and somehow found that they where only trailing by 9. They then began to threaten but Shaq was on fire and he wasn’t giving them a go, but perseverance and hard work saw Detroit down by just six points with plenty of time left. This alerted Detroit and they rang the alarm bells bringing back on there superstars and quickly re-ascending their presence. Both teams then played at an even rate as Denver could get no closer then 5/7. This was all true until Denver gave it one last push with two minutes to go. The crowd where behind Denver as they now only trailed by 3 points, although this was short lived as Billups nailed a three and they re-gained ascendance. But the game took another twist as Denver trailed by just two points when Kenyon Martin left with an injury and there was only 50 seconds to play. Both teams then traded buckets until the final 30 seconds where Detroit used great late game execution to win 97-92

Quarter By Quarter Score line
1st Quarter Detroit lead 28-22
2nd Quarter Detroit lead 49-41
3rd Quarter Detroit lead 77-62
4th Quarter Detroit win 97-92


surprise of the game
The surprise of the game was how Detroit cruised for the first three quarter and where barley challenged, but most of all the Guts they showed late to hold on against a fighting Nuggets

3PK’s Game breaker:
Shaquille O’Neal Shaq was a game breaker in the way he made the most of he’s time and he didn’t waste the little court time he got. He also made critical baskets at critical times which changed the game for the better. He’s numbers ended up as 14 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 blocks

Notable performers
Chauncey Billups 17 points, 8 assists, 1 rebound, 1 block and 1 steal
Marcus Camby 22 points, 4 rebounds, 4 blocks and 1 steal
Carmelo Anthony 32 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals


Player Of The Game Dirk Nowitzki 31 points, 9 rebounds and 1 steal

Statistic Leaders
Points Anthony 32, Nowitzki 31
Rebounds Anthony 9, Nowitzki 9
Assists Iverson 12, Billups 8
Blocks Camby 4, O’Neal 3
Steals Hamilton 6, Iverson 6

Shooting percentage
Detroit:arrow: 49%
Denver 52%

3-pt shooting percentage
Detroit 36%
Denver 8%

Bench points
Detroit 19
Denver 27

[TomCat]

Nice win in the last game, Nowitski had an ok game. I really hope that either him or Billups wins MVP!

Yeah now for the good stuff! P-L-A-Y-O-F-F-S!!!!!

[3PK]

I spent about 30 mins updating the 1st page also so you might want to check it out and it had Playoff picture if your interested

P.S thnx for a great regular Season guys

EDIT: thnx for the comment scoop and Dirk BETTER WIN MVP

Oh and if he doesn't