Playoffs Game 1 Chicago @ Detroit
Preview:
The playoffs are finally underway for the east as they host the Bulls in what will be a big time game. Both teams will run the game at a frantic pace and look to get the upper hand on defence. A key for Detroit will be winning the match-ups inside and ripping down those tough boards against Wallace. Antpher key for Detroit will be to keep Gordon and Hinrich out of the land because they are so dangerous and must be stopped. Although many believe the deciding factor in the game will be the crowd so this must be taken advantage of by Detroit.
Detroit starting 5
C-
S. O’Neal
PF-
D. Nowitzki
SF-
R. Hamilton
SG-
J. Williams
PG-
C. Billups
Coach–
Flip Saunders
Starting 5
C-
B. Wallace
PF-
P.J. Brown
SF-
L. Deng
SG-
B. Gordon
PG-
K. Hinrich
Coach-
S. Skiles
Williams And Nowitzki go Crazy!
Summary
1st Quarter As the tip went of the crowd erupted as Detroit got the first touch although they used the ball poorly and Chicago rampaged out to a 4-0 lead. Although already Flip was watching in disgust, calling a time-out immediately. Detroit then began to swell there way back into the game trailing by just one (7-6). Although once again the bulls to command scoring the next bucket of a steal; but Williams reasserted his position in the team tying it up at 9-9. From this Wallace began to become the X-Factor as he crashed the boards for his 4th rebound and 4th point. The Pistons then realised something had to be done and they began to play there common basketball as they excelled and tried to take command. Detroit continued to stay tight but they couldn’t find that extra step to either tie it up or take the lead. Then Chicago began to push the ball into the lanes and this worked beautifully as they constantly drew fouls on Detroit and were able to extend there lead to six. Although all this happened before ‘The X-Factor’, the crowd started working. This then sparked Detroit and the Playoffs were no fear for them as they accelerated and jumped a few gears going into overdrive and eventually taking a 27-23 lead. At this stage both teams decided they would try and go on a last minute burst and neither team really won as Detroit led 31-27.
2nd Quarter In the second half Ben Wallace continued to dominate as he led scoring and rebounding but this was all rendered useless as they had no answer for Mr. Big Shot (Chauncey Billups) as he extended the lead back out to 5. Then Detroit made two mental as Chicago forced turnovers, but poor offence denied them from making a difference on the scoreboard. The Pistons then cleared up there offence and looked to storm away but continuously the bulls made sure they didn’t ad then fixed up there offence to get within one (35-34). From this Detroit realised they needed control again and everyone out there hand up as they went out to a 5 point lead. Although gradually Chicago made a stand and after a few shots they drew within one. Flip demanded some effort from his players but they could do him no god as Chicago kept coming and coming. Then finally with just 1:30 to go the Pistons began to look for there big guys and they began to provide as blossomed with an inside-out game which took them to a 53-49 lead after trailing several times in the second quarter.
Players at the half
Detroit 
J. Williams 17 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal
Chicago 
B. Wallace 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block
3rd Quarter After a strong first half from Detroit back-court (Billups, Williams) which included 26 points it was time there big men went to work. Dirk answered this call and they began to force the bulls out of the game through sheer effort and perseverance, they then combined this with great offence and took a 60-51 lead. Although Chicago began to make a minor push which took the crowd out of the game and saw them trail by just 5. Although the Pistons back-court continued it’s dominance as it got open three’s, open two’s and plenty of easy lay-ups. As a cause of there beautiful play they allowed only single teams on Dirk Nowitzki who scored the net few buckets and gave them a 67-57 lead. Detroit then became an erupting volcano as they controlled the game flow completely and led 74-61. The Bulls Defence which had been so good throughout the season continued to struggle and they had no answer for this five man Superstar Pistons team. Chicago then tried to make a late surge but this even was too tough of a task as Detroit once again blew up as they ensured the lead stayed in double-digits. Then if there was still doubt that the Pistons weren’t lucky Alonzo Mourning re-assured them, Dropping a half court Buzzer beating three to give Detroit a 87-73 lead.
4th Quarter Dirk then continued to play great basketball as he had done through the second quarter, he then became the leading scorer with 26. The game then felt over for The Bulls but the game was still well alive for Detroit as everyone got involved from Turkoglu-Nowitzki-Mourning and then to B.B Carpenter for the three. Then Chicago realised something had to be done and even if they didn’t bring the scoreboard back they had to take some momentum into next game or at least give 110%. But even 110% effort but the bulls couldn’t match Detroit intensity and Desire as they jumped out to a 104-90 lead. Both teams then began to play out Garbage time, although Detroit bench took this as Valuable game time and wanted to make a difference. The pistons kept Dirk Nowitzki in the game and he continued to dominate playing an outstanding game to date. Chicago then began to play hack-a-Nowitzki although this did nothing but heat him and his team up as they continued to roll and had a 94-117 lead. From this Detroit just continued to run it in there face as of such as P.J Brown got fouled out and Detroit won big, 122-100.
Quarter By Quarter Score line
1st Quarter 
Detroit lead 31-27
2nd Quarter 
Detroit lead 53-49
3rd Quarter 
Detroit lead 87-73
4th Quarter 
Detroit win
surprise of the game
The Surprise of the game was Detroit 150% all the time effort as they never let down pressure on either end and did everything possible. This was so great also because they had come of a long season and everyone thought that they could be vulnerable after there poor late season form.
3PK’s Game breaker:
Dirk Nowitzki 
Dirk was certainly the game-breaker as he scored 31 second half points and basically spilt the two teams apart, he finished with 44 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals.
Notable performers

Jason Williams 21 points, 2 steals, 2 rebounds and 2 assists

Ben Wallace 17 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 blocks and 3 steals

Chauncey Billups 14 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals
Player Of The Game
Dirk Nowitzki 
44 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals.
Statistic Leaders
Points 
Nowitzki 44, Williams 21
Rebounds 
Wallace 11, Nowitzki 4, Hamilton 4
Assists 
Billups 7, Hinrich 7
Blocks 
Wallace 4, Nowitzki 3
Steals 
Billups 5, Wallace 3, B.B Carpenter 3, Hamilton 3
Shooting percentage
Detroit:arrow: 55%
Chicago 
57%
3-pt shooting percentage
Detroit 
50%
Chicago 
33%
Bench points
Detroit 
21
Chicago 
27
I will try and play another game today although it is very time consuming so i might not be able to, anyway if you wnat to see other results check out first post