http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/orl2.gif vs. http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/1/50x50c/det_3.gif

http://wtfdetroit.com/pics/chaunceygranthill.jpg


http://wtfdetroit.com/pics/pistonsmagicstats.png


Series Schedule

Game 1: at DET
Sat, Apr 21 - 7:00 pm EDT
TV: ESPN

Game 2: at DET
Mon, Apr 23 - 7:00 pm EDT
TV: TNT

Game 3: at ORL
Thu, Apr 26 - 8:00 pm EDT
TV: TNT, WRBW

Game 4: at ORL
Sat, Apr 28 - 3:00 pm EDT
TV: TNT, WRBW

*Game 5: at DET
Tue, May 1 - TBA

*Game 6: at ORL
Thu, May 3 - TBA

*Game 7: at DET
Sat, May 5 - TBA
TV: TNT

* - If necessary

Lets start this bitch right!

http://www.tbpac.com/shows/show_images/godiegogo.jpg

I had a coin's flip chance when I bought the tickets, so unfortunately I'll be singing little kid songs during the opening tip of the first game.

Ha ha, we almost bought tix to that too, but since it's a school night (Tues/Wed) in GR, we passed.

Good luck with that "Fingerbang", say hello to Baby Jaguar and the Scarlet Macaw for me.

F U "Danzig" :jb: (http://www.amazon.com/gp/music/wma-pop-up/B000NDJGD6001014/ref=mu_sam_wma_001_014/104-3885693-9647133)

http://www.tallarmeniantale.com/pics/movies/lawrence-arabia/lawrence-arabia-17.jpg

NO PRISONERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.craigshawgardner.com/novels/magicdead.gif

All games but the first will be Blaha'ed on TV20.

Before anyone else notices, my playoff sig of last year has finally been realized: Rip finally passed Joe D to become the #2 all time playoff scorer on the pistons.

lets go RIP! the magic missed like 10 FT and had 10 TO or sth, we should be up 20, not 8...Delf played well

I love how we have 5 players in double figures already, something different frmo last years playoffs.

I do think Flip needs to play the bench a bit more. We have a +10 pt lead against a weak MAgic team.

Can't say I was all that impressed. No way we beat the Bulls playing like this.

6.25% done.

we do have to play MUCH better. but the thing is, we looked unbeatable early in the cavs series last year. and look how we struggled through that series later on and then of course lost to miami.

so the playoffs are a long battle, and i'm not going to overreact to this mostly subpar performance. we did what it took to win.

let's just hope we raise our level of play each game out there.

am i the only one that thinks Darko nearly beat us? he did score and get some assists, but more detrimental, he wouldn't let Sheed get easy post position which mucked up our offense.

Darko's Revenge Tour.....

am i the only one that thinks Darko nearly beat us? he did score and get some assists, but more detrimental, he wouldn't let Sheed get easy post position which mucked up our offense.

Darko's Revenge Tour.....
I don't think it rose -that- high, but Darko had a fine game against us... ugh.

If anything, we nearly beat ourselves, going on cruise control for long stretches after that first quarter. We should've been up by about 20 at the half the way they were playing.

the thing we need to fix...consistent energy. We definitely look more hungry this time, but it vanished in the second half.

Also Rip and Cbill need to stop depending on these dirtbag refs to make the call. they lost the ball two straight times at the end of the half trying throw up a wild shot expecting a foul. both times led to magic scores and momentum into the half.


This a good test for us though. Grant looks damn near like the old grant hill and these guys are gonna go at us all series. time to buck up and take care of business. honestly this road to the finals is going to be far tougher than last years.

I think we will sweep these bitches.

[smilie=freedarko.g:I actually think we'll sweep them as well.

As for how we played, the way I see it, we whooped the shit out of them and then got bored.
I don't think I'm going to worry about how we're playing at this point. We did exactly what
we were supposed to do. Beat an inferior team without getting hurt or even fatigued.

Perfect. 3 more and in the next round, you'll see a dive for a loose ball here and there,
or a charge taken in the paint. The round after, we'll start playing like NBA Champions.

[smilie=pistonsfloo:

BTW, the Pistons have been running these internet sales on tickets all year. They've kept them going for the first round (which isn't selling out). For the next 3 hours $90 lower bowl tickets are $50 (I imagine that's the red section on the seating chart, behind the nets). www.pistons.com (http://www.pistons.com)


Langolis gave me a five spot for this post.

Darko 'doesn't care' about boos from Pistons fans

DETROIT (AP) -- Booing him early and often, Detroit Pistons fans let Darko Milicic know they still begrudge him for being a bust.

The Pistons drafted Milicic second overall in 2003 -- passing on Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh -- and traded him two-plus seasons later after he averaged fewer than two points a game as a seldom-used reserve.

Milicic said in the past, and reiterated Sunday, he just w(v)ants to play.

He's finally getting that chance with the Orlando Magic after not cracking the rotation for Detroit's championship-caliber team.

He averaged eight points and 5½ rebounds in 24 minutes a game this season for Orlando, producing the kind of numbers the Pistons predicted he would on a team not stacked as they were with a veteran frontcourt.

Milicic scored 14 points, tied for second on the team, as Detroit beat the Magic 100-92 in Game 1 of their first-round series.

"We never questioned Darko's ability," Pistons coach Flip Saunders said. "I thought he did some nice things."

The 7-foot, 250-pound center from Serbia-Montenegro was jeered and taunted throughout the game, particularly while shooting free throws.

"I don't really care," he insisted. "Back home fans used to throw baseball [bats] at me. They used to try to kill me back home, that's why I don't even care."

He acknowledged it was meaningful to him, however, to play well at The Palace after a poor showing there earlier this season.

"It was important for me because the first game here I struggled. I couldn't make a shot," he said. "I really wanted to come out last night and help my team. I was really happy about it."

Magic coach Brian Hill was, too.

"I was happy for Darko that he played well," he said. "Obviously the fans have been a little rough on him here. I thought he played hard and with a good amount of confidence. It was good to see him have a good game."

In return for Milicic, the Pistons have Orlando's first-round pick -- 15th overall -- in June. He will be a restricted free agent this summer.

Orlando came away from losing Game 1 feeling OK because it had a shot to win, despite missing 18 of 36 free throws and making 21 turnovers.

Detroit, meanwhile, knows it could've turned the game into a rout.

Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is Monday night at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

"The mood of the guys is fine, obviously disappointed in the fact we lost, but confident we can play better [Monday] night," Hill said. "Obviously, we can't afford to have as many turnovers as we did and we have to make free throws, but I think we can do some things to do a better job on some of their key players."

Detroit guards Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton each had 22 points and the other three starters scored at least 12 apiece.

The Pistons led all game and seemed to be cruising toward a blowout before missing a lot of open shots in the fourth quarter, helping Orlando pull within three points late in the game.

"We got a little stagnant," Saunders said. "I thought there were probably some calls that could have been called. We had a few turnovers.

"But for most of the game, we executed fairly well, took care of the ball and played the way we're supposed to play."

Milicic said in the past, and reiterated Sunday, he just w(v)ants to play.
One of the only things I hated LB for. That was fucked up.

People tried to kill with baseball bats lol

A little homoerotic blogging by Terry Foster


A Men's Moment

Chauncey Billups and Carlos Delfino had one of those moments.

As Billups brought the ball down the floor he saw Delfino standing in the corner and motioned for him to be patient. Billups draw a double team by driving the paint and then fired a pass to Delfino for an open jumper. They slapped skin and you could tell that Billups trusted Delfino. That respect has been a long time coming.

Delfino has played tentative most of his career. He has been a jumper shooter and slasher who cannot slash and hit jumpers. But his game has improved and that moment of trust from Billups was important.

Its a chore to read Foster's blog. Dude has never used a comma. Tenses are always off. I'm going to try and get a paycheck from the Freep or DetNews.

As Billups brought the ball down the floor he saw Delfino standing in the corner and motioned for him to be patient. Billups draw a double team by driving the paint and then fired a pass to Delfino for an open jumper. They slapped skin and you could tell that Billups trusted Delfino. That respect has been a long time coming.

Delfino has played tentative most of his career. He has been a jumper shooter and slasher who cannot slash and hit jumpers. But his game has improved and that moment of trust from Billups was important.

fuck darko and the magic, and their uniforms.

Its a chore to read Foster's blog. Dude has never used a comma. Tenses are always off. I'm going to try and get a paycheck from the Freep or DetNews.

WTF is up with Foster blogging every 2 minutes of the game?

WTF is up with Foster blogging every 2 minutes of the game?


He's obviously imitating my posts here.

Live blogging. They are trying to be hip and draw readers to their dying medium.

I'd like to see some serious ass kicking tonight. I think our bench will provide the added spark of energy the team needs during lulls.

BTW, did you know that the Pistons are the ONLY playoff team to score 100 points in the first wave of games?

Replaying Kelser's post-season award picks at the half?
Why?

The other night may have been the equivalent of a "first date" between Delfino and Billups.
Tonight, they may go so far as to do a "Jump in the Air Chest Thump", and then run off to Vegas and elope.

Since the Magic aren't providing much entertainment, let's play "Caption these pics....."

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/7326/fulljgetty73901446ae032ih5.jpg

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/2188/fulljgetty73901446ae026hd9.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/7997/fulljgetty73901446ae003nn4.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/9176/fulljgetty73901446ae002dp9.jpg

Brian Hill said today that Dwight Howard was sick last night.

Apparently he was vomiting and having severe stomach cramps before and during the game.

Maybe he has salmonella?

Steve Kerr was very critical of Dwight Howard:


As talented as Dwight Howard is, he's a long way from being a dominant player in a big game. Suffering from stomach pain during Detroit's 98-90 win, Howard was overwhelmed by a combination of the Pistons' defense, the situation and his illness.

He is just 21 and lacks the footwork and fundamentals to be a true offensive force down low. He also lacks a shooting touch from 15 feet that would soften up a defense. His athleticism is stunning, but before we anoint Howard as the next superstar, let's allow him to develop. He has a ways to go, particularly when he's playing at this level in the playoffs.

Detroit is throwing multiple defenders at Howard, bringing help from all over the floor, and the Magic big man is having a difficult time creating any space for himself. He'll need to make quicker, more assertive moves in the post Thursday in Game 3 or this series will be just about over.

Linky (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/nba_experts/post/Overwhelmed-Orlando;_ylt=Arz3NAQNR2wPf4DE6oM6kIK8vLYF?urn=nba, 30204)

Kenny Smith said he was suffering from Pistonitist.

maybe if howard spent less time worshipping god and more time working on his fundamentals, the magic (blasphemy?) wouldnt be headed for mr bigshot's first series sweep (no jinx).

maybe if howard spent less time worshipping god the magic (blasphemy?) wouldnt be headed for mr bigshot's first series sweep (no jinx).


send all of your fan mail to bdiddy@wtfdetroit.com

Let's play well enough that Chauncey and Rip get under 30 minutes.
That's my dream.

Yeah, that religion rip seemed out of nowhere.

http://blog.mlive.com/pistonsinsider/images/blog-header.jpg


The Magic are in trouble

Posted by A. Sherrod Blakely April 26, 2007 11:44AM

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Orlando Magic are hoping to get a boost from their fans tonight. Unless there's a 6-foot-10 forward/center they can pluck from the crowd who can defend Rasheed Wallace, or a point guard strong enough - and preferably taller than 6-feet - to defend Chauncey Billups, those cheers Orlando will get tonight will only go so far.

For every mismatch the Magic have a chance to address, another one, sometimes even greater, presents itself for Detroit.

Orlando wants to limit Billups' penetration, so they do this by utilizing help-side defenders. Billups wisely starts swinging the ball, which has often wound up in the hands of Rasheed Wallace for a wide open shot.

Orlando Magic coach Brian Hill talked this morning about the possibility of using sharpshooter J.J. Redick at times tonight in hopes that his 3-point shooting will make Detroit pay for doubling Dwight Howard.

It's not a bad idea, except that at the other end of the floor, Redick is going to have to guard Richard Hamilton - who is way, way too quick for him - or Tayshaun Prince - who is stronger and will look to take him on the block.

There has been some talk among the Orlando players about trying to push the tempo and run more. It sounds like another good idea, except for one thing: Orlando's best player, Howard, is at his best in a half court offensive sets, and seldom scores in transition. In other words, running more makes Orlando's best player (Howard), less effective.

The Magic aren't ready to throw in the towel, and I suspect they'll give the Pistons all they can handle tonight. But I just don't see how they can make this series competitive, I really don't. And while Pistons players are publicly saying they're not thinking about a sweep, believe me, they are thinking about a sweep. For one thing, this group has never done it. And maybe more important, it'll give them a chance to kick back and relax for a few days, because that Chicago-Miami series, I believe, will go at least six games.

http://blog.mlive.com/pistonsinsider/images/blog-header.jpg
Man, that's some article. Summary: /!\ apparently, some people are saying that the Orlando Magic are going to struggle in the playoffs against the Detroit Pistons /!\

And to add to that goofy shit, this:

that Chicago-Miami series, I believe, will go at least six games. I'm going to have to disagree with. I believe my level of expertise in this area surpasses that of Mr. Blakely. Specifically, my expertise derives from having watched the first two games.

nice win.

rip's continued inability to do anything for himself (ie, create off the dribble) greatly concerns me as we advance deeper in the playoffs.

he is basically nullified when teams get in his face and get physical, bumping him off of screens. he is not getting favorable calls from officials either so he is not getting to the line as he has before.

i love rip but he is going to get pummeled and practically be a non-factor against defensive teams deeper in the playoffs.

nice win.

rip's continued inability to do anything for himself (ie, create off the dribble) greatly concerns me as we advance deeper in the playoffs.

he is basically nullified when teams get in his face and get physical, bumping him off of screens. he is not getting favorable calls from officials either so he is not getting to the line as he has before.

i love rip but he is going to get pummeled and practically be a non-factor against defensive teams deeper in the playoffs.

Teams are fouling the hell out of Rip and he is getting no calls. He isn't knocking himself on his ass !

i don't disagree with you. we expect playoff basketball to be rougher and more intense and for the refs to let things go a bit more.

and that doesn't help rip. but it especially doesn't help when it seems him and sheed are on the refs shit list. unfortunately he's going to have to deal with this sort of treatment by both our opponents AND the refs.

he's going to have to find a way to overcome it unfortunately.

It's silly how much better the Pistons play on the road than they do at home.

Prince was so good in the clutch Thursday that he had the Magic sounding like a broken basketball team. Said a glum Jameer Nelson: "They hit shots that normal teams just don't hit."

1r_HoiZvrnw

Blaha Vs. Javie for the Crown? Book It.

Anyone think Sheed would have made it had he been left in there? I would have liked to see it happen.

Thats game Bitches. Bulls are next. Miami injure somebody before you exit.

I always forget about chat damn it.


Well, on to the next series. Anyone else impressed, even slightly with Darko?


I have still yet to clean up on that prediction, but we'll see.

i'm confused. i thought that as the #1 seed we would play the lowest seed in round 2.

so won't we play the nets if they win their series?

why is everyone talking about chicago as our 2nd round matchup if they beat the heat? we wouldn't play them unless toronto advances over the nets. (doubtful!)

am i wrong?

Well god damn. If Orlando played like that more often, they might actually have gotten a little bit farther this year.

Edit: Yeah, you're wrong. :) Next round is Chicago, and it'll probably be one of the toughest and most interesting series in a long time.

Anybody know the code to get round 2 tickets through ticketmaster?

Finally a sweeeeeeep!

The code is BIGSHOT if anyone wants to know

i'm confused. i thought that as the #1 seed we would play the lowest seed in round 2.

so won't we play the nets if they win their series?

why is everyone talking about chicago as our 2nd round matchup if they beat the heat? we wouldn't play them unless toronto advances over the nets. (doubtful!)

am i wrong?

The NBA sets up brackets that don't move. The winner or 1/8 plays the winner of 4/5 and the winner of 3/6 plays the winner of 2/7. This is how it always is.

Hockey has the top seed play the lowest seed left in the second round so I always called them "moving brackets". I'm not sure what the real term is.

Darko looked very good IMO. Of course, I still think he was just too young for us to wait, and needed playing time. We being in the middle of our playoff window, really didn't have room for that. I would welcome him as a free agent, but only if he promises not to act like such a whiny bitch.

Hockey has the top seed play the lowest seed left in the second round so I always called them "moving brackets". I'm not sure what the real term is.I believe it is called "reseeding".

OK gotcha. the nfl does 'reseeding' as well.

sucks for us, because IMO chicago is very hungry to beat us and poised to do so. we REALLY have to step our game up if we hope to beat them in a 7 game series.

they are a legit title contender IMO and our biggest obstacle to getting back to the finals. they are playing some of the best ball in the league right now.

we need the heat to man up and win a couple games. this sweep is very nice. we could get a week off, which would turn the playoffs into a 3 series tourny rather than a 4. big advantage us. especially if we make it to the finals, because the wc champ should be gassed by then.

im not overly concerned about the bulls. deng is great, and gordon makes tough shots, but i think we have too many advantages. their only chance is if ben grabs 100 rbs for the series. which is possible, but not likely.

I kept telling myself that their would be a time that I would actually root for the Heat. It looks like that time has come. I.......it.........is this a sign of the end of the world? I'm scared! Hold me!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darko looked very good IMO. Of course, I still think he was just too young for us to wait, and needed playing time. We being in the middle of our playoff window, really didn't have room for that. I would welcome him as a free agent, but only if he promises not to act like such a whiny bitch.

It's called "impending free agency". It makes even the slackiest of slackers give a shit (for a short period of time, at least).

The Darko we all know and love will be back once he gets that payday.