Pistons Blog

Pistons lose in Toronto

A few thoughts about last night's loss in Toronto (while on a train heading back to Detroit - it doesn't get more old school, or better). 1) Toronto is a hockey town, not a basketball town. But it's not a terrible basketball town. I was surprised how the crowd got into the game last night. If the Raptors ever reach contender status, watch out Maple Leafs. 2) Ben Gordon is a scoring machine. He could be the Pistons' rep at the All-Star Game. 3) Chris Bosh pretty much had his way down low against the Pistons' big men. 4) There was an Austin Daye sighting last night and Daye showed glimpses of why he was a first-round draft pick. The blocked shots were especially eyebrow-raising. 5) I doubt Richard Hamilton will play Friday in Orlando (maybe even Sunday vs. Philly).

Pistons quotes

Here are some quotes from after the loss: Charlie Villanueva, on the game: "We started out the game pretty well, the third quarter is what cost us. Offensively we got a little stagnant. We were one pass shy. We didn't move the basketball and we got away from what we did in the first half." Ben Gordon, on missing Rip Hamilton: "He obviously is a huge part of this team. To start the game we had some decent offensive plays, but in the second half we became stagnant and we stopped moving the ball." More Gordon: "We need to play off of each other and use everyone on the floor as a playmaker at times. We need to rely on each other as a team and not so much as individuals."

Thunder defeats Pistons

Oklahoma City 91, Pistons 83: 1) This wasn't the way the Pistons wanted to open the home season. I'm sure of that. 2) The offense had no flow, particularly late. No assists in the fourth quarter pretty much says it all. 3) I tell you what, Oklahoma City might be able to contend for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The frontcourt of Durant-Green-Krstic, you could do a lot worse. Durant, in particular, will be a star. 4) Tough night, again, for Charlie Villanueva. He was 3-for-12, had 8 points, and wasn't noticeable. Maybe going back to Milwaukee tomorrow will have an impact.

Rip out 2 games

Rip Hamilton is out for tonight and Saturday in Milwaukee. Nothing more than a sprained ankle, but severe enough where he's not able to play.

Pistons 96, Grizzlies 74

Thoughts after the Pistons soundly defeated the Grizzlies 96-74. 1) That was a thorough dismantling. Just goes to show you the pre-season doesn't mean much because, well, Memphis soundly defeated the Pistons just a weeks ago in an exhibition. 2) Ben Gordon scores effortlessly He comes off the bench and produces offense. And he makes a good point. He and Rip don't need the ball in their hands to be effective. They are catch and shoot guys. They WILL be able to play together. 3) Memphis draft pick Hasheem Thabeet has a LONG, LONG way to go to be a decent NBA player. 4) And Allen Iverson? The drama, no one will miss. But the quotes, many in the Detroit media will miss big time. Good luck trying to win in here in Memphis, though, AI.

Iverson not playing

Memphis - No Allen Iverson this evening. Iverson said he's feeling better, after having missed the entire exhibition season with a hamstring injury, but because he's had so little time in contact situations, the Grizzlies are holding him out a little while longer. He still doesn't sound pleased, though, about potentially coming off the bench for the Grizzlies. And we know how that situation worked out in Detroit, don't we? Entertaining guy, though, I'll tell you that. A great quote for reporters.

Pistons this season? 41-41

Memphis - Not much anticipation of the NBA season on Beale Street, I'll tell you what. Pretty quiet. But that barbecue is tremendous! I predicted the Pistons would finish 8th in the East in today's NBA Preview section and, obviously, I'll stick by that. I say they'll get there with a 41-41 record. What do you all think?

Minnesota 122, Pistons 114

Impressions after Minnesota defeats the Pistons 122-114. 1) The scary part about this loss was the fact the Timberwolves were missing Al Jefferson and Kevin Love, arguably the team's two best players. Imagine how many points the Timberwolves could have put on the scoreboard with those two available. 2) The Pistons have to play harder on the defensive end. Simple as that. The effort wasn't good at times. 3) If there was any doubt about starting Kwame Brown and Ben Wallace, that was erased after this game. The Pistons need their defensive ability at the start of games. 4) If Brown is able to play, that is. That left hand is bandaged tightly, and Brown said the other day it was feeling worse. The Pistons are awaiting test results. 5) Austin Daye didn't play against the Timberwolves. Kuester said don't read anything into it, but I'd be surprised to see Daye in the rotation early in the season. Daye is also bothered by a sore foot. 6) I had no idea who Minnesota center Oleksiy Pecherov was before this game, but I do now. A good shooter from the perimeter, willing to defend, and the type of player who can succeed in the NBA these days. 7) As good as Will Bynum has been most of this exhibition season, he made no impact this evening.

Answers to questions

Three quick responses to recent questions:

Rich, in Wisconsin: Charlie Villanueva came out of Saturday's game feeling real good, and according to John Kuester, will play a lot in these next two games. Doesn't sound like Villanueva will be a starter to begin the season. He'll come off the bench -- and is fine with that.

Fred, in Canada: Thanks for the kind words. The only real difference between covering the NHL and NBA? One game is played on ice. Honestly, it's not all that different. It's still a game.

David, in Plymouth: Jonas Jerebko has been a revelation. I have a feeling nobody knew he was going to be this ready to play right off the bat.

No Prince, Villanueva, Wallace vs. Mavericks

No Tayshaun Prince (cut right toe), Charlie Villanueva (hamstring) and Ben Wallace (simply given the night off) for the game tonight in Dallas. The rookies are going to get a good long look this evening.