Ted Kulfan
The Detroit News
Prince, Rip update
Don't expect Tayshaun Prince or Rip Hamilton at least for a while longer. They both shot baskets today, but did so gingerly. Prince said he's not capable of any sort of drills which have contact. Hamilton said this was the first time he has shot baskets since opening night when he twisted his ankle. The wait continues for the Pistons, who are really beginning to miss the stabilization the two veterans provide on the court.
Ted Kulfan
The Detroit News
Dallas defeats Pistons
Thoughts after Sunday's 95-90 victory by Dallas over the Pistons: 1) It's not surprising Ben Gordon took the final shot despite his rough shooting night. I agree with Kuester's decision to have Gordon take the shot. Gordon is the type of shooter that has all the confidence in the world, never mind how the evening is going. He's probably the team's best option in that situation. 2) Gordon's situation was similar to Dirk Nowitzki's night for Dallas. Nowitzki struggled with his shot, too. But he made a tough leaner over Ben Wallace late in the game that was crucial. Dallas, also, had confidence in Nowitzki despite a subpar evening. 3) This is a tough four-game West Coast swing, with two back-to-backs. But the way this team is battling, I wouldn't be surprised if they win one of these games this week. 4) One of the best players on the court Sunday was Dallas rookie guard Rodrigue Beaubois. Didn't miss any of his six shots and appeared to have nice quickness (although his defense was lacking).
Ted Kulfan
The Detroit News
Mavericks' Dampier ill
Dallas Mavericks center Erick Dampier became ill prior to this evening's game and was transferred to St. Joseph's Mercy Oakland Hospital in Pontiac for further testing. Dampier was accompanied by Mavericks head athletic trainer Casey Smith. The Mavericks said more details will be released as they become available.
Ted Kulfan
The Detroit News
Rip unlikely to play next week
Don't expect to see Rip Hamilton during the upcoming West Coast trip. Hamilton said after Wednesday's game he doesn't feel as if he'll be ready to play next week during that trip, although that sprained right ankle is getting better.
Ted Kulfan
The Detroit News
Pistons 98, Bobcats 75
Pistons 98-Bobcats 75: 1) It felt more like 252-35. Just one of those nights when the Pistons did everything great - and Charlotte lousy. 2) Charlotte coach Larry Brown: "Detroit was phenomenal. It did everything a good team is supposed to do." 3) When Charlie Villanueva gets rolling, as he did in the third quarter in this game and last week in Orlando, he's as unstoppable as they come. He does it efficiently, too, like Ben Gordon. 4) By the way, Ben Gordon said before the season began he wanted to become a more complete player and he's doing just that. Did you notice the 8 assists in this game? And 0 turnovers.
Ted Kulfan
The Detroit News
Pistons 88, 76ers 81
Thoughts after the Pistons victory over Philadelphia: 1) The rookies, Jerebko and Daye, combined for 17 points and 5 rebounds while replacing Tayshaun Prince. The Pistons will take that gladly while Prince is out recuperating his back. 2) A big piece of the puzzle in Philly is Elton Brand. But last season's big-money free acquisition (he missed most last season with injuries) was largely a non-factor Sunday (29 minutes, 6 points, 9 rebounds). 3) Chris Wilcox didn't play at all Sunday. He's fallen behind Ben Wallace, Charlie Villanueva, Jason Maxiell and Kwame Brown in the rotation, and there simply isn't enough minutes to go around. 4) Philly's Marreese Speights (15 points, 6 rebounds) was enjoying a nice game before knocking knees with someone in the fourth quarter and sitting out the rest of the afternoon. That didn't help the Sixers. By the way, if you take Andre Iguodala out of that Philadelphia lineup, do they make the playoffs? No way.
Ted Kulfan
The Detroit News
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).
Ted Kulfan
The Detroit News
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."
Ted Kulfan
The Detroit News
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.
Ted Kulfan
The Detroit News
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.
