Yesterday's game versus the Phoenix Suns proved to be another exciting one for the home team. The game started off slow for the Pistons with the first quarter completely dominated by the Suns. The Suns were shooting at about 70% and put Pistons in a 17 point deficit. Other troubling matters in the first half were technical fouls handed out to Rasheed Wallace, Ben Wallace, and Chauncey Billups. This marks the 16th tech for Sheed, which automatically suspends him for one game under the new NBA rules.
Something must have been said during half-time because all changed in the second half. Piston's defense came back in full swing with Ben leading the charge (11 points, 12 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 blocks). Chauncey Billups put up an enormous 35 points and orchestrated pick and rolls, picture perfect plays, and aggressive ball handling. Rip and Ben paired up to dunk three in a row in the 3rd. The turnaround was great and the Palace fans were roaring as the Pistons beat the Suns 109-102 and clinch home advantage for the first 3 rounds of the playoffs.
Interesting Note: If you were at the Palace Sunday, you may have noticed that Rasheed Wallace was notably missing for warm-ups. In fact, he did not walk onto the floor until it was very close to game time. So much so that Mason announced Antonio McDyess to start and then changed it to Rasheed. So where was Rasheed? Is so happens that Sheed was thrown off by Daylight Savings Time. All of his clocks said 11 when it was really noon. That was until Sheed looked at his cell phone displaying the correct time. Ooops!!! We're glad you made it to the game Sheed.
-Jovina
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