If you didn’t know it, The Detroit Pistons are a top notch organization and so are the people working for them. From the person outside in the parking lot who always remembers to tell you to “enjoy the game” to the suits. The Pistons know how to treat their fans right. On this very special day our hero and top notch salesmen Joe Dellwo (even Stern likes him) made sure we had a wonderful experience that a Pistons fan would never forget.

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We got a personal tour of the bunker suites in The Palace and we then were treated to “Chalk Talk” in Club 53 with coach Dave Cowens. Getting to listen to one of the Pistons coaches discuss the game and answer any question you may have is a exciting and interesting on so many levels. Best part was when Cowens was walking in and greeting all of us, he turned to Matt,(who I’m pretty sure is just as tall as Cowens is) shook his hand said “hey, how you doing big fella….you got the red hair and everything.” It may not sound that funny, but it was hilarious.

After the Q&A with Cowens, Joe took our group down to the court to sit court side and watch the Pistons and Raptors warm up. Being that close to Primoz was gift enough. I had a little video of it, but I think DBB’s is better.

A little comedy from Bennie and Jeff who not only enjoyed their day, but were a little more frightened by Hubie Brown than the Palace explosions.

Off to our seats where I, for the first time captured the Pistons Intros from a totally different perspective. When you watch them please take note of my favorite part. After Rasheed gets introduced, he goes into that corner waiting for Rip where he does a traditional routine and then high fives a waiting Richard Hamilton. Also, please take note of Amir’s skills in the post into circle.

Tell me I didn’t do a heck of a job not moving the camera when the explosions went off. I don’t care how many times I have been there during them, even though I know it’s coming, it still scares the hell out of me.

We had a great time with everyone, especially Cris and his buddies that drove down from Grand Rapids, Nick and his family who came from Toledo and a Pistons fan who I have mentioned before, Darlene Meyers who came all the way from Pennsylvania to join us. Darlene even got treated to a little Blaha.

All in all it was a great time, can’t wait to do it again. It’s always a good time getting a chance to hang with Bennie and Jeff, enjoying a game with Matt, who’s always so busy covering games, as well as friends old and new. Whether you know it or not, Pistons fans have a pretty cool thing going. One big happy family.

Any interest in us all getting together at a Club or Sports Bar for a Playoff Road Game?

Key Points:

• With this loss Toronto needs to win both its final two games against Miami and Chicago to finish sixth and avoid the Pistons in the first round of the playoffs. Toronto could also finish sixth if it wins one game and Philadelphia loses either of its last two games.
• Rodney Stuckey led the Pistons with 18 points, and an assist, rebound and a steal in 25 minutes. It’s too bad Stuckey missed so much of his rookie season, he shines a little more every game.
• While getting themselves ready for a playoff run the starters are still getting their rest.
• Chauncey, Tayshaun and Sheed played 25 minutes, Rip played 24 and Antonio McDyess 19.
• Impressive fourth quarter for The Crew, who not only played efficiently they really played suffocating defense.
• Amir’s post introduction dance was hilarious, it looked like he couldn’t stop laughing the whole time. I think Sheed’s job is in jeopardy.

• Speaking of the intro’s I actually captured them at the game. Stay tuned for the HD version that I’m really proud of, especially considering the fact that I did my best not to shake when the explosions went off.
• Blogfest was fantastic, more on that in a different post.
• Sheed and company had quite a few words with Mr. Delfino before the game, but no love for “The Gangsta.” Looks like Primoz doesn’t get much play in Toronto either, he was a DNP.
• Theo Ratliff, who played 14 minutes and scored 2 points, fits in with the team like he’s been here all season.
• J Max, coming off a career night on Friday, dominated again. Jason scored 14 points in 23 minutes on 7-for-10 shooting with 4 boards and a block. He’s just scary.

• “Maxiell’s career-night in Tuesday’s game came on the same day that a replica of his blue jersey was given to the first 7,500 fans at the Palace.”When I first saw it, I got somewhat of a chill,” Maxiell said of the jersey. “The first time I looked around the whole arena and I saw a lot of 54 jerseys, it felt pretty good and I guess I had a good game behind it.” Via The Detroit Free Press
• Steve made sure we didn’t miss the AP’s piece on the game when they call Detroit’s bench the “Zoo Squad.” Seriously, get it right.
• Rebound war won 44-33.
• Plenty of boos for Delfino, who went 2-for-7 for 6 points in 26 minutes.
• Jamario Moon’s missed dunk had the whole Palace crowd in stitches.
• “Most teams don’t have a group like that coming off the bench,” Bosh said. “Those five could start for a lot of teams in this league. They’re tough.” Via MLive
• Rip is back and has shaken off any rust that he may have had. He scored 12 points in 24 minutes on 6-for-9 shooting with 3 assists and 3 steals. This steal led to his best assist of the game, an alley to Tay. It happens a lot, but you never get tired of it.

• Mr. Big shot put up 14 points on 4-for-11 shooting.
• NBA.com Highlights of The Game.
• Pistons biggest lead was 9 points and Toronto’s 4.
• Flip let the youngsters close the game out, playing Stuckey, Maxiell, Amir , Hayes and Aaron Afflalo.
• At one point in the game Detroit started jacking up three’s as if they were in a three point contest. It didn’t continue thankfully, they shot 25% on the night from downtown. Toronto, who likes to shoot the three shot only 18%.
• Detroit can beat the West, but maybe not Boston.
• The Palace crowed screeched after this Sheed stuff. Looks like it hurt doesn’t it.

• Stuckey did a great job on the quick TJ Ford. “I’m just attacking, and I feel that nobody can stop my drive,” Stuckey said. “I love contact, so I’m going at the big guys, no matter who it is. It’s all about being aggressive.” Via NBA.com
• 48% shooting on the night for Detroit.
• I’m sure every Piston fan would love to see The Raps in the first round after this one.
• Like always, I would love to hear what Hubie and CO. had to say about Detroit. One thing I do know is Hubie looks older in person than he does on TV. Check out his cameo in the picture of Bennie and Jeff court side.

• Bennie and Jeff have a message for us from Blogfest, along with some great locker room interviews from their show Game Day Live, which I will have for you in the coming days.

Bennie is also extremely exited about Blogfest, maybe a little too excited. Don’t forget for those of you heading out, we are meeting in the Comcast Pavilion at 11:00 AM.

Don’t forget you can e-mail Bennie and Jeff at gameday@woodradio.com or leave them your thoughts in the comments.

Team Need4Sheed Podcast #13

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The change isn’t final yet, but I thought I should mention as soon as I got word. This may be a good thing for those of you who couldn’t make the game at 6, and hopefully it doesn’t affect everyone else. I will keep an eye out on the situation and keep you posted.

Get your Tickets!

For those of you who haven’t ordered your ticket(s) to Blogfest on April 13th at The Palace, you have an extra incentive now. Bennie and Jeff are driving in from Grand Rapids to grace us with their presence to join us. If prizes, a special guest, DBB and a Pistons game wasn’t enough, now you get a chance to harass Bennie and Jeff in person.

Team Need4Sheed Podcast #11

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