The Pistons ended their two game losing streak in style with an overtime thriller at The Palace Monday evening against The Suns. This game could have went either way with the lead changing hands with minutes left in the game. It was Chauncey Billups’ heroics along with a couple of huge plays from Rasheed Wallace that propelled Detroit to the 110-105 overtime win.

Key Points:

• The Pistons were without Rip Hamilton, who didn’t play with a sore left hip. Detroit was also short Juan Dixon who is now on the inactive list with a strained left calf.
• With the win, the Pistons notched their 50th win. They have now reached 50 wins the past seven seasons.
• Arron Afflalo got the start in Rip’s absence. Arron played 21 minutes, scored 6 points, grabbed 4 boards with 3 assists and a steal on the night.
• Apparently Lindsey Hunter doesn’t need much to get flowing again. Hunter, in his first game back since being on the inactive list since December knocked down a huge three off of a Rodney Stuckey steal. He looked playoff ready in his 10 minutes on court.
• Chauncey Billups certainly lived up to his nickname taking the over the game in overtime scoring 9 of his 32 points when the game was on the line. Chauncey drove the lane at will and made 15 of his 16 free throws on the night, adding 6 assists and two steals in a stellar performance.

• Chauney’s post game interview was packed with highlights and smiles after the victory.
• The Suns feel robbed “First, a foul on Nash resulted in Billups’ three-point play that gave the Pistons a 107-105 lead with 1:01 left in overtime. “I think he panicked,” Nash said of the official. “He kind of stuttered and then he said: ‘You were underneath him.’ It’s tough to take when you feel like you played well enough to win, but you feel like the win was taken away from you.” After Nash missed a shot, Shaquille O’Neal fouled Antonio McDyess on the rebound and McDyess hit both free throws to give the Pistons a four-point advantage.” Via Yahoo.com
• Rodney Stuckey was huge in this one and played probably the most important minutes of his short NBA career. He scored 13 points on 6-for-12 shooting with 2 steals, 2 assists, 2 boards and a blocked shot. His whole game was packed with highlights, but the most important play came on a hustle offensive rebound with 28 seconds in the game that resulted in a jump ball against Raja Bell that he ended up winning, to give Detroit the final possession of the game.
• The only thing you can fault Chauncey for was his 1-for-7 three point performance.
• Amare Stoudemire had a monster game for The Suns leading them with 32, but I still found it quite funny that he kicked the court in frustration when the game ended like a little kid kicking up dirt.

• 9 blocked shots on the night for the Pistons.
• Clearly one of the most exciting games of the season. Win or lose this one was great, but I’m much happier with the win.
• Play of the game, Rasheed Blocks Amare in OT. This was the definition of Sheedtastic.
• Rebound war won 43-38.
• The Pistons have won both of their OT games this season.
• Tayshaun put up 11 points, none of them prettier than the open jumper after getting the ball back from an inbounds pass to Dice.
• Mike D’Antonio went on a tirade with 14 seconds left in the game after the Bell loose ball foul. I’m shocked he didn’t get called for a technical foul.
• Fourth quarter tied at 94 one minute left in the game.

• Don’t you know you can’t stop him Amare?
• 30 points from the Pistons bench.
• NBA.com Highlights of the game.
• The Palace was electric.
• Jason Maxiell played 10 solid minutes, but didn’t see much time in the second half. He finished the game with 5 points, 2 blocks and 2 boards in very limited minutes.
• Sheed started the game raining three’s on Phoenix. He finished with 23 points on 9-for-21 shooting while going 5-10 from downtown. He added 9 boards, 2 blocked shots and a steal in a great all around game for the big fella.

• Ratliff played solid defense and had a particularly nice block on Amare. He put up 4 points and 4 boards in 13 minutes.
• Detroit is 3-0 when Afflalo replaces Hamilton in the starting lineup.
• This is the fire I like to see from the Pistons. Passion and the ability to close out a big game.
• Season series sweep of The Suns.
• Grant Hill played a great game in his old stomping grounds. Though on the opposing side, I will always pull for Grant.
• 32 Points in the paint for the Pistons.
• Now when I say this one was close…it really was. The lead changed hands 30 times and was tied 29 times.
• Realize it doesn’t get much easier, after this back to back they have another one on Wednesday and Thursday against Toronto and Miami with The Cavs looming on Saturday. Buckle up Pistons fans, this week is a doozy.

The Pistons go up against The Phoenix Suns tonight at home. The Suns are currently on a seven game winning streak, and finally look like they have things worked out with Shaquille O’neal on the floor. We all know Detroit would love to break out of this 2 game slump, but watch out for a Phoenix team that would love to avenge their Nationally Televised beat down.

Tip off is at 7:30 PM and will be locally broadcast on myTV20 Detroit and Nationally on NBA TV. If you can’t catch it on TV you can always tune in to 1130 AM WDFN The Fan or stream it live through your computer at NBA.com.

I’m watching this one on tape delay, so make sure you keep me up to speed on anything important, as well as your giving me your thoughts in the comments.
Don’t forget about Blogfest, the game is approaching soon and we would like to see as many as you there as possible. Get your tickets today!