The Pistons won their first Sunday game of the season, taking down the Sixers 81-88 at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Another game without Rip Hamilton and of course Tayshaun Prince, but this time it was our old friend Ben Wallace who put on a rebounding clinic on his familiar floor.
Key Points:
- Ben Wallace had an amazing 16 boards on the night, 11 of them coming in the first half, which is a Pistons record. Either he loves being back in Detroit, or Arnie has got some secret anti-aging fountain of youth voodoo drink concoction he’s giving him. If it’s the later….I’ll take some please.
- “I knew Ben would be an asset talking to our bigs,” head coach John Kuester said. “I never imagined the impact he would have playing. Right now, he looks like the old Ben. He’s leading by example” Via NBA.com
- An impressive 51 rebounds for the Pistons. I attended the matinee and all I kept thinking was, boy are they ever gobbling up boards -- especially on the offense (21). I had no idea the number would add up like that.
- Did I mention Mr. Wallace also blocked 3 shots and added 3 steals!
- SWEDEtastic!
Video Courtesy of The NBA and The Detroit Pistons
- Is Jonas Jerebko making good of his time on court of what? This kid is pure hustle who knows a golden opportunity when he sees it. Jerebko scored 10 on 5-for-10 shooting, with 5 boards in 22 minutes. The putback jam was tops, but all his highlights are solid.
- More minutes for Jason Maxiell who scored just 2 with 2 boards in 20 minutes on the floor.
- Iguodala got hot quickly for the Sixers and led all scorers with 24. It’s usually Tay who plays him tough, so he had an easier time Sunday afternoon.
- Boy is Charlie Villanueva starting to warm up. It looked like the Pistons tried to draw plays for him in the first quarter to help him get off to the right start early in the game. CV31 finished with 16 points , 5 boards and a blocked shot in 27 minutes on the floor and was showing some sweet moves in the post all weekend long.
- All Daye long…Nice spin move from Austin in the post after a dish from Bynum. Daye, who’s also making the best of an awful situation (T-Prince’s injury) scored 7 points in 14 minutes on the floor.
Video Courtesy of The NBA and The Detroit Pistons
- Fourteen assists for the Pistons.
- Though Detroit led most of the game, they let the Sixers take the lead in the fourth quarter, but went on a 16-6 tear to finish the game.
- DNP for Wilcox who’s not living up to (my) expectations.
- Great job by Stuckey holding Iguodala to 1-4 shooting in the fourth quarter. Rodney finished the game with 13 points on 5-for-15 shooting, 5 boards, 3 assists and a steal
- BYNUMITE stats of the night 8-8-8 ! Boards, assists and points. Not to mention the sweet dish on NBA.com. I have a soft spot for Mr. Bymum and cross-court bounce passes.
Photo/Getty Images
- My apologies to Will for starting this whole BYMUMITE thing…it seems to have really taken on it’s own life. Not only was it on Pistons.com, but I’ve heard it on the radio broadcasts a few times now. Sorry “Will the Thrill”.
- What’s more of a surprise, Pistons fans:
The play of the rookies, Austin Daye and Jonas Jerebko?
Ben Wallace?
Or AI’s mess in Memphis? - 42 points in the paint, that’s a great stat for Pistons team that has struggled in that department.
- Can we please talk about Kwame Brown. I have said it before, this guy really puts in the effort. He may not put up 20 a night but he’s doing just what he came here to do. We need him to produce and hustle and he’s doing just that. He finished with 7 points, 8 boards and a steal in 18 minutes. Give the guy some credit please.
- Ben on Ben: “Seems like he’s at home here in Detroit,” Gordon said. “Playing for (Chicago and Cleveland) the last few years, it never seemed like he was at home. You can tell Big Ben is definitely at home here.” Via NBA.com
Photo/Getty Images
- Another stellar game from Ben Gordon. I think he’s definitely showing management and fans that he was well worth his contract. Once again BG led the Pistons with 23 points on 9-for-19 shooting with 2 boards, 2 assists and a steal. The highlights are mounting and the Pistons have only played seven games.
- Great day for an afternoon game in Michigan and it was nice to walk out of the Palace drenched in Sunshine and a Win!
