For the second consecutive night the Pistons controlled the first half and came out lifeless after the break. That’s two giveaways,  as Detroit lost to the Bucks in Milwaukee’s season opener 85-96.

Key Points:

• If you missed this game and caught the Pistons home opener then just check this off the list.  Saturday night’s loss was almost identical to what went wrong at the Palace against the Thunder.
• Ben said it best: “We can’t afford to come out and take off the first five minutes,” said Ben Wallace, who finished with eight points and 10 rebounds. “We got ourselves into a dogfight and they took advantage of it.” Via The Detroit News
• Pistons aside, go pick up Brandon Jennings in your fantasy teams.  Not only did this rookie almost put up a triple-double the other night he pretty much  single-handedly turned a 49-38 halftime deficit into a 74-63 lead going into the fourth. He scored 14 points during a 19-4 run, and he had 16 points in the quarter. This likely rookie of the year dropped 24 total on Detroit and was fun to watch.  He put Stuckey to shame a couple times down the floor, specifically in the third when Rodney went in for a floater that missed and Jennings picked up his rebound, took it to the other end and put up a left handed floater right back in Stuck’s face.
• “I’m very pleased with our defensive effort,” Kuester said. “We’ll get better offensively before it’s all over.” Via The Detroit Free Press.
• Second half failure on offense and defense.  The Pistons allowed the Bucks a free reign  to score 36 points and shoot 68.4% in the third quarter.
• Why the Bucks crowd felt the need to boo Charlie Villanueva is beyond me.  He didn’t leave and go to a rival for more money, the Bucks never offered him a contract.  Give the guy a break .  Charlie scored 12 points on 4-8 shooting with 6 boards in 23 minutes on the floor.  He helped spark the listless Pistons in the fourth quarter.  Charlie V foul watch – 5 on the night.

Photo/Getty Images

• No Blaha on the broadcast, they didn’t tell us why, but he was likely filling his MSU responsibilities.  Mark Champion did a fine job on the call.
• I’m wondering if  Charlie V a good three point shooter, because he sure is taking a ton of them.
• Say what you will about Kwame Brown, he puts so much effort out every game that it’s refreshing. He finished with 4 boards and a steal.
• Burn for Jonas Jerebko, who I have noticed at the home games is the girls replacement for Goldie Locks himself Walter Herrmann.  His first name is Jonas but he’s got some fans in Detroit that would rival the Jonas Brothers. Jonas played six minutes and picked up 2 fouls and 2 boards.
• I always get a kick out of watching Carlos Delfino playing against Detroit no matter what team he’s on.  He always has something to prove and does whatever he can to make his point, good or bad.  He’s starting for the Bucks and I wish him well, but the Pistons usually get the best of him. Delfino finished with 5 points on 2-for-7 shooting.
• Jason Maxiell had the Milwaukee crowd wowed with a thunder dunk.  Remember when Maxie would come in and spark the team with making plays?  Maybe it came back against the Bucks.  Two ridiculous back to back blocks at end of the first half for Jason.
• They mentioned on the broadcast that the Guards are carrying the scoring load.  Isn’t that what we expected?  Or are we going to rely on Kwame and Ben?  Tayshaun and Charlie have to help the little guys out.
• Stuckey scored 13 points on 6-for-19 shooting, looked good in the first half as you can tell from the nice effort and and one below but had difficulties with Jennings and poor shot selection after the break.  Give him credit for 8 assists, something Pistons fans were worried about.  I am a fan of Rodney but sometimes his decisions to drive the lane in the crowd and get stuffed by the big men wears me down.

Video Courtesy of The NBA and The Detroit Pistons

• Big Ben Wallace had another great night for the Pistons, just 2 points shy of a double-double with 10 boards and 8 points on the night.
• NO Wilcox or Daye?  I think we needed Chris to give us some inside presence, especially since the front court want really able to do much.
• You can see how everything just stopped in the second half by the assist stat.  Detroit had 12 at the half and 17 on the night.
• Outrebounded 26-29.
• Ben Gordon led the Pistons again with 26 points on 8-for-15 shooting with 3 assists and 2 boards.  Who says the guy plays no D, Gordon statch the ball 3 times against Milwaukee and has been looking like he’s trying to fit into Detroit’s (used to be) defensive mold.

Photo/Getty Images

• Will Bynum 10 points, 2 assists and a board in 20 minutes.
• We need a bit more from Tayshaun, especially with Rip out.  He scored 12 on 6-for-12 shooting with 3 assists and 2 boards.  I’m not asking him to put up 20 a night, though I know he can, he just needs to spark the team when he’s on the floor.
• It’s like a Jekyll and Hyde thing, fun to watch in the first half and a nightmare in the second.
• Hopefully the two days of “rest” will help Detroit straighten things out before they host Dwight Howard and the Magic Tuesday night.
• Even if you don’t want to, watch the highlights simply to enjoy the talent that rookie Brandon Jennings displayed Saturday night. Still waiting on the NBA to post them, but here are the first half highlights.

As I was catching up on my Tweeting, I noticed this from Charlie Villanueva “feeling like crap today, I’m so sick right now.” That was twittered today at 11 AM, hopefully that’s the reason for his woes on court. Feel better @CV31, we need you.

The Pistons are in Milwaukee tonight, hopefully to bounce back from the pretty ugly home opening loss against the Thunder last night.

Richard Hamilton will not be in uniform again for the Pistons.  Without Rip in the lineup last night the Pistons shot 37.1 percent from the field, but Ben Gordon filled in and scored 25 points while starting  Rip’s spot.

Tip is at 8:30 pm and will broadcast on FSN. If you can’t catch the game on television, tune into the call on AM 950 wwj or the game cast over at NBA.com.

Since it’s Halloween…I’ll wish you a Happy one,  and add this image I pulled from The Pistons.com splash screen.  Hmmmm…. Does any of that look familiar?  It’s Stuctacularly Bynumite if you ask me.

Chicago Bulls

BlogABull.com | Give Me The Rock

Cleveland Cavaliers

Fear The Sword | WaitingForNextYear | Cavalier Attitude

Detroit Pistons

Motown String Music  | Empty the Bench | Pistons Nation | Need4Sheed.com

Indiana Pacers

Indy Cornrows

Milwaukee Bucks

BrewHoop

Bonus Links:

See full schedule here | Also see SBNation Central Division Storystream

The Pistons 113-104 victory last night over the Bucks last night at the Palace was a little interesting.  Not only does the box score show you Gordon, Stuckey and Bynum had great games but the recap at NBA.com show that the players need to help out the replacement refs.

“The replacement referees caused confusion in the first quarter. Ersan Ilyasova was fouled while shooting a jumper and awarded two free throws. During the next timeout, more than 90 seconds later, the officials decided he had been taking a 3-pointer, and gave him another shot.

He made it, but Prince pointed out that the error was only correctable within 24 seconds, so the point was taken away from Milwaukee.”   Via Dave Hogg at NBA.com

More from the Free Press on the issues with Replacement refs.

“The refs called a whopping 19 fouls in the first quarter — including 12 on the Pistons. The two teams combined for 68 fouls in the game. Add those to the 59 that were called in Monday’s exhibition opener and it’s apparent these guys have quick whistles.

For the second game in a row, a Pistons rookie was ejected during the waning minutes of the game. Austin Daye got tangled with former Piston Carlos Delfino when Delfino appeared to hit Daye in the chest. Daye swung his arms and the officials tossed both. Fellow rookie Jonas Jerebko was ejected Monday night against the Heat.”

Let’s hope the lockout gets settled soon, you know how we like to get on the officials. Imagine if we have to go into the regular season with the replacements. Heck, I look good in stripes, it may as well be me out there.

Nice Dunk by Gordon who led the way with 24 points.

Thanks to Need4Sheed reader Jay for the video.

Feel free to comment on the game, especially if you happened to be there since it wasn’t televised.

Remember, Jason Maxiell will be at Meijer in Waterford (4200 Highland Road) on Thursday, October 8 from 4:30-5:30 p.m., along with the Year-Round Hoops Truck, where you can get a voucher for a free ticket to a preseason game at The Palace.

And… Open Practice is this Saturday.

The Pistons would like to keep the pre-season perfect as they take on The Bucks tonight at The Palace of Auburn Hills.  Tip off is at 7:30, but unfortunately this one won’t be broadcast on television.  If you want to catch the game you will have to tune into 97.1 The Ticket where of course Matt Dery will be on the pre and post game to take your calls and Ticket Texts (text 97136 from your mobile phone). To Listen online go to NBA.com.

Notables/Injuries

Charlie Villanueva is not expecting to play tonight against his old squad while he nurses his sore hammy.

Too bad Pistons fans can’t see what Carlos Delfino does against his former team.

Follow the game online or on the radio at 97.1 and leave your thoughts in the comments.

The Amir Johnson experiment is over in Detroit.  Joe Dumars made a with his one time right hand man John Hammond that sent Johnson for the newly acquired Fabricio Oberto, of The Bucks.

“The Pistons have traded power forward Amir Johnson to Milwaukee for center Fabricio Oberto, who was acquired by the Bucks from the Spurs earlier today, according to a person familiar with the trade negotiations.

Oberto averaged 2.6 points and 2.6 rebounds in 54 games for San Antonio last season, although it appears he will never suit up for the Pistons. Yahoo! Sports reports that the Pistons are expected to buy out the remaining year on Oberto’s deal.

Thus, it appears the Pistons can add the $3.6 million Johnson was scheduled to make next year to the roughly $20 million of salary-cap room they already had to spend when they can start negotiating with free agents July 1.” Via The Detroit Free Press

A Sherrod Blakley has a little different take then the Free Press. Detroit will waive Oberto…

“The Pistons are putting the finishing touches on a three-way trade involving San Antonio and Milwaukee that will send Johnson, a former second-round pick by Detroit, to San Antonio and then on to Milwaukee.

The key principles in the trade are Bucks guard/forward Richard Jefferson, who will be sent to San Antonio in exchange for Bruce Bowen and Kurt Thomas.

Meanwhile, the Pistons will send Johnson and cash to San Antonio in exchange for Fabricio Oberto who is expected to be waived by Detroit.

By waiving Oberto, that gives Detroit a little more salary cap flexibility this summer to go out and sign a pair of impact players.” Via MLive

Good Luck to Amir, let’s hope the potiential we know he has can flourish for a different team.  We will all remember him for his first two NBA points

And personally I will always remember him for this.

Thanks to all of you quick on the Email, text massage and the special phone call to make sure we got the news quickly. Too bad I was enjoying my dinner when it all broke…Thank goodness for Twitterberry. If you’re not following me on Twitter…you should be.

I’m sure we will be talking about this more, plus what happens leading up to Thursday’s Draft…which I will be live blogging at the Pistons Draft Party.  Stay Tuned!

Maybe Detroit should have had an easier time with a struggling Bucks team that was without three of their starting five. Maybe they shouldn’t have blown a 10 point lead to Milwaukee only to have to fight back to send the game into overtime. Maybe….but nobody told Milwaukee’s Ramon Sessions, who had a career-high 44 points, tormenting the Pistons in their 126-121 victory.

Key Points:

• Give it up to former D Leaguer Ramon Sessions with a career high 44 on 13-18 shooting for the Bucks. This kid couldn’t be stopped and had he not put up such an impressive performance Detroit may have had an easy go at this game.
• Milwaukee tipped the scales in the free throw department going to the line 41 times to Detroit’s 28.
• Detroit could have possibly lost this one due to a late offensive foul on Antionio McDyess in the last few seconds in regulation.  It was hard to see, yes it may have been a foul, but it was definitely marginal and in most cases when the game is truly on the line like it was that one is a no call.
• Nothing much from Rodney Stuckey, who was just 1-for-10 for 6 points in 26 minutes. He did get posterized by Charlie Villanueva, but to Stuckey’s credit at least he tried to block the shot….most players would have stepped back and let him take the dunk.
• Allen Iverson was AI down the stretch of this one. He finished with 27 points and 9 assists and was gelling with the offense like he hasn’t since he was first traded to Detroit.
• Richard Hamilton and Allen Iverson combined for 15 of Detroit’s 17 overtime Points.
• “It was a great counter off each other,” Hamilton said. “When one of us got tired, or whatever, the other guy picked it up.” Via NBA.com
  
• Rip had the best game he’s had possibly all season long. His shot was falling and he was getting the ball right where he needed it. Rip scored  38 points off the bench for Detroit on 15 for 25 shooting in 36 minutes on the floor.

Photo/Getty Images

• “We were cognizant that Rip had the hot hand, so obviously our thing was to make sure he got the ball,” Iverson said. “When they tried to take away what stuff Rip did, we got success with me and the big guys up top with the pick and roll. We were scoring effectively every trip down the court.” Via NBA.com
• Richard Hamilton Highlights.
• 44-36… Yes, Detroit won the war of the boards.
• 54 Pistons Bench points thanks to Rip and Antonio.
• Can we tip our hats to Antonio McDyess who doesn’t get much of the spotlight for Detroit but is one of the reasons Detroit has a chance to win every game. Dyess scored 16 points with 9 boards with a steal and a blocked shot in 34 minutes on the floor.  I have said this since Dyess came to Detroit, the guy never gets the benefit of the whistle.
• Engaged and on Fire! I know we don’t like when he does it but when it works we celebrate.  A career high 7 three pointers for Rasheed Wallace.  Sheed scored 27 points in 47 minutes for Detroit.  He added 2 blocks, 8 boards and two assists.

Photo/Getty Images

• Yes Rasheed did pick up another technical foul (that makes 14), but in his defense, he got run over by Dan Gadzuric and didn’t get a call. Knocked down and stepped on, made the three with no call.
• Sheetastic Highlights.
• Tayshaun may not have put up double figures but he had a solid night.  Nine points, 9 assists, 13 boards and a steal.  Prince was a big part of running the offense when Rip and Iverson were dominating.
• Simple fact seems to be that Rip, AI and Stuckey can’t light up the same game.  Rip plays well, Stuckey doesn’t play much and we should be fine with it if we start winning.
• FSN Highlights by the quarter.
• Chris McCosky : “Coach Michael Curry did switch things up. He trapped Sessions. He used Hamilton on him in the fourth quarter and into the overtime. And down the stretch, he put Arron Afflalo on him. But nothing worked until Afflalo shut him down in the final seconds. “Every time we trapped with a big guy, they called a foul,” Curry said. “I think we committed more fouls tonight than ever.”
• Anyone wondering why Curry refuses to go zone when the Pistons are clearly getting burned?  At least he figured out that he needed to put AA in the game.
• The Suns Tonight at The Palace 8PM Tip on ABC ESPN.

The 24-28 Milwaukee Bucks will host the 26-21 Detroit Pistons tonight at The Bradley Center.  The Pistons are looking to start a winning streak after a down-to-the-wire win against Miami Wednesday night.

The Bucks, well they just hope to survive after a season-ending injury to their leading scorer Michael Redd,  an injury to Andrew Bogut, who could miss the rest of the season, and now point guard Luke Ridnour, who broke a thumb in practice.

On the Pistons side, Antonio McDyess may possibly become a starter.  That may be the boost the Pistons need, though McDyess is more comfortable coming off the bench.

Good News/Bad News and More

• The Pistons have taken 13 of the last 16 meetings and five of seven in Milwaukee.
• Rasheed talks about being traded.
• Amare Amore?
• The Amare and now Shaq Rumors are many. A. Sherrod Blakely say it’s unlikely.
• Rasheed want to play with Timmy?
• Not a good report card for the Pistons. (via pistonsfan101 in the comments)
• Sheed and Chauncey at All Star weekend Hip Hop. (via Thomas LaCombe)

Tip off is at 8:30 P.M. and will be locally televised on FSN. If you can’t watch the broadcast, tune into 1130 AM WDFN The Fan.  Can’t do either? Follow the game on NBA.com.

Comments and  Chat.

The now 16-11 Detroit Pistons are in Milwaukee to take on John Hammond’s 14-16 Bucks. The Bucks (3) are playing better and are just one spot behind Detroit (2) in the Central Division.

Damon Jones will be on court for The Bucks Saturday night after some issues with management.

“Jones has been on the Bucks’ 15-man roster since the start of the season. But he did not report to the team by mutual agreement while agent Mark Termini and Bucks management pursued other options.” Via JSOnline

The Bucks have won three straight and five of their last six. Milwaukee’s winning streak is its longest this season. It’s also won a season high five straight at home by an average of 14.4 points, while holding opponents to 92.0 points.

The Pistons have taken seven of the last eight meetings with Milwaukee.

Tip off is at 8:30 P.M. on FSN. If you can’t watch the broadcast, tune into 1130 AM The Fan. Can’t do either, follow the game on NBA.com.

You know what to do  – Chat, comments

No need for Allen Iverson to start this one, Rodney Stuckey did just fine bringing this Pistons team out on the floor. Stuckey got the team going out of the gate and Jason Maxiell’s high flying heroics didn’t hurt. Walter Herrmann capped off the night by scoring 13 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter in the Pistons’ 107-97 win over Milwaukee.

Key Points:

• Rodney Stuckey was big in this one, 12 points with 5 assists, 4 steals and just one turnover. Stuckey starting over Iverson….success. My whole thing with Stuckey playing is that he’s getting Rip the ball where he needs it.
• Rip, still not quite there but not that bad. Hamilton was 4-for-11 on the night with 12 points.
• Kinda nice having Allen Iverson come off the bench and work with the second team.
• Rebounding problem, Detroit lost the battle of the boards 41-47.
• Stuckey’s steal and Alley Oop was Amirzing

Video Courtesy of The NBA, The Detroit Pistons and FSN

• I had a chance to enjoy the game with The Fluidics, who was nice enough to share his prime seats with me. Best part of the night, the guys behind us who screamed PRACTICE every time Iverson shot the ball.
• Six Pistons in double figures.
• 14 turnovers for each team.
• Didn’t like the fact that Walter Sharpe came into the game in the closing minutes and jacked up two shots on consecutive possessions to get in the books when his teammates were open and Milwaukee was still within 10.
• Best thing Kwame Brown has done as a Piston. Well besides this.
• Jason Maxiell brought the house down all night long. Jason had 6 blocks, 8 boards and 13 points with highlights galore. Jason has truly stepped his game up and it shows the minute he gets on the floor.

• The Jason Maxiell show, second clip was the Play of the Night. Watch how Villanueva wants none of the Maxiell jam.
• Allen Iverson led Detroit with 17 points on 4-for-10 shooting. He really is trying to dish the ball to his teammates and play Detroit’s style. Sometimes I wish he’d just be Allen, but no complaints here.
• A quiet 10 points for Tayshaun who played a bit of the point last night.
• I don’t like Richard Jefferson, he’s always got that pouty look on his face and it was as clear as day when he picked up a technical in the first half.
• NBA.com Highlights of The Game.
• Walter was truly the man, 5-for-6 from downtown for 16 points. He made the Palace erupt into a WAL-TER chant. It was great!

Photo/Getty

• “He shot the ball so well and he made it so much easier for everybody else,” Iverson said. “He played a hell of a game, especially coming off the bench and not playing as much and coming in and contributing like that. … It says a lot about his preparation.” Via The Detroit Free Press
• I know Tayshaun has been playing great, but Walter is a fantastic backup….utilize him more Michael.
  Solid night for Amir, 8 points, 3 boards and 3 blocked shots. That kid couldn’t get a call to save his life.
• Detroit led 62-49 at the half, but the Bucks still remained in the game in the second half.
• Detroit shot 48% on the night. Great shot selection.
• Sheed 3 for 9 on the night for 8 points and 5 boards.
• Two Walters in the game at one time is confusing.
• Dyess jerseys back in the Palace Locker Room Store (Thank Goodness).
• On a funny note, they had an advertisement running on the screen that circles the Palace. It was eyes only, and I could swear it was Dyess….Nope, an advertisement for a Brian McNight show at the Palace. They really do look alike.
• Sunday afternoon game against Portland should be great.

Detroit hosts John Hammond’s Milwaukee Bucks tonight at The Palace. Milwaukee is coming into Detroit on a two game losing streak, and has lost five of its last seven games. Nothing (for this team right now) is a sure thing but the fact that the The Bucks will most likely be without Andrew Bogut (knee) and their All-Star Michael Redd (ankle) gives the Pistons a better edge.

I for one will be happy not to see Mr. Bogut, he just rubs me the wrong way.

As you already know, Rodney Stuckey will be starting in place of Allen Iverson.

Tip is at 8:00 PM on FSN with the pre-game festivities starting at 7. If you can’t watch the television broadcast, tune into 1130 AM The Fan where you can catch our friend Matt Dery with the pre-game starting at 7:00. Can’t do either, follow the game on NBA.com.

Leave them in the comments and enjoy the chat.

Chicago Bulls

Nels: Give Me The Rock

Matt: Blog-a-Bull

Cleveland Cavaliers

Rock: Waiting For Next Year

FTS: Fear The Sword

David Friedman: 20 Second Timeout

Amar Panchmatia: Cavalier Attitude

Detroit Pistons

Brian Spencer: Empty the Bench

Natalie Sitto: Need4Sheed.com

Matt Watson: Detroit Bad Boys

Indiana Pacers

Tom: Indy Cornrows

Milwaukee Bucks

Jeramey Jannene: The Bratwurst

Frank Madden: BrewHoop