If you didn’t know it, the Pistons are the hottest team in the NBA with the longest winning streak, now at six games after their 98-92 win against the Sacramento Kings. On a night when the Pistons were without three of their key pieces in Rip Hamilton (groin), Rasheed Wallace (foot) and Antonio McDyess (ribs), the rest of the big names picked up the slack. Stellar nights from Tayshaun Prince, Amir Johnson, Allen Iverson and Rodney Stuckey were just what the doctor, or Arnie Kander, ordered.
Key Points:
- Stuck-y Stuck-y Stuck-y Stuck-y! Was the chant from the Palace crowd late in the fourth quarter when Rodney Stuckey decided to add to his already superb show. None louder than when he was at 38 and everyone in the building was willing his last shot in so he could get to 40 again.
- Allen Iverson didn’t disappoint either. Iverson not only played minutes he’s used to but he put up 23 points on 10-for -24 shooting. He grabbed 6 boards with 4 assists and a steal. His jumper with 15 seconds on the clock sealed the deal for Detroit and had him skipping to the bench when the Kings called their last timeout.
Video Courtesy of The NBA, The Detroit Pistons and FSN
- “Right now we are starting to feel real good as a team,” Iverson said. “We are starting to get that confidence and swagger. We didn’t have that feeling at first. Obviously, running off six straight wins helps you feel a lot better, but we are coming together.” Via The Detroit News
- Mr. Stuckey led the Pistons with 38 points on 15 for 29 shooting while going 8-for-10 from the line. He added 7 assists, 4 boards and 3 steals in 42 minutes on the floor. Remember that poise that we all loved in late game situations that Chauncey Billups always brought to the game? Stuckey seems to have inherited it.
- Dyess and Sheed out-War of the boards lost 49-45.
- Kevin Martin put up 20 and Brad Miller burned the Pistons for 25.
- Detroit held the Kings to 33% shooting on the night.
- What did Rodney think about the fans chanting his name? Here is his FSN post game interview with Eli Zaret.
- Stucktacular Highlights. As Greg Kelser stated, “If you didn’t know, now you know.”
Photo/Getty Images
- Afflalo had a surprisingly cold night going 0-for-4.
- Walter Hermann 5 minutes, 2 boards and 2 quick personal fouls.
- A quiet 22 minutes for Mr. Maxiell, probably because Amir Johnson was tearing things up.
- 36 points in the paint for Detroit to 30 for the Kings.
- The Kings made 33 of 34 free throws.
- Amir Johnson has been truly impressive since he’s been added to the starting lineup. Last night was no different as he had a career night in rebounding (14) and minutes (38). A double-double on the night adding 10 points to his 14 boards and his hustle was a big part of why Detroit won this game. Did I mention his 3 blocks? The kid goes after everything.
- Amirzing Highlights.
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- FSN Highlights of the game. Make sure you check out the bullet pass in the fourth to an open Amir (from Stuckey). He got his double-double just in time.
- Alarming – Detroit was 75% from the charity stripe.
- Tayshaun Prince had a huge night too, 23 points on 8-for-12 shooting with 10 boards, an assist and 3 blocked shots. It’s nice to see Prince play at his true position, that’s when he’s at his best. This pass from AI to Prince for the dunk was The Play of The Game.
Photo/Getty Images
- Tough West Coast road trip ahead for Detroit, starting tomorrow (Sunday Afternoon) against the Clippers. Here is to hoping we have at least some of the injured back on court.
- As I told you, it was Need4Sheed’s suite night at the Palace. That’s a separate post altogether but let me just say, thank you David, the Pistons are a great organization and George Blaha is a saint!
