Posts Tagged: The Palace of Auburn Hills

A Bynumite Delight – Pistons Top Orlando

Posted on November 4th, 2009 by Natalie Sitto

The Pistons handed the Orlando Magic their first loss of the season Tuesday night at the Palace of Auburn Hills.  Not only where the Pistons without Richard Hamilton again, Tayshaun Prince finally missed a game after starting 496 straight.  Great guard play all around for Detroit led by the gutsy play off Will Bynum after he returned from a poke in the eye from Marcin Gortat and made some key plays down the stretch to lead Detroit to a 80-85 victory.

Key points:

  • Though the crowd was sparse at the Palace, the Pistons had the crowd rocking from tip to buzzer.
  • 17 minutes from Superman, who finally fouled out on in the fourth on a Bynumite drive.
  • 63 combined points from Gordan, Stuckey and Bynum.
  • When did white chocolate land in Orlando?
  • Jonas Jerebko who became the first Swedish born player to start and NBA took Tayshaun Prince’s spot in the lineup.  Jerebko was 0-for-5 but grabbed 5 boards and was hustling all night long.
  • Things got scrappy in the second half when both teams got physical with their fouls.  Could it have started with the Stuckey throw down on Dwight that sent him to the locker room? Possibly, but how can 50 Cent hurt Superman…really.  Hard fouls back and fourth, especially one  from Jameer Nelson on Will Bynum. Even J.J. Reddick got into the mix.
  • If your counting that’s 4 straight wins against the Magic.
  • It’s getting a little better for Charlie V. Villanueva scored 12 with an assist and grabbed 8 boards.  He’s looking like he’s really getting used to Detroit Basketball.
  • First NBA points  for Austin Daye in his 4 minutes on court.
  • Prince will be sidelined for at least three games before his status is re-evaluated this weekend.
  • I can’t tell you how many times we are going to hear “Rip and Tay or just Tay or just Rip…..should be traded”  just stop now. It’s one game and we are 4 games into the season.
  • Great night for Rodney who was one rebound shy of a double-double. Stuck put up 20 points with 9 boards, 3 assists and a steal.

Photo/Getty Images
  • Don’t worry about Rodneys’ assists… though the ball movement was ok at times, the Pistons only had 8 total all game.  Will this team have assist issues all season long…probably not.
  • Ok, I did read this stat right: Orlando was 10-for-35 from three point land… that’s a ton of threes.  Meanwhile the Pistons were 0-for-6 on the night.
  • No play at all for Jason Maxiell, is he in the doghouse with Kuester too?
  • By far win or lose and despite the absence of Rip and Tay, this was the best the Pistons have played in a long, long time.  I’m talking current or past lineup.  Hard fought, gritty basketball was the key and Detroit did everything they had to do to pull it out.
  • On a night that I thought the bigs would have had to step up, it was the guards who had big nights.  They not only put up big numbers, they got the Magic in foul trouble.
  • Ben Gordon was great again, leading the team with 23 points, 5 boards, 3 assists  and a steal.  He’s stepping up and taking doing what he’s got to do when the Pistons need buckets.  And guess what …he makes ‘em. He was 6-for-10 from the floor and 11-for-11 from the line.

Photo/Getty Images
  • Eight total points from the Piston Bigs on the night.
  • Pistons went to the line 38 times and made 31 to Orlando’s 12-for-16 from the line. Thank the Pistons guards for driving the lane all night long.
  • Great play from Ben Wallace again, who scored just 2 but grabbed 10 boards with 2 steals and 2 blocked shots. Best of all he was fired up…just like old times.
  • I have to say I really like Dwight Howard, but he’s defiantly one of those players who’s face always looks like he never committed a foul in his life.
  • Orlando led 41-38 at the half but the Pistons (finally with a good third quarter) made a game of it the rest of the way.
  • I am not kidding you when I tell you the last few minutes of the game was electrifying at the Palace. When it was clear that we were going to pull it out I was simply WOWed.
  • Not only did Bynum come back, he drove the lane hard on Dwight, sacrificing his already bruised body (eye) and forced Howard to foul out.  With his 20 points on the night he clearly was the player of the game, especially what he had to do to get it.  His basket in the closing minute was the dagger.
Video Courtesy of The NBA and The Detroit Pistons
  • Crazy hand for Will Bynum who came back from a horrible poke in the eye from Gortat. He looked like he wasn’t even going to be able to stand up at first, let alone come back in the game. And looking at the replay when I returned from the game it was worse than on Palace Vision. That’s what I call Superman!
  • Oh, and was that a tackle on Will, Jameer?

Photo/Getty Images
  • Rebound war won 44-41.
  • Great win, things came together and the team gave Pistons fans something to cheer about.
  • Thanks go out to my Twitter followers who (in a matter of seconds) let me know why Tayshaun didn’t start last night and what exactly happened to Will Bynum when he went down.  Love going to the games, but when you have no idea what Blaha and Kelser are saying it can be frustrating.  I know you have my back, so thanks.
  • Highlights from the game

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Find you Pistons Mate with SpeedDate!

Posted on November 2nd, 2009 by Natalie Sitto


Did you ever want a mate that was as fired up as you are when Rip hits a three at the buzzer? Then this is the contest for you!

Speed Date of Michigan is sponsoring a contest to find the Pistons fan ‘most committed’
to the Pistons. It’s open to single Need4Sheed readers ages 21 and up that
think their devotion to the Detroit Pistons is unrivaled.

One male and one female winner will be chosen and will win a spot in
the Speed Date Michigan Singles Basketball Bash at the Palace on Nov.
15.
Which also includes a ticket to the
Pistons game that evening against Dallas.

Entries can be emailed to SpeedDateMichigan@gmail.com or even through
snail mail to 46036 Michigan Ave., Suite 214, Canton, MI, 48188. All
entries must be received by Sat. Nov. 8th with the winner being chosen
the next day.

Entries may be in the form of a short essay, pictures, video, etc. The
more creative the entry, the higher the consideration.

If you don’t win you can still find your Pistons mate, cost of registration for this event is $34 with a portion
per registrant being donated to Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Advance registration for the Basketball Bash will be closed one week prior to the event on Nov. 8. Specific inquiries or requests for more information can also be replied to by emailing info@SpeedDateMichigan.com or calling (734) 560-4137.

I’ll be there causing trouble, so get in on this as soon as possible.  What more could you ask for than to find that Special Someone who loves Detroit Basketball as much as you do!

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2009-2010 Detroit Pistons Introductions

Posted on October 31st, 2009 by Natalie Sitto

As always, The Detroit Pistons 2009-2010 Detroit Pistons Introductions followed by a very heartfelt dedication to Pistons owner and Member of the Basketball Hall of Fame Bill Davidson.

Ben Wallace with a HUGE ovation and being there I can tell you that he had to have felt the love in the building.  Ben Gordon, who started in place of the injured Richard Hamilton got a nice ovation, but overall I was impressed by the love for Will Bynum….BYNUMITE.

No Sheed, no post intro dance, that I missed.

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The Pistons vs. The Thunder – 2009-2010 Home Opener

Posted on October 30th, 2009 by Natalie Sitto

Straight off their opening night win in Memphis, The Detroit Pistons take the court tonight at The  Palace to take on the Oklahoma Thunder in their first home game of the season.

Forget the fact that Kevin Durant will be in town, Pistons fans have other things to worry about, the 2009-2010 Palace introductions.  We don’t know what they will have in store for us, but you can bet the crowd will go crazy as soon as the lights are dimmed and the fire begins to pulse.

I’m pretty sure they will be a lot different from the 2008-2009 season intros.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

And I’ll bet that Ben Wallace will have a hero’s welcome.

We also don’t know if Mason will be announcing Ben Goooorrrrrrdon (Ba Ba Ben is already reserved for Wallace) during the intos with Rip being questionable after his ankle sprain that occured late in the game on Wednesday night in Memphis.

“That’s the crazy part about it,” Hamilton said. “I think I’ve had three (ankle sprains) my whole life. So I know when I do it, twist my ankle, I know it’s pretty bad.”
After the game, Detroit’s medical officials opted to keep Hamilton’s right ankle taped up in hopes of compressing the swelling.
“I’ve been locked up all night since it happened,” Hamilton said. “We haven’t really taken the tape off to get a good look at it. We’ll see.”
If Hamilton can’t play, the most likely replacement in the starting lineup would be Ben Gordon, who scored 22 points in his Pistons debut Wednesday. Via MLive

Tip off is at 8:00 PM with the festivities starting on FS Detroit at 7:30 with the pre-game show.  If you can’t catch the game on television, tune in on the radio at 9.71 The Ticket or follow the game at NBA.com.

I’ll be in the building for my 10th consecutive home opener for the Pistons (yes I count, and I missed 1998 because of the flu).  You may even get a few game Tweets from me inside the building, so make sure you follow me on Twitter.

The rest I will leave to you in the comments.

*Side note to all, I know there isn’t a Leave a Comment link, the Trophy is supposed to be a click-able link to get there but I’m having technical difficulties.  In the meantime if you want to leave a comment, click the post link title and scroll down to leave one.  Thanks for your patience.

DEEEETROIT BASKETBALLLLL!

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The Pistons over The Bucks

Posted on October 24th, 2009 by Natalie Sitto

The Pistons win a tight one last night in Milwaukee 95-93 (Box Score). If you take a look at the box score Detroit’s rotation was probably close to what we are going to see on Wednesday when the season begins.
Austin Daye started again for the injured Tayshaun Prince with Ben Wallace at center and Charlie Villanueva as the PF.
Highlights of the Game

Wednesday can’t come soon enough, but I’m a little more excited to see just how this new team gets the crowd going at the Palace on Friday night. What kind of reception will Ben Wallace get, how will Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva respond and what does coach Kuester have in store for us.

A season of questions and if the defense doesn’t pick up we know what will be on top of that list.

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Pistons Stay Perfect with Win against The Hawks

Posted on October 11th, 2009 by Natalie Sitto

Ben Gordon led Detroit with 22 points in the Pistons 100-91 victory over the Atlanta Hawks which included this ridiculous three point buzzer beater to end the third quarter.

Rodney Stuckey also had his own buzzer beating jumper to take a 49-46 lead at the half finishing the game with 20 points. Knock it down and send him flying.

Rip Hamilton dropped 15 in another foul laden game thanks to the replacement referees.   The teams combined to commit 57 fouls, leading to 59 free throws.

Those Pistons fans who where out at the game were treated to a little Chucky Atkins in Sunday nights win. Atkins, who played seven minutes scored three points for Detroit.

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Dwyane Wade DAYEzed and Confused

Posted on October 6th, 2009 by Natalie Sitto

I was lucky enough to see this one coming last night at the Palace during the Pistons 87-83 win over the Heat.  The Princeesque  block by Austin Daye on Dwyane Wade.  This one gave instant rep to Austin at the Palace especially after they replayed it on the big screen multiple times.

Thanks to Need4Sheed reader Jay for the Video.

Due to time restrictions, I am unable to post a full recap of the game so I would like to hear your thoughts in the comments.  One word from me, impressed.

Two little tidbits from the game that you may not have heard on the broadcast.

  • A put Chucky chant started in the late fourth quarter
  • And when Jonas Jerebko and Jamaal Magloire got into their little scrum…the crowd started chanting DEEEEETROIT BASKETBALLLL.  See, we always keep that “Bad Boys” mentality.

FYI to Austin Daye Fans

“Pistons rookie Austin Daye will be at Meijer in Allen Park (3536 Fairlane Blvd.) on Tues., Oct. 6, from 4:30-6:00 p.m., along with the Pistons Hoop Truck, where you can get a voucher for a free ticket to an upcoming preseason game at The Palace.” Via Pistons.com

Your thoughts in the comments.

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Let the (pre-season) Games Begin – The Pistons vs. The Heat

Posted on October 5th, 2009 by Natalie Sitto

The wait is over for starved Pistons fans who weren’t used to a short post season.  The first pre-season game is tonight at The Palace of Auburn Hills against The Miami Heat .  For those of you who were wondering, this game will be televised on FSN Detroit, so make sure you catch it because besides the last pre-season game this will be the only time to watch what this new team can do before the regular season starts.

If you feel anything like I do, today couldn’t have come quick enough. I am anxious to first off see how Ben Gordon gels with the team and excited to see how Kuester involves the rookies. This is a season of the unknown, many things can happen.

  • The Pistons do what most of their fans and the media think, fall short of anything spectacular and just keep their heads above water all season long.
  • They could be worse than people imagined and just not work in their new configuration.
  • They can surprise and do better than anyone expected.
  • They can be very frustrating.
  • They can be very entertaining.

The list can go on…

Personally I am of the belief that this is going to be better than anything we experienced last season. I expect some excitement from our rookies, especially DaJuan Summers. I am always of the half glass full mentality, so I’m holding out hope for a fun and exciting season regardless of the Pistons final record.

One thing I do know is…when people have something to prove they usually do whatever it takes to make their point.

Look out for Bynumite, Ben Gordon, Charlive Villanueva, Chris Wilcox and the always hungry Jason Maxiell.

And Ben Wallace….that’s a different animal altogether.  I’m sure he wants to win back the fans in the city that made him.

As for the game:

Tip off is at 7:30 but tune in to FSN starting at 6:30 with Remembering Chuck Daly followed by the Pistons pre-game show.  When the action starts we can hear the familiar voices of George Blaha and Special K.

97.1 The TicketIf you can’t watch the action, you can follow the game live on NBA.com or listen in at 97.1 The Ticket the new home for Pistons radio broadcasts.  The Ticket’s first Pistons broadcast will begin with their pre-game show at 7 p.m. and they will be taking calls post game as well as your texts.  Call into the station  (248-539-9797) where you can talk to my good friend Matt Dery or text into the station at 97136 (standard text message rates apply).

Notables/Injuries

Charlie Villanueva has been nursing a sore hamstring and is unlikely to play against Miami. Villanueva has missed a couple of practices this week with the injury but was able to do some light running on Sunday.

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Pistons Open Practice

Posted on September 30th, 2009 by Natalie Sitto

Plenty of you have been asking “When will the Pistons Open Practice be held?”

So here you go.

The Detroit Pistons will host an open practice from 12:30-2 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Palace. Admission is free, and doors will open at 11:30 a.m.

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Presale starts at 10 AM

Posted on September 15th, 2009 by Natalie Sitto

Just a little reminder for those of you waiting to but Pistons Tickets for these select games.

  • Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 25
  • Denver Nuggets on Dec. 10
  • Boston Celtics on Jan. 20
  • Orlando Magic on Jan. 31
  • San Antonio Spurs on Feb. 21
  • Boston Celtics on Mar. 2
  • Cleveland Cavaliers on Mar. 16

Click on the link to purchase up to 8 full price tickets to the biggest Pistons games this season.  This presale runs from Tues., Sept. 15 at 10 am until Thurs., Sept. 17 at noon.  Plus, you can receive up to 4 free tickets to the Oct. 30 Home Opener (one for each regular-price ticket you purchase).

Notice the teams?

  • LeBron
  • Chauncey
  • Sheed
  • Dwight
  • Dyess
  • Sheed
  • LeBron
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Around The Way

Posted on September 4th, 2009 by Natalie Sitto

Lastly…I had an unbelievable once in a lifetime experience (for me). Something I have been waiting to happen for about 23 years. If you Follow me on Twitter you would know what it was.  More on that later, but in the meantime FOLLOW me and Retweet this for another prize (you must follow me to find out what it is) I will be giving away next week.

Message to ReTweet (you can copy and paste):

If you are a Pistons fan you must Follow @need4sheed_com – Repping the “D” regardless of Sheed! #Need4Sheed #Sheedburgler

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Soon to be classic Pistons video

Posted on September 1st, 2009 by Natalie Sitto

As you know I pass my offseason days by watching old Pistons videos whether they be epic playoff battles, championship glory or simple videos.  Today I was reminded of painful memories as a Pistons fan, something I care not get into on this beautiful day in Michigan.  Then I came across this video in my vault and if brought out joy and pain.

Despite the fact that this video was put together pretty recently, it seems like lifetime ago.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Video courtesy of The Detroit Pistons and myTV20 Detroit

I would like to get your take on the matter…does it put a smile on your face or cause you pain over what was, and maybe what could have been if things didn’t go the way they did last season?

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