Key Points:

• Another start for Jonas Jerebko and his first NBA points.  Hustle from Jerebko and defensive effort turned into 2 blocks, 3 boards and 8 points.
• Though not a 20 point night, Rodney Stuckey put up a solid double-double with 10 boards, 13 points and 4 assists.
• We have to face facts, it’s clear that Detroit desperately needs front court help.  They can’t count on the guards to do all the scoring.
• I’m getting Ben Wallace DeJa vu.  He’s as closer to the Ben that left to go to Chicago than I could have ever imagined.  Now Kuester needs to limit his time a bit more so this lasts all season.  Wallace finished with 9 boards and 6 points.
• Toronto became the first team this season to score more than 100 points against Detroit. Does that mean the “D” is officially back?  Probably not, but it’s a refreshing surprise.
• Another heroic effort from Will Bynum, who did his best in the fourth to get the Pistons back in it. He tied the game up with this drive and finished the game with16 points, 6 assists and a steal in 33 minutes. I know he prefers “The Thrill” but I can’t help screaming Bynumite, when he does something spectacular like this…

Video Courtesy of The NBA and The Detroit Pistons

• Austin Day looks a lot like Tayshaun on court, especially when he’s blocking people with those long arms. Daye logged 16 minutes, blocking 2 shots, with 3 boards and 5 points.
• Jason Maxiell got 10 minutes of floor time and added a bit of a spark. A nice putback with 3 boards with 4 points.
• By the way….how many “trade rumor” stories did you read after the Orlando game?
• 20 trips to the line for Bosh, that’s big.
• How much do you enjoy watching Ben Gordon? I’m sure I’ll be writing this again but… Ben Gordon put up a career high in a Pistons uniform while leading the team with 30 points. He’s truly putting this team on his back with Rip and Tay out. Oh and I’m enjoying the fact the Bulls fans are sick about it.

Photo/Getty Images

• First official NBA time for DaJuan Summers who saw 40 seconds.
• Pistons shot well, shooting 45% for the game, but needed to get some stops down the stretch and couldn’t.
• Charlie Villanueva played his best game as a Piston against the team that drafted him. A pretty good stat line in all departments with 16 points, 7 boards a steal and a block. He’s looking better in red, white and blue every night.
• Tough to play a back to back shorthanded, especially after the battle against Orlando. You could clearly see the effort, but they just fell flat mid fourth quarter.
• A little more Ben

• Good to see Amir Johnson get some time on court.  He really helped Toronto when the Pistons started making a run in the third.
• A day of rest and a tough rematch in Orlando Friday night. I hope someone bring some more Kryptonite.
• My good friend Ryan over at HoopsAddict got the inside scoop in the Pistons locker room last night.  I’ll quote him, and then send you over for the audio. “Tonight the Pistons locker room was pure jokes, hence Rip Hamilton free styling before the game about “pimpin’ ain’t easy fo’ sheezy” Pre and post game audio over at Hoopsaddict.com

Bounce back quickly from last night’s victory is what the Pistons plan to do tonight in Toronto as the e 2-2 Pistons are set to take on the 1-2 Raptors at the Air Canada center.  The Pistons will again be without Tayshaun Prince and Rip Hamilton for tonight’s game against the Raps.

Who to look out for?

• Andrea Bargnani who’s putting up career numbers.
• Chris Bosh who’s always a weapon.
• Hedo Turkoglu who can shoot the lights out on a given night.

Me…. I’m hoping for a some playing time for our old friend Amir Johnson, especially after I found out he shouted me out on RaptorsTV.

Tip off is at 7:00 PM and will be locally broadcast on FSN.  You can also listen to the game on 97.1 The Ticket or follow the game on NBA.com.

After last night’s battle, I’m hoping for an easier time from our shorthanded and injured (Will) squad.

Final Score -- Pistons 99-95 OT

Key Points:

• Turnovers! A miserable 18 for Detroit on the night.
• When Sheed is out, plenty of paint points are given up. Toronto scored 48 down low.
• How about Arron Afflalo who twice hit HUGE (3 point) shots to help the Pistons in this one. After a Pistons timeout, Hamilton found Arron Afflalo for a three pointer from the corner, giving Detroit an 88-84 lead.  From virtually no playing time, to solid go-to guy.
• I just like saying Pops Mensah-Bonsu.  In fact I think I may just start using it as a part of my everyday vocabulary.  Now I just have to think of the meaning to give to it.
• Detroit shot 49% on the night to Toronto’s 40%.
• Detroit caught a break when recently hot Raptors center Andrea Bargnani left in the first quarter with flu-like symptoms and did not return.
• Did Rip and Rodney just switch positions? Another career night for Rip Hamilton with 16 assists.

Photo/Getty Images

• “I just told myself to keep trying to make plays, not just for yourself but for your teammates, and I thought guys did an excellent job of knocking down shots,” Hamilton said. Via The Detroit Free Press
• Rip did lead the Pistons with 24 but he had an awful shooting night going just 8-for-26. He did have another career assist night, but 6 turnovers and 8 against the Knicks, that has to stop.
• Hoops Addict was in the locker room post game with Detroit. Though Ryan touched on something we have been talking about for what seems forever, he did mention to me that he caught Mr. Blaha in the bathroom making sure his locks look perfect on the air.
• Rip did start to get hot in OT and jump started the team to a 9-0 run.
• Another DD for Antionio McDyess who quite frankly is the MVP of the season for Detroit.  Dyess put up 16 with 13 boards and was probably robbed on the Tayshaun putback that may have won the game for Detroit.  Looked close but off the cylinder it was if you ask me.

Photo/Getty Images

• NBA TV Highlights of the Game.
• Do you realize Rip has been putting up career numbers since he was put back in the starting lineup? 30 assists in two games….move over Isiah.
• Jason Maxiell 16 points on 8-for-9 shooting, while saving the game with the block and the jam in OT.  I questioned him starting, but he did more than fine. He added 6 boards, a steal and 2 blocks on the night. A +14 for the game for the Baby Eater!
• “I thought Max’s energy was off the charts,” Curry said. “I thought our guys didn’t have their legs tonight (second straight overtime game), but Max and Arron Afflalo really gave us a lift.” Via The Detroit News
• Stuckey scored 17 in 40 minutes with 4 assists, 5 boards and 3 turnovers.  I know he’s learning, but is it just me or do the turnovers he does pick up come at the worst times?
• Tayshaun Prince, 11 points on 5-14 shooting with 8 boards, 4 assists, a blocked shot and a takeaway.
• Antonio McDyess has played 89 minutes the last two games.
• We are mourning the passing of a great man so I did my best to show that we miss him here at N4S with the ribbon at the top of the page. He was a class act and a Champion of a man that left one heck of a mark on the World.   Mr. Davidson will be missed.
• A very fitting and touching comment that holds true for me from Benjo in the comments “One of my only wishes in my lifetime is to be able to make the world a better place than it would have been without me. I know you don’t like accolades but YOU ARE MY HERO, Mr. D. Rest in Peace and God bless you and your family.” Indeed, he did leave the world a better place.

UPDATE “All details are not known, but it’s safe to say that Bill Davidson’s wife, Karen, will succeed him as owner of the Pistons, according to Palace Sports and Entertainment president Tom Wilson” Via The Detroit Free Press

This is the surely a time when Detroit has to buckle down for a more desirable spot come April.

Rasheed is doubtful for tonight’s game and the Pistons will know more about the status of Allen Iverson in a week or so.

“I’m in no rush,” Wallace said a few minutes ago prior to Detroit’s morning shootaround. “I’m taking it day to day.” Via MLive

With the game Dyess played on Wednesday….he deserves more than this tribute mix, but that’s all I have for you right now.

The Good/Bad and More

• Toronto has lost six straight, a slide during which Chris Bosh has averaged 25.5.
• Toronto has the East’s second-worst record.
• The Pistons close the season with a favorable schedule.
• Maxiell with start again for Rasheed.
• The Bench brings the energy.
• Juiced Sports Blog talks to Bill Laimbeer.
• Doug Collins on his deep admiration for Daddy Rich.
• You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone -- Blaha on Sheed

Tip off is at 7:00 PM and will be locally broadcast on FSN. If you can’t watch it you can listen in locally on 1130 AM WDFN, or follow the game with a live feed on NBA.com.

Keep and eye and ear out for the abundance of Pistons fans in the crowd in Toronto. The comments are yours…

“Chris Bosh reportedly informed Toronto Raptors GM, Bryan Colangelo, that he will not re-sign with the team in 2010, according to Stephen A. Smith.

Bosh can become an unrestricted free agent in 2010.

“He has no desire to remain in Toronto,” said Smith, during a Feb. 1 interview.

Smith mentioned Miami and Dallas as possible destinations” Real GM

Thanks to Team Need4Sheed Vin Richitelli for the quick info.

Key Points:

• Give a hand to Rip Hamilton for making the move to the bench even if he didn’t really have a choice in the matter.  Rip sat courtside on his stationary bike to keep warm during the first quarter.  He had a rough time getting used to his new role, scoring 7 on 3-for-9 shooting in 21 minutes on the floor.  Three of his misses game from behind the three point line, but he stayed in the action picking up 4 assists.  Had the game been closer in the fourth Rip would had played more minutes.
• Rip on coming off the bench (audio) via The Detroit News.
• Rip has had a difficult time since his partner in crime was traded so a move to the bench is just another obstacle he needs to deal with. Time people.
• The Fluidics noticed something I didn’t last night (probably because I was busy talking to a good friend). “About Rip though. He didn’t do his pre-game antics in the corridor with the team, punching their chests. When they ran out of the tunnel, Rip was nowhere to be seen, he was the last to the court, walked out by himself.”
• Sure we made mincemeat out of a bad Raptors team, but we have to look at the bright side of things. We were losing to teams like the Thunder, so this is a welcome change no matter who it was.
• Nice start to the new lineup change, but lets see if the Pistons can transition to a new beginning.
• Jason Maxiell started the show in the first quarter throwing down dunks like he was playing nerf basketball in the basement of his mother’s house when he was 10. The man should never put up a DNP, but we have said that plenty of times before.

Video Courtesy of The NBA, The Detroit Pistons and FSN Detroit

• Jason put up a double-double with 16 points and 11 boards with 2 blocked shots in 24 minutes on the floor. The highlights were plentiful and babies were in danger.
• Amir Johnson, who started the game, scored just 2 points, grabbing 5 boards and a blocked shot in 21 minutes. Mark my words, he going to fit into his new role just fine. Give him time.
• A less than quiet night from Rasheed Wallace who went 1-for-6 with 3 points, 2 boards and a blocked shot in 24 minutes.
• Finally Tayshaun Prince is back to where he belongs….his position.  To commemorate the occasion, he led the Pistons with 24 points on 11-for-16 shooting in 32 minutes on the floor.  When he’s where he’s supposed to be things happen.

Photo/Getty Images

• The Tayriffic Highlights.
• Five Pistons in double figures.
• Detroit shot 50% from the floor and 80% from the line.
• 37 points for the Pistons bench who really haven’t put up those kind of numbers save a couple of times this season.  Most of that was due to playing time so you really can’t fault them much for that.
• “We’re just a more balanced team,” coach Michael Curry said of the starting lineup of Prince, Amir Johnson, Rasheed Wallace, Allen Iverson and Rodney Stuckey. “So when you have a quarter when you don’t play great basketball in that first quarter, you can go to the bench and be really good.” Via The Detroit Free Press
• It was nice to see the Pistons finish a game in convincing fashion.  Someone tell me the last time they did that.  It was especially nice after starting the game down 10 to 2 to Toronto.
• Poor Jason…. He has a big game and just when he’s getting some face time with Matt Dery, Rasheed Wallace strikes.

Video Courtesy of The NBA, The Detroit Pistons and FSN Detroit

• A surprisingly quiet 17 points and 7 assists for Rodney Stuckey.
• FSN Highlights by the quarter.
• Rebound war won convincingly 40-28.
• Not much from Allen Iverson who scored just 11 on 3-for-9 shooting. He did however have 6 assists in his 38 minutes.
• Rip or AI are both upset, trust me. AI isn’t getting the number of shots he’s used to and Rip has got to be pulling his hair out coming off the bench. I just hope if this translates into wins they will be able to deal with it better. You would think so at least.
• I was lucky enough to get invited to the game by Matt from DBB.  It was actually his suite night, so meeting his readers and enjoying this win made last night that much better.  Thanks Matt!

The Pistons take on the 16-27 Raptors tonight at The Palace.  This is the first game with the new lineup so lets hope that Detroit starts looking like Detroit again.

Good News: The Pistons haven’t lost to the Raptors at home since April 2, 2003.

Bad News: That comes when we see the final score of this one.

Tip off is at 7:30 P.M. and will be locally broadcast on FSN . If you can’t watch the broadcast, tune into 1130 AM WDFN The Fan, with pre-game coverage starting at 6:30 P.M. with Matt Dery. Can’t do either? Follow the game on NBA.com.

Comments, Chat and CONTEST

Key Points:

• Nice statistic: Detroit held the Raptors to ZERO fast break points. Great holding a team like that who likes to run.
• The not so usual suspects are really coming up strong for Detroit. Maxiell, Herrmann, and Bynum did the little things for Detroit off the bench.
• Chris Bosh had a monster game with 26 points, but he needed 24 attempts to do it.
• Two impressive blocked shots from Jason Maxiell who finished the game with 6 points and 5 boards in 20 minutes.
• Tayshaun really stepped up leading all scorers with 27 points on 10 for 13 shooting. Now that’s catching fire. Add 9 boards, 3 assists, a takeaway and 2 blocked shots, one coming in the closing minute of the game that clinched Detroit’s victory.

Photo/Getty Images

• WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
• Dyess is still mad at Denver, “Sources emphasized a key reason Antonio McDyess, acquired from Detroit in Monday’s big deal, doesn’t want to play for Denver is he’s still bitter at perceived mistreatment regarding his June 2002 trade from the Nuggets to New York.” Via Rocky Mountain News
• Just 5 turnovers for Detroit.
• Board war won 43-38.
• Every team seems to think they are going to land Dyess if he gets his buyout. I’m hearing Cleveland, San Antonio and Boston rumors.
• Detroit’s fast break points 11….I say that number gets bigger with AI in the lineup.
• NBA.com Highlights of the game.
• Prince is always good for a nice dunk.

Video Courtesy of The NBA, The Detroit Pistons and FSN Detroit

• A stat that we all worry about from the Pistons is looking very good so far this season. Forty six points in the paint from Detroit, just soak it in.
• Each team shot 45% from the floor.
• I know it’s not just me thinking even though Iverson hasn’t hit the floor for Detroit yet this team has gotten exciting to watch.
• So impressed with what Stuckey is doing so far this season. He looks like a vet out there sometimes and the kid is fearless. Rodney put up 14 points with 5 assists in 30 minutes with just one turnover.
• Seriously sweet pass that was good enough to be the play of the day, courtesy of Monday night’s star Will Bynum.
• Another double-double for Sheed who’s been stepping up since the season began. Though he had some trouble knocking down his shot going 4-12, he still put up 11 with 12 boards.

Photo/Getty Images

• Will Bynum has shined in the last two games and don’t think Pistons fans haven’t noticed. The guy has already put out  some nice highlights for us. Will put up 5 points on 3-for-4 shooting with 2 assists and 2 turns. And boy can he drive the lane.
• Dime breaks down the trade.
• Curry pulled Afflalo when he wasn’t playing well and inserted Acker into the lineup. It’s evident that MC isn’t afraid to pull anyone. “Arron Afflalo made some mistakes, and Alex Acker backs up Arron Afflalo, so Alex Acker was in the game,” Curry said. “We’re still going to give guys off the bench an opportunity to play, not just give the starters a rest. They deserve an opportunity to play.” Via MLive
• Billups Billboards are on the way in Denver.
• Kwame Brown is doing just what he was brought here to do.
• Dumars wants to keep Iverson around for a while?
• Second best assist of the night, Sheed to Rico Suave.

Video Courtesy of The NBA, The Detroit Pistons and FSN Detroit

• Amir still having trouble with fouls, but he put up 6 on 3-for-4 shooting. Leave him open and he’s going to hit the open jumper.
• An emotional goodbye.
• Coaches will have to be in uniform?
• Pistons get a Superstar and get bumped up to National TV. Detroit’s game against Golden State on Nov. 13 now will be televised on TNT. However,
• Rasheed Wallace doesn’t think it’ll take Iverson too long to get up to speed.“We’re not running rocket science plays here,” Wallace said. Via MLive and Hat Tip to Mike in the comments

According to A. Sherrod Blakley of MLive

“It looks as though Allen Iverson’s debut as a Detroit Piston will have to wait until Friday at New Jersey. Iverson, who underwent a physical by Detroit on Tuesday, is with the team in Toronto.

However, some of the other players involved in Monday’s trade — Chauncey Billups and Cheikh Samb — have yet to undergo their physicals. Antonio McDyess’ physical was waived.

Billups and Samb aren’t expected to arrive in Denver until later today. And with the two-hour time difference, it’s highly unlikely they will arrive in time to undergo their physicals prior to tonight’s 7 p.m. matchup against Detroit and Toronto.

As for McDyess, the Nuggets and McDyess’ agent, Andy Miller, are still trying to hash out a buyout agreement.”

As for the notion of Dyess to the Celtics……I say they are ridiculous. Dyess is not a ring chaser, if not Detroit then it’s his couch.

So we will probably have to enjoy the stylings of Stuckey and Bynum tonight….and I don’t feel bad about it one bit. While we wait for the tip which is at 7 PM and will be locally broadcast on FSN Detroit and on the AM at 1130 AM WDFN The Fan or stream it live through your computer at NBA.com, here is an Detroit Pistons Opening night video for your enjoyment.

That slight setback didn’t seem to bother The Pistons as they came out of the locker room, put their noses to the hardwood and went on a 9-0 run to start off the third quarter. That set the team in motion and it was all they needed to get their momentum back and coast to the finish line. Final Score 103-89.

Key Points:

• Surprisingly Rip and Chauncey were the only Pistons in double figures. They combined for 59 points.
• Boy did Delfino really put a scare into the Pistons in the second quarter. He was the reason The Raptors were down by just one at the half. Carlos went 3-for-3 from downtown and finished with 14 points. The Palace held a grudge against the former Piston, booing him at every make.
• 29 assists for The Pistons on the night.
• Flip had a short rotation, but because of the fourth quarter lead everyone played.
• The Prince of the Palace – Sweet up fake on Bosh for a dunk! Tayshaun finished with 6 points, 5 assists, 2 boards, a steal and a assist.
• Stuckey likes to drive the lane and it’s a nice thing to see on a Pistons team that really hasn’t had a player like that in a while. He finished with 8 points and 5 assists. I liked the fact that Flip had him on the floor with Mr. Billups.
• I believe Rasheed gets his strength from his facial hair.
• RIP A Dee Doo Dah

• Rip was on FIRE, he led the Pistons with a whopping 39 points going 5-for-6 from behind the long line. Rip also added 6 assists and 4 boards in 38 minutes on the floor.
• Jarvis Hayes is still struggling with his shot. He scored just 2 points on 1-for-5 shooting.
• Bargnani (could he be a bust) had a great game against the Pistons last time out, he was non existent on Tuesday. In fact he played just 16 minutes for the Raps.
• I watched a bit of the broadcast when I got home and heard Sheed talking to no one in particular “You know Carlos can’t defend Chauncey”… “Post up on his skinny @%&.” Classic.
• McDyess was a point away from a double-double. Diggity had 9 points, 13 boards 2 blocked shots and 7 steals…. Now that is Ridiculous, I can’t remember a game when anyone had 7 takeaways. Antonio was a +23 in the box. You know my love for all things Dyess, even when he’s slumping.
• BA BA BA Billups put up 20 on 5-for-9 shooting. His off balance drive to the lane circus shot that fell with an and one had me screaming “Count that Baby and a Foul!”.

• Nat Chua, Team Need4Sheed member, made sure to send me a screen shot of Kelser’s Keys… Does anything look familiar? Just a quick note about Nat, he uploaded a few pictures to FanPicTastic.com and I have to tell you THIS is the best T-Shirt I have ever seen. Thanks Nat!
• Biggest Piston lead, 18 points.
• I think the people around me thought I was a lunatic.
• 5 Raptors in double digits.
• Rebound war lost 38-42.
• NBA.Com Highlights of the game.
• Jason Kapono must have a Spray Tan franchise.
• Rip A De YAY!

• Rip had everything going for him. He even tried to connect with Sheed on a alley oop. It would have been a awesome if Sheed could have gotten it down, I love the one handers. Whenever Rip is coming off screens, good things happen. No turnovers on the night.
• “That’s my real estate in that corner; like Monopoly,” Hamilton said. “I got four houses and a hotel on there, you know what I’m saying? That’s what I do.” Via MLive Rip talking about his favorite spot in the corner along the baseline.
• Please don’t forget that Need4Sheed.com is giving away Pistons Tickets.
• 50% from the floor from the Pistons.
• 28 points in the paint for the Pistons, 36 for the Raptors.
• Maxiell seems to be having a hard time getting his dunks to go down lately. Sheed and Chauncey were cracking up on the bench after one of his misses. Jason finished with 8 points, 9 boards and 2 assists in 28 minutes on the floor. And he was a perfect 4-for-4 from the charity stripe.
• Great job limiting Bosh
• We needed this one.
• Nothing is better than having Sheed throw down a nice one and touch the backboard after the jam.

• Good times, good times.