The Pistons had control most of their 97-92 win over the Cavs, but it was a late fourth quarter run that brought the Cavs close in the closing minutes of the game. The Pistons leading scorer Rip Hamilton had his only field goal with 58 seconds left in the game, was fouled on the play and made his free throw to pretty much seal the victory. Detroit led by double figures for most of the game and as much as 22 in the second half. The Pistons lead the series 2-0 with game three on Saturday in Cleveland.

All of the Pistons starting five were in double figures. Rasheed led the way and was simply brilliant with 29 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocked shots, he just seemed to turn it on right when the Pistons needed it. Tayshaun, who is having a great playoff run added 20 and again did a great job defending Lebron. Chauncey added 15 points and Ben had 10 with 15 rebounds. Richard Hamilton who struggled with his shot, going 1-7 from the floor still had 17 points by driving the lane and going to the foul line.

I was shocked when late in the second quarter Cavs coach instilled the “Hack a Ben” strategy. Ben made 2-4 and Rasheed hit a 3 off the glass, just adding more distance for the Pistons. When does that strategy ever work, especially in the 2nd quarter? Check out Chauncey when he figures out what they did.