Trying to be insightful about the Pistons, another wasted evening

Pistons

DETROIT 106, MEMPHIS 104 (2 OT): Double trouble

Mr. Big Shot Billups hits another clutch winner

December 20, 2005

BY KRISTA LATHAM

FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

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The early season is almost like playoff basketball. With so few Piston losses, every game seems to count as the Pistons edge around team records and try to build a commanding lead for home court in the east, and compete with the Spurs for best in the league. So the Dodger is watching every game the Dodger can, rather than let the meaningless early season grind on.

So, versing the Grizzlies, how did it go? Rip had an awful night, 6-18, Rasheed was in foul trouble and canned 3-8, the Pistons were out shot from the floor 52% to 41% and were slightly below the waterline on rebounds. Chauncy, the star, was 8-18. Evans and Arroyo did little off the bench, and this fueled burning up a lead in the third and fourth quarters, for a game which started like a romp. Frankly, the team looked bored in those quarters, while the Grizz were interested.

With stats like that, where was the advantage? Turnovers were 20 to 12 for the Pistons, and team rebounds were 15 to 7. And free throws taken were 34 to 12.