Sheed Turns The Impossible Into A Pistons Win

The Pistons, thanks to an unbelievable shot by Rasheed Wallace, beat the Nuggets 113 to 109 Monday night at The Palace. Rasheed grabbed a loose ball inbound pass with 1.5 seconds left on the clock and let it go from more than 60 feet, off glass and in it went to send the game into overtime. Sheed added another key three pointer in OT to help the Pistons seal the unlikely win.

Key Points:

• Chauncey Billups had a double-double, with 34 points 10 assists and 5 rebounds. Mr. Big Shot truly lived up to his name.
• The Pistons were without the services of Rip Hamilton and Chris Webber who were both out with the flu.
• Flip Murray played, although he was battling a 103 temperature and flu like symptoms.
• The Pistons looked great in the first quarter, but sloppy play and great defense by the Nuggets had the Pistons playing Denver's game.
• Uncharacteristic 18 turnovers for Detroit.
• Denver Coach George Karl was not happy with Rasheed's last second heroic shot. He said he wouldn't comment on a lucky shot. He also said that it was pure luck and if you gave him 100 of those shots he wouldn't make one.
• George, If you think Sheed can't hit that shot, you are mistaken. He practices those every day. I think you need to watch this video and then apologize.

Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images

• Sheed 22 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal.
  
• I was actually right about to walk out of the game when the pass was stolen and Sheed knocked down the shot. I literally almost fell flat on my face.
• The Pistons did a good job holding Carmelo and Iverson to low scoring games, but Camby, Nene and J.R. Smith played well. Smith had 4 steals that each led to easy buckets.
• The Nugg Doctor is not happy.
  
• Tayshaun flipped over Reggie Evans and landed hard on his hip. Prince stayed on the floor for several moments, but walked back to the bench and stayed in the game. It was a scary sight.
• Maxiell started in Webber's place. Max was 4-for-4 from the floor for 8 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. Had he not been in foul trouble he would have played more.
• Mr. Big Shot was simply fantastic. He played 47 minutes and carried the team when they mounted their comeback.

Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images

• When I returned from the game I had to watch Sheed's Shot (full length video) over and over again. I especially loved Mr. Blaha's reaction.
  
• I honestly can't believe The Pistons pulled this one out.
• Sheed tried to claim he called Glass on the buzzer beater. "OK, I'm lying about that," he said with a laugh. "But I'll take it either way." Gotta Love Sheed!
• The shot brought back memories of Chauncey Billups' halfcourt shot to force overtime against the New Jersey Nets in the 2004 playoffs. The Pistons lost that game in triple overtime. "This one was certainly similar - I know how it feels to have one of those go down," Billups said. "At least we didn't lose this time."
• T-Prince added another solid game, 19 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals.
• McDyess is ridiculously solid. Dice put up a double-double, 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images

• This game was all about defense and each team going on runs.
• Sheed's three pointer to tie the game in overtime sent The Palace crowd in a frenzy for a second time in one night.
• Delfino and Hunter did not score in this one. In fact McDyess's 20 points were the only points off The Pistons bench.
  
• Maxiell's dunk on Camby was sick.
• Carmelo claims Tayshaun gave him a little nudge and that is why that inbound pass landed in Sheed's hands. (link via True Hoop)
  
• The Pistons have a 3 game lead in the Eastern conference.
• Detroit travels to Chicago to play Ben and The Bulls Thursday night.
• Let's hope the two day rest clears up the flu bug that has hit the Pistons locker room.
• One last thing......