Detroit Blows by The Bobcats

The Pistons got of to another hot start Sunday evening at The Palace against the Bobcats. Detroit ended the first quarter with a 29-13, lead on their way to rolling over the Bobcats with ease to take their winning streak to eight in a row. The final score 113-87.

Key Points:

• Short minutes again for the starters who can now depend on the solid play of the bench to keep them rested and healthy for the second half of the season.
• Chauncey who had to play only 23 minutes in the blowout scored 11 points with 7 assists and 4 steals.
• Earl Boykins, whom I like and give ton of credit to because of his size, made Chauncey look like George Muresan on court.
• The Pistons made a season high 12 three pointers in the game.
• Sunday was the coldest day all winter in Detroit. I doubt Mr. Hamilton is suffering from frost bite.

Photo/FSN

• Jason Maxiell who immediately made an impact in the game, finished with 8 points, 5 boards, 3 assists and a blocked shot. It wasn't one of his thunder dunks that stood out during Sunday's contest, it was Rasheed Wallace cracking up after Jason's free throw attempt didn't even hit the rim. Sheed continued to laugh as Maxi ran down the court and then screamed from the bench, "are you serious?"
• It was kids night at the Palace and the same young man who did it last season, replaced Mason by doing the intros. The kids even imitated The Pistons post intro circle dance. It was adorable and the players loved it, especially Sheed.
• I got into a discussion at halftime that there is going to be a whole lot of complaining from fans and teams alike because three Pistons will be in the All-Star game. Get ready for some crying Pistons fans. I do have to agree a little with the fact that Hedo is having a great season and could have went instead of Sheed but I'm not complaining. This All-Star game just got a whole lot better for this fan.
• Brezec, who got a few minutes late in the game really entertains. He's not only the Pistons biggest cheerleader, but his choice of uniform accessories cracks me up. He wears a headband around his neck the whole game while on the bench but doesn't wear it when he's on court. He also wears a long sleeve on each arm with large sweatbands over them. It's hilarious.
• Stuckey and Amir are the new Rip and Tayshaun. Check out Stuckey's ability to find his teammate for the Alley O0p two times on Sunday.

Courtesy of The Detroit Pistons and FSN Detroit

• Amir had another solid outing scoring 6 points in 15 minutes with 4 boards and two assists and the ability to get fans out of their seats. Yes he's getting better with his foul trouble but he did have five against the Bobcats.
• NBA.com Highlights of the Game.
• Pistons biggest lead, 27 points.
• Michigan's own J Rich put up 27 points for his hometown crowd. Richardson always seems to do well when he plays in Detroit.
• After the solid play by the whole team do you think Joe Dumars is actively looking to put together a trade?
• 12 boards and 8 points for McDyess.
• When Sheed wasn't laughing or cheering on his teammates he scored 8 points, grabbed 4 boards, blocked a shot and had 2 takeaways. He seemed to be smiling from ear to ear all game long.
  
• Rebound war won 46-35.
• Tayshaun, who was 5-for-6 for downtown, led the Pistons with 21 points on the night and outscored the whole Bobcat team in the first quarter. Tayshaun's performance on Sunday reminded me of a certain game he played in Kentucky.

Photo/Getty Images

• Matt Watson has some great post game goodness about Rasheed Wallace and his All Star appearance over at Hoopsworld. Here's a little snippet but I suggest you head over and read the whole thing.

"So what was his response to being named to the All-Star team? Resignation, if anything. He admitted that it was an honor and said if anything it'll be something his kids will be able to enjoy, but at the same time admitted that he did in fact have other plans already made that he'd have to cancel and move to the summer. In all seriousness, he sounded more excited about being able to root Rip Hamilton on in the three-point contest than he did about being recognized as one of the best at his position."

• The Pistons shot 50% from downtown.
• Rip Hamilton got into the action from long range knocking down two on his way to 18 points on the night. It also seems that everyone is doing their part to try get Rip that 3-point Trophy.
• Rodney Stuckey tied his career high of 13 points (from Friday night's game against Portland). He's really starting to get comfortable playing with the starters and his fellow Zoo Crew members. Rodney added six assists and a steal in 24 minutes on the floor. He really can throw it down when he wants to, and he doesn't care who is in the way.
  

Courtesy of The Detroit Pistons and FSN Detroit

• Arron Afflalo also had a nice dunk on a fastbreak courtesy of a pass from Amir Johnson. Arron finished with 6 points, one being an off balance shot at the buzzer that looked like it had no chance going in when he threw it up.
• Jarvis Hayes continues to get points in a hurry. Jarvis scored 10 points in 16 minutes on the floor.
• Ex Piston Nazr Mohammed had a solid night against his former team with 10 points and eight boards. He seems to really be fitting in with his new team.
• The Pistons shot 48.9% from the floor.
• Stuckey loves the leaner off the glass.
  
• I am surprised by the play of Emeka Okafor, I know he was injured most of last season but I really expected more from him when he came out of college.
• Next up The Hawks on Tuesday in Atlanta.