Detroit Wraps up Home Finale The Right Way

The Pistons win Tuesday night at home secured them home court advantage if they get to The NBA Finals this season. Despite a 30 point game from The Timberwolves Al Jefferson, The Crew once again closed out the game in the fourth quarter. The 115-103 victory gives Detroit a 34-7 record at home record, making The Palace a tough place for any team to play.

Key Points:

• Jarvis Hayes led the Pistons off the bench with 20 points and had a couple of 3's that let all the air out of Minnesota's hopes. Jarvis went 7-for-12 in 24 minutes with 5 boards and 3 assists.
• Antonio McDyess threw this one down with so much authority it was as if he stepped out of a time machine.
• No starter played more than 28 minutes, except Rip, who logged almost 38.
• The boys started the game off a little slow, but came out blazing in the second half and handed The Zoo Crew a nice cushion to close out the game.
• 50% shooting from the floor and from behind the long line for Detroit.
• Richard Hamilton and Chauncey Billups combined for 35 points. Rip scored 18 on 8-for-17 shooting while Chauncey scored 17 and added 6 assists. The All Star back court looks ready for their run.

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• The bench had a 15 point lead early in the fourth before letting The Timberwolves go on a run to get it down to 5.
• Sorry Jason and Amir, this Rashad McCants dunk was sick.
• 55 Piston bench points.
• The Rebound war won 39-35.
• "Everyone makes good plays on that team, even their bench," Jefferson said. "That's why they are one of my favorites for the playoffs. When they won it in 2004 they had a good bench, and now they've got young guys who can play and make shots." Via Yahoo.com
• A lot of easy buckets on both ends of the floor.
• Good things happen when the Pistons have 24 assists.
• Six points for Amir in 11 minutes on 2-for-2 shooting with a blocked shot.
• Maxiell put up 9 points with 6 boards and 2 assists on the night, but nothing brings the house down like a rim rocking jam. It's just frightening.

Courtesy of The Detroit Pistons and FSN Detroit

• No game could be more meaningless than Wednesday's season finale in Cleveland, but you can bet the Cavs fans will be as obnoxious as ever.
• The Pistons have gone 6-2 playing their starters less than 30 minutes a night.
• "We decided on April 1 that we were going to start rotating in the young guys, and we'd take whatever happened," Saunders said. "Luckily for us, the kids have done a great job, and we went something like 10-2." Via Yahoo.com I know Saunders said it, but the credit for the young guys playing goes to Joe D.
• The Rattler sure can stuff a shot, he had 2 demoralizing blocks in 9 minutes on the floor.
• Too many Highlights to mention, but you must take note of the Richard Hamilton Dunk.
• Rasheed Wallace had the last laugh with a season high five blocks in 24 minutes and as usual he was vocal all game.

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• Rodney Stuckey, who scored 9, is really distributing the ball much better.
• Lindsey Hunter looks like he's been playing all season. What a luxury it is to have him on our team. Nine points in 9 minutes is one hell of a spark off the bench, not to mention what he gives on the defensive end.
• NBA.com Highlights of the Game.
  
• Tayshaun and Dyess each scored 10.
• "Conventional wisdom suggests that the starters will see more minutes in the playoffs, but Saunders admitted that he has no problem giving anyone on the roster aside from rookie Cheikh Samb significant minutes in the postseason." Via Matt Watson Hoopsworld
  
• Looks like Juan Dixon may be the odd man out during the playoffs. I could be wrong but it looks like Saunders may be leaning toward Afflalo. However if they need scoring out of the position and Hunter isn't getting it down expect Dixon.
• Still no word on what time the first playoff game will start on Sunday.