Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by D. Lippitt/Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images)Looks like the real Pistons decided to show up for Game Two. After squandering a 15 point lead in Game One of the series, the Pistons got out to a big lead in Game Two and never allowed the Sixers to make a run, blowing them out 105-88. As I feared after the Sixers improbable win in Game One, the loss seemed to wake up the Pistons and force them to take the Sixers seriously.
Detroit featured a balanced attack with five players finishing at least 12 points. Rip Hamilton led them in scoring with 20 points, and also added 7 assists and 7 boards. Rasheed Wallace had another good game tonight, tallying 16 points, 7 boards and 3 blocked shots.
The Sixers had very few bright spots in the blowout. Louis Williams led the team in scoring with 17 points despite shooting 4 of 12 from the field. Reggie Evans built on his energetic performance in Game One, grabbing 11 rebounds and notching 13 points. Andre Iguodala didn't even show up tonight, shooting 1 for 9 from the field and looked frustrated all game with how poor he was playing.
While this was an ugly loss for the Sixers, they still leave Detroit with the series tied 1-1. By stealing a game on the road, they did all that can be asked of them, stealing home court from the Pistons. They need to basically forget about tonight's game and focus on going home and protecting their court. The crowd will give them all the energy they need to get them pumped up, so it's up to them to come out and play their game.
The real Pistons showed up tonight and showed the Sixers exactly why this team has made deep runs into the playoffs several times over the last few years. It's now up to the Sixers to respond and show the Piston's that this is still going to be a series and that they won't be shut down again. If they can't muster a better effort in Game Three, they will give the Pistons all the confidence they need to wipe the Sixers right out of the playoffs.
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