State of the Pistons Address (March 2)

Late in the second quarter of the Pistons' game versus Denver Wednesday, I looked over at my buddy Pat and told him this was the most exciting game I'd seen this season.

Fast-paced, above the rim, physical, and personal (Rip Hamilton and Ruben Patterson got into a little verbal altercation that could have evolved into something more). Chauncey was hitting (he finished with 27) and Rip started out hot (5 for his first 6). This game had it all.

Then, as the second half began, and the Nuggets' high-flying antics did not cease, it became more frustrating than entertaining. 'Melo, Kenyon, Ruben, and Marcus Camby were each continual recipients of artfully-placed lob passes from Andre Miller, and the Pistons had no answer. In all, Denver totaled 25 dunks -- 10 of them on alley-oop passes. Flip Saunders said there were more lob throwdowns in this game than there had been in Detroit's previous 56 games. Tayshaun Prince had never seen anything like it. And neither had I.

It'd be best to just forget this game and move onto Friday's bout in Seattle with the Sonics. After all, there is a new Piston who should be making his debut soon: Tony Delk. The former Kentucky All-American and Final Four MVP is a savvy veteran. He also has the team career high in points in one game, with 53.

Still, it's hard to believe the Pistons were so outplayed Wednesday. Maybe we can chalk it up to fatigue, or an off night; after all, they can't play at their highest level for 82 games. I still wish they could have made some adjustments to keep the Nuggets more grounded. They were flying as high as the city of Denver claims to rest above sea level.