Detroit 92, Miami 88 (series tied, 1-1)
Was there really any doubt that Detroit would win Game 2? It was basically a must-win for the Pistons, while the Heat probably thought that they had done what they needed to do on the road in Game 1. Desperation will win a lot of games in evenly matched series. The Pistons built an 18-point lead in the third quarter, but the Heat rallied and fought back to within two late in the fourth quarter. But Chauncey Billups made his free throws to seal the win. Tayshaun Prince continues to be the most consistent Detroit player, posting 24 points and 11 rebounds. It’s quite ironic that Prince was the only Piston starter not to be named to the All-Star team, yet he’s playing the best ball in the postseason. Dwayne Wade scored 32 points in the loss, while Shaquille O’Neal added 21/12. The Heat showed surprising resiliency, fighting back from an 18-point deficit, while the Pistons just don’t look right to me. Prior to the game, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith reported that during Game 7 of the Cleveland series, he noticed that the Detroit players would not slap hands with Flip Saunders as they came out of the game. He went on to say that he believes that something is missing between Saunders and his team. I originally picked Detroit in the series, but their body language has me concerned. The Heat just look more hungry right now. The next two games in Miami are extremely important. If the Heat can go up 3-1, I think they’ll be able to put Detroit away in Game 6.