Ho hum…the Pistons are at it again.
The Bulls led by 19 points early in the third quarter, but could not fend off the Pistons, who came back to win, 81-74, giving them a 3-0 advantage in the series.
Put a fork in the Bulls. They’re done.
I really thought this would be a better series, but it’s clear that the Bulls’ youth movement just isn’t ready to tackle the Pistons’ experience. How does that Ben Wallace signing look right now? Wouldn’t it have been better to hold onto Tyson Chandler, who basically does the same thing as Wallace? Chandler is 24, averaged 9.5 points and 12.4 rebounds this season and his contract is much more reasonable (four years/$46 M). Wallace is another year older and what do the Bulls have to show for it? He’s 33 and still has three years and $44 M left on his deal. It looks like the Bulls are really going to regret that signing.
Meanwhile, the Pistons really benefited from the Sixers’ (questionable) decision to waive Chris Webber. He isn’t dominating anyone in the playoffs (10.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg), but he is shooting an efficient 58% from the field and has fit in seamlessly with the team. Without him, the Pistons wouldn’t stand a chance against anyone in the West. Assuming the Nets are dead (which is still a bit premature), it’s going to take a superhuman effort from LeBron to get his Cavs past Detroit. The Pistons are simply better at every other position.
For what it’s worth, it looks like King James has taken a step forward in these playoffs. His shooting has been clutch and it looks like he’s starting to develop the killer instinct required for a superstar to will his team to the Finals.
