Pistons-Celtics Game 2 Recap: Detroit Does the Unthinkable

The Pistons have done the unthinkable—again.

With Boston establishing homecourt dominance by going 9-0 in the playoffs, it was going to be difficult for the Pistons to win a game on the road—especially after Mr. Big Shot took a period of leave due to a hamstring injury.

But like they have done time and time again, the Pistons have proven that they have the talent to be THE dominant team in the NBA, took another step in that direction after a 103-97 victory over the Celtics Thursday night.

Detroit was not very impressive at the start of the game, much like in Game One. The Pistons missed five of the first six shots, committed three fouls—including both a technical and offensive by ‘Sheed—and were down by six early.

But they buckled down, and played Detroit Pistons basketball the rest of the way. Every time they were challenged by Boston throughout the game, they answered the Celtics with a key bucket, offensive rebound, or defensive stop.

Detroit played great team basketball. Everyone got touches, as six Pistons scored double figures and the team shot 49 percent from the floor.

Antonio "Mickedy, Mickedy, Mickedy" McDyess played well to start the game, giving the Pistons an offensive boost when no one else was hitting field goals. Chauncey looked like Mr. Big Shot again—being aggressive, getting to the line, and playing Detroit Basketball.

Stuckey showed flashes of greatness, as he came in and shot 5-8 from the floor. He really provided a spark for the team in the beginning of the fourth quarter, when Billups, Hamilton, and ‘Sheed were all on the bench.

With the series now shifting back to Auburn Hills tied 1-1, Pistons fans know the series is far from over. As great as it is to steal home court away from Boston, the Pistons are prone to giving any advantage they've gained right back. With a cocky and arrogant attitude, they have a good shot coming out as flat in Game Three as they did in Game One.

The Pistons play their best when their backs are against the wall. They love to play hard when they have doubters to prove wrong. But if you’ve been watching the Pistons closely at all, you also know that they love to play poorly when they are expected to dominate.

So when the Pistons are favored Saturday night against the Celtics, don’t be surprised if you see the Pistons at their worst by being overconfident—as we’ve seen them so often over the years.

Most general fans might believe that the series is wrapped up now that Boston has lost home-court advantage. And since the Celtics have shown an inability to beat teams on the road, there’s no reason to believe they are strong enough to win at the Palace.

But this Pistons team rarely follows convention. They will do the unthinkable again. So don’t be surprised if they lose a home game to the Celtics. That is their calling card.

After all...that is Detroit Pistons basketball.

Randy is one-half of the team that is Cocky and Arrogant: A Detroit Pistons Fan Blog. He currently resides in Portland, Oregon where he spends his time regretting the fact that he has moved 2,426 miles (yes, he really did GoogleMap it) from the The Palace of Auburn Hills where he has spent the last 3 years as a full time season ticket holder in Section 202. He welcomes all fan and hate mail at [e-mail]

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