Pistons Break Eight-Game Losing Streak

Last night, the Pistons finally managed to stop their eight-game losing skid that began before the All-Star break. They had been struggling with chemistry issues and injuries game after game.

Since coach Michael Curry made the change to have Richard Hamilton come off the bench, Detroit is 4-12. Rather than let his team play to their full potential, he has stifled them both offensively and defensively.

But last night, the old Pistons team were visible. Allen Iverson was out due to injury, and Hamilton had to start. Rodney Stuckey had been having diffiulties, but with Hamilton running the offense again, Stuckey looked refreshed and put up a solid game.

I think it's obvious that Iverson should be the one coming off the bench on a regular basis. His energy and drive will be key late in close games, and this will allow Rip to take back control of the team. He should have had it in the first place.

Game summaries of the Pistons' recent games follow.

Spurs 83, Pistons 79

The Pistons put up a good fight in this one, and the game came right down to the wire.

Iverson put up 31 and dished out seven assists. Antonio McDyess has thrived since being put back into the starting lineup, and showed it as he ended up with 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Unfortunately, both Iverson and Rasheed Wallace missed a couple of late threes, and that allowed the Spurs to maintain the lead and capture the win.

Cavaliers 99, Pistons 78

This one was easily the Pistons' most embarassing loss of the season. The Cavaliers went on a 20-5 run in the first quarter and never looked back.

Detroit looked confused, and their lackluster play kept them from even having a chance at the win. Wallace's frustration with his foul calls was just one of the many low points in the game.

It is obvious that the team has become frustrated with Coach Curry and his directionless style of play.

Heat 103, Pistons 91

The loss in Miami pushed the Pistons under .500 for the first time in eight years. The (then) seven-game losing streak was their longest since 2002.

Iverson, McDyess, and Tayshaun Prince had solid games, but it was the Heat's Dwyane Wade who stole the show with his 31 points and career-high 16 assists.

Hornets 90, Pistons 87

The Pistons put up a good fight, but still lost in New Orleans.

Iverson had to leave the game in the first after he injured his back, and Wallace was ejected in the fourth. Hamilton had 24 points and six assists and Prince had a good game, but the loss of two key players hurt their comeback chances.

Pistons 93, Magic 85

Watching last night's game in Orlando was like watching the Pistons of old. They dominated on both ends of the floor and completely shut down Dwight Howard.

Still, they were trailing 51-43 at halftime and had to come out and dominate in the third, in which they outscored the Magic 28-14. Stuckey had his first great game in weeks with 22 points, and Hamilton, in his first start since Jan. 19, put up 31 points and six assists.

"This is what I do. There is no added pressure," Hamilton said after the win. "This (being in starting lineup) is my comfort zone. Coming off the bench is not my comfort zone. It is what it is and we got a win and that is a great thing."