Pistons Struggle To Regain Elite Status Within The Eastern Conference

The first place Cleveland Cavaliers traveled to the Palace of Auburn Hills Thanksgiving Eve in attempt to pad their two game lead over the Milwaukee Bucks in the Central division.

The Detroit Pistons just haven't seemed like the Pistons of old lately, they currently own the last spot in the division, winning just five of 14 games played, feeling the effects of the absence of Tayshaun Prince and Richard "Rip" Hamilton.

The Pistons have beefed up their roster, signing Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, and former Motown favorite Ben Wallace, aspiring to regain elite status in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons have enjoyed the tag of "elite" for the majority of the decade, but are in a rebuilding phase; new coach, new faces, same attitude (hopefully).

Piston fans are used to the hardest working team in the NBA being successful. Last year was considered a "down" year for the Pistons, although they made the playoffs. With more Eastern Conference Finals appearances (six) than any other team this decade, fans have come to expect excellence, not mediocrity.

The Cavs were able to jump out to an early lead thanks to Mo Williams and Lebron James (NBA's 3rd leading scorer @ 29.4 ppg), who both tallied double digit point totals in the first half (what's new?). Lebron's 15 points and four assists are a normal occurrence in first halves, and if the Pistons hoped to emerge with a "W", and end their five game slide, they'd better find a way to hinder the "Chosen One".

One aspect of Detroit's game that has been a looming nuisance is the lack of the ability to string together runs. Basketball is a game of runs. The Pistons just can't seem to get their offense clicking for some reason.

Will Bynum and company were able to hang tough with Lebron's Cavs, they cut the lead to just 10 in the early goings of the fourth quarter. If anything can be said about professional teams from Detroit, it's this: they're tough. The Pistons refused to let Lebron demonstrate a scoring clinic at their expense, he'll get his 30, we're used to it.

Rodney Stuckey led the charge late in the fourth quarter, cutting and driving his way for 12 points in just over eight minutes. 

"Pro-Lebron" calls by the officiating crew halted Detroit's efforts at completing their spirited comeback, as Lebron and his Cavaliers were able to pull away in the final minute and a half to edge out the Pistons, 98-88, handing Detroit their sixth straight loss.  

There should be no question in the minds of NBA enthusiasts when it comes to King James' scoring abilities. Lebron James is one of the most prolific scorers in the games illustrious history, and he continues to wow crowds one arena at a time.

Detroit's player(s) of the game: Charlie Villanueva, 19 points/Rodney Stuckey, 25 points

Cleveland's player of the game: Lebron James, 34 points