Take 10: Nine Celtics-Pistons questions, and one other mystery
So many questions about the Eastern Conference finals, so little time.
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Here are 10 important questions about the Eastern Conference finals (well, including one not so important).
10. Where in the hell did Rodney Stuckey come from?
Hardcore Pistons fans and people who follow the NBA closely know about Stuckey. Joe Dumars, the team's president, definitely does. He has been telling people for months that Stuckey has the potential to be the next great player. Stuckey and Richard Hamilton have been the best Pistons players against Boston. Expect to hear that name a lot in the coming years.
9. Did the media make too much out of Boston's road woes?
No, and stop whining about the media. The Celtics had 31 road wins, which was the most of any team. Then all of a sudden, in their biggest moment, the postseason, they couldn't get one. That was a legitimate concern and not media whimpering. Now that the Celtics won Game 3 in Detroit, the issue is probably dead.
8. What's wrong with
Billups is clearly much more injured than he's letting on. He's fighting, he's demonstrating his toughness, but his injured hamstring has hampered him and the team in two games this series. Let's be clear: Billups playing, at least right now, is hurting the Pistons.
7. So is it time for Billups to sit?
Don't ask stupid questions. Of course it is. At least for a game. Detroit coach Flip Saunders should utilize his bench, which is playing well, more (something he has been hesitant to do). You've heard of Stuckey, right coach?
6. What happened to the Pistons' once vaunted defense?
I've never witnessed a Detroit team give up so many open shots and dunks. Late in Game 3, Paul Pierce was in the left corner, and I swear he could have made a ham sandwich in all the time he took to carefully plant his feet, aim and hit the long shot before a Piston was in view. The old Pistons were never, ever this lazy on defense.
