Moderators: Cowology, theBigLip, Snakebites, dVs33
Carmelo Anthony pulled down a career-best 18 rebounds to go with his 26 points in leading the Denver Nuggets past the New Orleans Hornets 93-80 Thursday night.
Chris Andersen returned from two sprained ankles to help clog up the lanes and clean up the glass -- he had 13 rebounds -- as the Nuggets beat New Orleans for the second time in six nights.
Collison and Marcus Thornton each scored 15 points to lead the Hornets.
[Poll] More obnoxious pregame ritual?
Last night got to see Kevin Garnett’s basket stanchion headbutt, and tonight we’ll be treated to LeBron James’ powder bukkake. Which sucks more?
Press Clippings – The New NBA Jam looks awesome, the Pistons do not.
No recap of last night’s arse ram-jam in Boston. Here’s all you need to know about that game: The Celtics shot 62% (46-for-74) from the field and 44% (7-for-16) from the three-point line. They had 34 assists to Detroit’s 17 and outrebounded the Pistons, 36-27. Oh, and Tayshaun hurt his back pretty good. [DFP]
Rodney Stuckey’s collapse was not Coach Kuester’s first brush with players going down in that manner. He has first hand accounts with the Arturo Brown and Reggie Lewis tragedies. [DFP]
There’s a lot of fingers in this here blogosphere pointing right at Joey D for the shamefulness that is this Pistons’ roster. Here’s one such from Hoops Vibe. And here’s a broader view of the Pistons downfall from NBA.com’s Shaun Powell.
Jonas Jerebko on why he’s a better baller here than he was over in Europe:
In Europe, said Jerebko, “The game is so much more compact. It’s more wide (open) here and you can do a lot more. I’ve grown in every aspect of the game (here).” [Det News]
Enter for a chance to become your own bobble head from Pistons.com
Not into self bobblization? Also from Pistons.com you can enter to win Jason Maxiell’s 1989 Camero. Imagine all the envious face as you tear around the trailer park in that bad lil machine.
It’s being reported that Rodney Stuckey can return to practice on Thursday
Do you use Mozilla Firefox? Here’s an awesome Pistons browser persona for you to rock.
Antonio McDyess tried to break Jason Maxiell [BDL]
Rasheed’s attitude about the regular season has changed exactly 0% : “This team has been there, no matter where we’re coming from — Mike [Finley] from San Antonio, me from Detroit. The guys here have won it already. Once the big-boy shots come we’ll be ready.”
Video in the link above^.This. Looks. Awesome.
Lewis took the pass in his favorite spot near the left corner, then made the clinching 3-pointer with 28.4 seconds left as the Magic recovered from wasting a 12-point lead in the final 4:45 of regulation and beat the Heat 108-102 in overtime Thursday night.
Carter finished with 27 points, Lewis scored 24 and Jameer Nelson added 15 for the Magic, including a jumper with 15.3 seconds left in regulation that sent the teams into overtime tied at 93.
Dwyane Wade had 36 points and 10 rebounds for Miami, which led 100-99 with 3:09 left in overtime, then went scoreless for nearly 2 1/2 minutes. Jermaine O'Neal scored 14 and Carlos Arroyo added 11 for the Heat.
Rodney Stuckey, Ben Wallace might play for Pistons tonight
If nothing else, the Pistons bench is likely getting a boost tonight against the Pacers. Rodney Stuckey (dizziness) and Ben Wallace (right patella tendon strain) both took part in Thursday's practice and could be in the lineup against the Pacers. Coach John Kuester said both are game-time decisions but was optimistic each would be ready to play. "There's a very good chance (of playing) for both of those guys," Kuester said. With both having been out of the lineup for significant portions of time, Kuester will bring Stuckey and Wallace along slowly, at least for tonight's game.
Both will come off the bench, while Will Bynum and Jason Maxiell continue to start. "With both of those guys (Stuckey, Wallace), they'll come off the bench," Kuester said. "They've been out for close to (two weeks for Stuckey, nearly three for Wallace). That's what we'll do right now." Stuckey collapsed during a timeout March 5 in Cleveland and has missed the last six games. Wallace hurt his knee fighting for a rebound on March 2. Neither player wanted to discuss their progress after Thursday's practice. Wallace said he felt "good," but wouldn't elaborate.
Stuckey said: "I'm good, I'm good. I feel fine," before whisking past reporters, getting to the locker room. But both looked ready in Kuester's eyes. "Stuckey took part in everything and did a great job, as did Ben," Kuester said. Stuckey has passed every medical test administered to him, clearing the way for his return. "He's been totally cleared, that's the good news," Kuester said. "But you're always conscious of it (what occurred). He looks as rested as I've ever seen him. That's the good news. He was very active in (Thursday's) practice."
Lottery battle
Tonight's game between the Pistons and Pacers holds little significance except for positioning over draft picks on June 24.
The Pistons (23-45) have a one-game lead over the Pacers (22-46) in the standings. Still, the Pacers are 2-0 against the Pistons this season.
The Pacers have presented matchup problems for the Pistons and exposed the Pistons' defense. "We have to make sure we did a great job of staying connected (defensively)," Kuester said.
Slam dunks
Don't judge if Wallace isn't ready to play at the morning shoot-around.
"I never feel good in the morning," Wallace said. "I'm not a morning person."
Tuesday's loss to Cleveland, although wrenching because it was close until the final seconds, was an encouragement to the Pistons.
"We know we can play with any team in the league," Will Bynum said.
"It's just up to us. We were all disappointed (in an ugly loss Monday in Boston) and embarrassed."
Pistons at Pacers
Tip-off: 7 tonight, Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
TV/radio: FSD/WWJ 950
Outlook: The Pacers lead the season series 2-0. ... The Pacers could be without leading scorer F Danny Granger (facial injury), who took an elbow to the head this week and is day-to-day. ... G's A.J. Price and Brandon Rush are playing well.