Post Up: Pistons Top Nuggs

by Holly MacKenzie/@stackmack

How long do you think it took for Gil to get over missing those two free throws last night?

Man, took me awhile. He missed five of the six he attempted, but those two to tie the game with 26 seconds left were so painful. To be real, though, the Wizards didn’t have any business being in the game after they went the entire second quarter without grabbing a rebound. How fun was it to watch Rondo down the stretch? The dunk was awesome, but wouldn’t have happened without KG. I just love watching the Celtics in crunch time because even though they don’t look as solid as two years ago, it’s coming. You can see them getting into their groove, 22 games in.

In the end it was Boston over Washington 104-102. We Canadians didn’t get the game, but saw the final few minutes as it went past 10:30 and cut into the opening quarter of the Jazz and Magic. I did see the highlights of the whole game though, and wow, that Jamison fall in the first half looked scary. Very happy he’s doing okay. Still not sure why the Wizards went for three to win it so quickly, rather than taking their time, but okay. Rondo finished with 21 points and 11 assists to lead all five Celtics starters in double figures. Ray got to 20k for his career and he got up with a nice little dunk, to celebrate.

I’m a little scattered today. In addition to being angry about missing the C’s and Wizards, I fell asleep during the Jazz/Magic game. I’m not sure how long, but I woke up confused with my laptop dangerously close to falling off of the side of the bed. The mid-game nap probably happened because I was still awake at 6:30 a.m. yesterday. For the life of me, I could not get myself to fall asleep. Isn’t that the worst? With each passing 20 minutes, you start worrying more about the lack of sleep you’re going to have and how tired you’re going to be when you wake up.

I often wonder how often that happens for guys on the road when they’re in different time zones or getting in late. I truly hope I get to experience the grind of an NBA season of travel one of these years.

Hopefully sooner than later.

Okay, digression complete. I think. Back to ball.

In Detroit, Chauncey was back, but the Pistons got down to business, grinding out a surprising victory against the Nuggets. Ben Wallace had a vintage performance, scampering all over the court to track down rebounds, finishing with 16, including six offensive. Rodney Stuckey had another strong night offensive on the second night of a back-to-back, scoring 25 points on 7-for-14 fgs and Charlie Villanueva’s 27 off of the bench helped to nullify Melo’s 40 on the night. In the end it was Billups with the chance to tie the game for the Pistons and he got to the hoop but was unable to score on a layup attempt and the Pistons got a big one without Ben Gordon, Will Bynum, Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince.

It’ll be fun to tune in when they finally get themselves. Did anyone else get a bit of a “student becomes teacher” feel when Stuckey and Chauncey met each other on the court? Loved that. Billups is a classy guy, isn’t he?

Stat of the night: The Nuggets have lost 14 straight contests in Detroit.

Watching Jason Williams try to guard Deron Williams just wasn’t fair. DWill is so much stronger than Whit Eboy, and he had himself a freaking fantastic game as he tried to show people they’re crazy for voting Tracy McGrady as an All-Star starting guard in the West after the first set of ballots were returned. Seriously, people?

DWill finished with 32 points, 15 assists and eight rebounds. With just one turnover. He was a beast.

I know the Jazz are known for being deadly at home, but I think their strong second half performance against the Magic had more to do with that six-point fourth quarter against the Lakers on Wednesday night. They were angry with themselves and took it out on the Magic, coming back from 18 down to lead by as many as 16 before taking the game 120-111.

I’ve got the Hawks in town today and I’m a little worried about the outcome since the last time the Raptors faced them they allowed Atlanta to trampe 146 points all over them. That was so ugly, I’m hoping I’m in for something a little easier on the eyes this evening. Hope the same for me, thanks!