Detroit Pistons Take Series Lead with 98-81 Win

The Detroit Pistons came out with fire at home against the Sixers from the tip and didn’t stop the scalding them until the final buzzer sounded. Detroit took their first lead of the series with their resounding 98-81 victory in Game Five. The Pistons are now just one win away from moving on the next round, but it won’t be easy against a gritty Sixers team who has surprised everyone but themselves.

Chauncey Billups lived up to his nickname for the first time since the post season started leading Detroit with 21 points and 12 assists on the night. Billups was in attack mode with his shot as well as getting his teammates involved all game long. It was a balanced attack from Detroit who had four starters in double figures, each taking turns at different times in the game to dominate.

Andre Iguodala had his best game of the playoffs, leading the Sixers with a career playoff high of 21 points, with 6 assists and 5 boards in Philly’s loss. When Andre was on his teammates weren’t; he was the only Sixer in double figures until Andre Miller broke double figures in the third quarter.

The Pistons looked hungry as soon as they hit the hardwood. Detroit has now got to go into Philly on Thursday and try to finish off the series.

Notables:

-There was a moment of silence before the game for basketball pioneer Will Robinson. Detroit will wear a black band on their uniforms in honor of his memory for the rest of the season.

-Rasheed Wallace was magnificent all night long putting up 19 points, 6 boards, 4 assists and 6 blocked shots on the night. If Sheed was close to anything down low it was getting swatted.

-Jason Maxiell who started in place of Antonio McDyess had a career high 11 rebounds along with 6 points and 3 resounding blocked shots.

-Tayshaun Prince had another stellar night for Detroit with 17 points on 8-for-14 shooting with 4 rebounds, a steal and 2 assists.

-As soon as Samuel Dalembert hit the floor for warm-ups with his newly cut Mohawk Rasheed Wallace gathered up his teammates and started to crack up.

-Miller had 13 points and Louis Williams had another productive night for the Sixers with 16 points.

-Richard Hamilton scored 20 points.

-Detroit shot 58% from the floor.



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