Game 2 Preview

Everybody talks about the Lakers and whether they show up. The Pistons need to show up in Game 2. We cannot be happy with winning one game in LA. There are 6 games left in the series, and the Pistons have to win 3 of them. I don't care where they are being played. The Lakers are the opponents. The Pistons cannot give a single game away. The Pistons have gave games away in each of their first 3 series. I am praying that that is not the case in Game 2. Now on to the strategy.

I have heard way too much about how the Lakers played horrible, and the Pistons played their best. First off, that was far from the Pistons best. Hamilton played bad on the offensive end. Ben Wallace looked nervous almost every time he touched the ball. In the first half the Pistons had at least 5 balls go straight through both hands, missed a ton of FTs and lay-ups. So try another one, its not going to work with me.

Another thing, people talk about Shaq not getting enough touches. He shot 16 FG attempts, and 12 FT attempts. I am not sure how many shots you want Shaq to take?? Go ahead have Shaq shoot 30 FG attempts, and you thought your role players were bad in game 1. If Shaq shoots 30 FGs he will be dead at the end of the game, his shooting percentage will go down, and his teammates will be statues on both ends. The role players have to be more involved in the offense. If Payton gets more shots his defense will improve. Their is not any science behind this, but it's the truth. If the Lakers are to win this series (which they won't) they need production out of Payton, Malone, and Fisher. Shaq and Kobe are tremendous. They cannot beat the Pistons by themselves.

Here is the Laker's biggest strategic dilemma. Who can stop Chauncey? Kobe probably can. However, can you afford to have someone else cover Rip Hamilton. I do not think so. It is a pick your poison type deal. Kobe was undoubtedly fatigued in the fourth quarter of game one. He settled for jumpshots. Players do this when they get tired. Rip Hamilton is a hard cover. He does not get tired, it is amazing. Ben Wallace and Hamilton never fatigue. It is amazing.

The Pistons should not change a thing. Keep covering Shaq almost exclusively one on one. Yes, he will score 30 points a game. I don't care. He won't shoot 80 percent every game, or shoot almost 70 percent from the FT line. Keep covering Kobe with Tayshaun. Here is the key: LOCK DOWN EVERYBODY ON THE LAKERS NOT WEARING A JERSEY WITH EITHER 34 OR 8 ON THE BACK. THEY ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO BEAT THE PISTONS DEFENSE IF WE COVER THEM CORRECTLY.

One more thing, Chauncey and Rasheed MUST stay out of foul trouble, especially in the second half.