Detroit’s defense was suffocating, its offense was opportunistic, and its fans were in a frenzy.
Now, after a 88-68 trouncing of the Lakers, an NBA championship is very much within the Pistons reach, and it even seems like a distinct possibility.
Holding Kobe Bryant without a field goal in the first half and limiting the Lakers to the lowest point total in their storied franchise history, Detroit showed no aftereffects from their crushing Game 2 loss.
Hamilton scored 31 points and Chauncey Billups had 19. Throw in double-figure rebounding performances by Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace, three steals apiece from Campbell and Tayshaun Prince, and it all added up to a lopsided game that could even be called a mismatch in favor of the team that entered the series as huge underdogs.
Pistons 88, Lakers 68
Star: Richard Hamilton led all with 31 points, two short of his
career-playoff high, on 11-for-22 shooting.
Key period: The Pistons began to pull away in the 3rd. Chauncey Billup’s 3-pointer, followed by Tayshaun Prince’s dunk, forced the Lakers to call timeout trailing 54-40.
Series: Pistons lead 2-1.
Whizzer’s Final Four
Let’s face it: There was a time when those of us in Chicago had a vested (read: gambling) interest in the NBA Finals. But while the Lakers and the Pistons have three out of the way, the next four will rock your world. Or something. (All games at 8 p.m., WLS-Ch. 7):
Game 4: Sunday at Detroit
Star: Derek Fisher. Not sure why. He’s due.
Prediction: Blinded by the sheer star power coming off Bob Seger in his courtside seat, the Lakers struggle in the first half until they realize Seger is just a man, not a god. Shaq scores 16 of his 22 points without Tayshaun Prince’s tooth embedded in his elbow. The Pistons can’t shake the feeling they’ve been here before.
Score: Lakers 99, Pistons 91. Series tied 2-2. It can’t get any closer than this.
Game 5: Tuesday at Detroit
Star: Hyperactive Richard Hamilton leads all scorers with 45 points, 43 scored in the span of three minutes.
Prediction: In a surprise move known only to their tailors, the Pistons come out in throwback ’89 uniforms and play ’89
defense. Phil Jackson counters by slicking back his hair, but it’s too little, too late.
Score: Pistons 145, Lakers 122. Detroit cops sigh, look forward to the OT pay. Pistons lead series, 3-2.
Game 6: Thursday at L.A.
Star: Luke Walton grabs a team-high 27 rebounds, but it’s in warm-ups.
Prediction: Sensing an end to their dynasty, the Lakers huddle at center court for a group rendition of Journey power ballad “Faithfully.” You know what? Forget the eerie silence and dropped jaws in the Staples Center. It works.
Score: Lakers 100, Pistons 50. Two strangers learn to fall in love again, and the series is tied 3-3.
Game 7: Sunday at L.A.
Star: Chauncey Billups makes 7 assists and catches a T-shirt in between periods. It’s his night.
Prediction: Ratings move NBA commissioner David Stern to float the idea of extending the Finals to a best-of-27. He is immediately given a swirlie. Rasheed Wallace draws an early technical foul. That makes Wallace angry, he turns green, rips off his shirt and scores a game-high 30 points.
Score: Pistons 89, Lakers 88 (3 OT).
THE CHAMPS! Pistons owner Bill Harrison holds the NHL, WNBA and NBA titles, but the 81-year-old now wants a bout with Vitali Klitschko for the WBC title.
