It was just the thing the Pistons needed. A solid game against the Miami Heat to even up the series at one game apiece, and also to get back on track. After struggling from the floor in Tuesday's Game 1 loss, the Pistons executed much better on both ends of the court in Game 2. Rasheed Wallace returned to his own dominant self, scoring 16 points, but also grabbing 7 rebounds and notching 3 assists. However, it was again Tayshaun Prince who was the key for a Pistons victory. The Long-Armed One scored 24 points and hit the boards for 11 rebounds. Although the 92-88 final seemed close, the Pistons were in control for the majority of the game, at times leading by as much as 18 points. The Pistons bench scored only 3 points (all from Antonio McDyess), but was pivotal in securing a win. All 12 active players played except Kelvin Cato and Maurice Evans. The Heat made a late run, but I wouldn't make too much of it. It was what the Pistons did during the first 46 minutes that mattered, and it would have never been a nail-biter if it weren't for the referees failing to give Tayshaun Prince a timeout with under a minute. Prince clearly pointed and said "Timeout." Dick Bavetta appeared as though he was going to give the timeout to the Pistons, but instead called a 5 second violation. This is the second time this has happened in the playoffs this year (see Steve Nash screaming for a timeout against the Lakers double team. The horrible no-call eventually led to a Lakers win.) Conspiracy? I think so. Regardless, the Pistons even up the series, but must take at least a split while in South Beach to reclaim home-court advantage.
May 27, 2006...5:30 pm
Pistons Back in Stride, Take Game 2
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