The series between the Pistons and the Bulls was an interesting one. In almost all cases, the winner took their game by a wide margin. Each game saw different winners, and each game saw different styles. However it was the Pistons who were able to win the series against their former leader, Ben Wallace. The Bulls were doomed by their offensive inconsistency — a team that had the power to shoot lights out every game did not do so in enough instances to allow themselves a series victory. We did see glimpses of a bright future in Chicago, however, so it is imperative to recognize the talent of the Bulls, who are still growing and promise to be contenders from the East for years to come.
A Look Back at the Second Round
- Game 1 — Chicago Bulls 69, Detroit Pistons 95
Ben Wallace failed to reach double digits in both points and rebounds, and the Pistons starters were able to take care of business efficiently. Off the bench, Pistons reserves like Dice & J-Max made far more noise than Chicago’s highly touted second unit. - Game 2 — Chicago Bulls 87, Detroit Pistons 108
Kirk Hinrich was held to just three points, whereas every member of Detroit’s starting five hit double-digit scoring. Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and Chris Webber all scored at least 20. - Game 3 — Detroit Pistons 81, Chicago Bulls 74
The Pistons were able to put the Bulls’ backs against the wall by taking the first road game of the series, giving Detroit a 3-0 lead. Despite five bench points and a goose egg from C-Webb, the Pistons were able to hold Chicago to 33% shooting — just enough to walk away with a game three win. - Game 4 — Detroit Pistons 87, Chicago Bulls 102
Chris Webber was held scoreless for the second straight game, but the Bulls were not to be stopped in their first elimination game. Chicago shot nearly 50% from the floor, well above Detroit’s mark of 37%, and the Bulls out-rebounded Detroit 51-33, including 17 boards from Ben Wallace as well as 13 from Luol Deng. - Game 5 — Chicago Bulls 108, Detroit Pistons 92
Still arrogant despite a blown sweep opportunity, the Pistons lost all sense of urgency before game four, and this carried over into game five. Balanced scoring by the Pistons was not enough, as Ben Gordon came alive to lead the Bulls with 28. - Game 6 — Detroit Pistons 95, Chicago Bulls 85
PJ Brown tied a career playoff high with 20 points, however he scored every last one of them in the first half. After carrying Chicago into the locker room at halftime, Brown became a nonfactor in the second half. 20+ point efforts from Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton alongside with 30 combined by Sheed & Tayshaun was enough to subdue the Bulls once and for all. Demonbegone!
2007 NBA Playoffs: Round One (Pistons 4, Magic 0), Round Three (Cavaliers 4, Pistons 2) & NBA Finals (Spurs 4, Cavs 0)
