Luke Waltons Forehead presented by the Sports Dude.

Well, there really is not too much for me to say this morning about the game, if that is what you want to call it. I spent the second half at a local sports bar, drinking 24 ounce "Bass" and throwing back a couple yaeger bombs to boot! Needless to say I am feeling a little bit of what the Spurs are feeling this morning - shit faced, light headed, confused and sick to my stomach. That game was over before it started, what an amazing thing it was to watch.

Now, let me say this, I am only partially excited. Yes it was great to see game #3 and that passion carry over to an even bigger game #4. However, believe it or not folks, the Spurs still have the upper hand here. If Detroit loses game #5 they have no chance in hell in winning both in San Antonio. Call me a doubter, call me a "hater", call me whatever you choose, but history says it all. They have not won there in 10 years, they didn't even show up there for games #1 and #2, and they can not be expected to win both if they lose game #5. Look, I love my boys as much as the next, but even though they love to play with their backs against the walls, losing game #5 would basically take that wall and lay it on top of the Pistons bodies. Say what you want, but I won't get excited until they win game #5 - that is, if they do.

So, to sum up, here is what I think, and it is pretty obvious so go ahead and make fun of me if you want. Lose game #5, ZERO CHANCE IN HELL OF REPEATING!!!! Win game #5 and you have a better chance of repeating, but damn man - figure out a way to play in San Antonio! You know, like make sure you guys actually show up!

That is why I hate the NBA and this TV money crap that David Stern whores out for, it is killing the Pistons momentum here! The Spurs now have an extra day to rest, to stew and to make adjustments. Someone explain to me why we aren't playing Saturday? Because David Stern is a money whore and wants the Sunday night TV money! Damn, I hate that! And no, this is not a conspiracy theory thing about him trying to get the Pistons, the schedule was made before the Pistons were even in the Finals. This is just a "I hate David Stern and his whore like ways when it comes to money" thing, nothing more, nothing less.

Anyway, I am leaving now. There really is no excitement here from the sports dude, other than to say it was nice to see the Pistons show up finally. But, like I said, lose game #5 and it is all for nothing. Later - the sports dude.

I know the title of this post is a silly pun, but that is what I do best. In all honesty, this was just one game, one win and they still need to do it three more times. The question is can they, or more importantly, will they?

Make no mistake about it, the Pistons need to win the next two home games. If they lose any of those games the series is all but over. Tomorrow's game, followed by Sunday's, must be treated as game #7's in the Pistons eyes. If they gain a split in the next two they will go to San Antonio down 3-2 and that is not a great situation to be in. Sorry folks, I love my Pistons to death, but if they do not win these next to home games we can all start talking about next season. There is no way they can win two in San Antonio, which is what they will need to do if they can not win the next two at home.

Yes, I am sure some of you will read this and say "Well, yeah, duh?!?!", but it is quite simple logic if you ask me. They had better show up, "D" up and keep this intensity up for the next two home games. If they win the next two I really like their chances of winning at least one of the last two games in San Antonio. Lose one of these next two and it is all over folks, sad but true.

That is all I really have got to say right now. What else can you say? Can the Pistons maintain it? Or was it simply the fact that Manu was not himself? The thing I liked the most about the game, besides the fact Ben Wallace reappeared, was the fact I saw Spurs players on the floor. I am not a believer in dirty play, but I have no problem with putting people on their backsides. If the Spurs want to drive the lane make them eat the lane as well, get in their heads, give them second thoughts. The first two games there was nothing but daylight in the middle, last night the Spurs found the Palace floor. I hope I see more of that in the games to come, otherwise the Spurs will be having the parade and not the Pistons.

Well, here's to Game #4, hopefully the Spurs will get another taste of the Palace hardwood tomorrow night. Later - the sports dude.

Look, I posted a couple comments at some of my other favorite sports blogs on the subject, but I wanted to post about it here at home as well. Let me just say this, Brown or no Brown next year, these starters will be here so play for yourselves, forget the coach! Unless Dumars gets "the trade proposal of the century" or just goes plain mad, the only changes I see coming are to the bench. They clearly need a more reliable guard, Hunter most likely will be gone and I think Arroyo will be traded. McDyess is about the only dependable scorer off the bench, he needs some damn help. The Pistons biggest problem is they truly only have six guys they can depend on, the starters and McDyess. Hunter is for defensive purposes only, he shoots more bricks then I do. I really wish they would have kept Delfino on the playoff roster, but that is just me. Say what you want about Darko, but I think he will be a contributor next season, I really think he will be all right. But that is next year, let's talk about this year.

I don't feel like retyping it, so here is the comment I posted at "The Sportspig's" site a few moments ago, you can see the original here. Give it a read if you like below:

"I was just reading Terry Foster's post from today and I think he hit the nail right on the head. If you have not read it yet you should check it out. Basically he spoke of how the Pistons have clearly shut Brown out and feel betrayed by him. Can you blame them? The only problem is, don't do it now on the NBA's biggest stage. Play through it, play for each other, not for your coach.That is what they need to remember, to play through this crap and stick together. No matter what happens to Brown after this season the starting five should still be the same next year. Barring some miracle trade proposal or Joe Dumars suddenly going mad and blowing the team up, this starting five will be back next year - Brown or no Brown. Play for each other damn it, show Brown what he is walking away from. But do it quick - there is not too much time left.You may be able to take time off against the Sixers, the Pacers and the Heat, but not the Spurs. You spotted them two games, now get over and play some damn ball - for each other. Later."

Really, that is how I feel and there is no point in typing it again, man I love the copy-paste tool! But in all honesty, forget Brown, don't give him the satisfaction of "losing it just to show him." And if you think that, by losing, you will send Brown the ultimate "F.U." going away gift, don't give him that pleasure. Do you honestly think you will just walk through the playoffs next year, win the East and win the title all over again? Are you all really that naive? What about the other teams in the East, don't you think they will retool this off season to make life more miserable on you? Don't piss this one away to "give it to Brown" and just assume you will be back next year, it won't be that easy. Miami will retool and they almost beat you will a injury plagued roster. The Cavs will be better, they got Lebron for Christ sakes! The Nets, the Pacers, teams will improve over the off season to try and over throw you. Don't just assume the East will be yours forever, because forever is now! Remember, the "Bad Boys" won in 1989 and 1990, you got one in 2004. Do the math, that is 14 years - I truly doubt any of you will be around in another 14 years! Don't take it for granted, forget the Larry Brown saga and remember who is in the trenches with you - your teammates, that's who! Let Brown go, win this one for yourselves.

That is all I got, I really have nothing else to say. The Pistons of last year need to wake up and find themselves quickly. If not, not only are they going to lose their coach, but they are going to lose their rings, their trophy, their title, their crown and their pride. All they will have left is the "what if's" and those damn belts which will be nothing but meaningless. Shut up, "D" up and play some freaking basketball! The time is now, you spotted the Spurs two games, no more!

Later.