Iverson's Move to Detroit

At one time, Allen Iverson vowed that his pairing with Carmelo Anthony on the Denver Nuggets would bring a title to the squad. This came after Iverson spent many controversy-filled seasons in Philadelphia. He had incidents with coaches and teammates, the famous "Practice?" clips on ESPN, an MVP award and then a trip to the Finals where the LA Lakers eventually dismantled his Sixers. Denver seemed like a bit of a saving grace for Iverson as he mellowed out with Melo. AI made the All-Star squad and the team made the playoffs, but heightened expectations didn't translate into a strong playoff presence. Team D was blamed for the team not making a strong push.

Now just a day ago, Iverson has been traded to his third NBA Team, the Detroit Pistons. In exchange for AI, Denver picks up Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb. The questions of who got the best of the deal already start pouring out. Mr. Big Shot Billups would be a welcome addition to most squads, but will he fit in well with Denver and Melo? The same goes for AI, will he work in the style of play the Pistons use? The Pistons are not as much an uptempo run and gun type team as Denver has been. Iverson now plays alongside Rip Hamilton, but he'll most likely be the Pistons lead scorer and go-to-guy. His talents will be welcome but may disrupt Detroit.

Experience is a factor in the NBA, but age can be as well. It might not be the popular analysis, but Denver may have added more at this point than Detroit. Billups provides veteran playoff experience and leadership. He's won the title that Melo wants and can help guide the team in a playoff run. Not to mention he plays D and can knock down the big shots. McDyess helps in the defensive needs as well as rebounding, even though he's up there in age. He'll most likely defer to Melo as lead scorer and set him up with the shots he wants. At the same time, Iverson is on a squad with a few guys left over from that Pistons Championship Squad. Iverson, McDyess and Billups aren't exactly young though, and aging players don't always guarantee a team is going to win it all.

Read the Washington Post article on Iverson's trade

Pistons & Lakers in Finals?

Today marks Game 7 between Boston and Cleveland, and it will be the second elimination game of the playoffs involving the Celtics. Next week we get the additional treat of New Orleans hosting San Antonio in their final game. While these 4 teams duke it out to be a part of the NBA's Final 4, two teams are sitting back and relaxing, the Detroit Pistons and the LA Lakers. Could they also be the 2008 NBA Finals matchup?

You'd have to give both the Pistons and Lakers the edge in their next round series. The Pistons have demonstrated the ability to win on the road, and just 1 win in Boston would be all it takes to knock out the top team in the NBA. In fact, earlier in the 2007-08 season, Detroit was able to do just that, defeating the Celtics in TD Banknorth. As for the Lakers, it may come down to the status of Hornet David West. If the All-star forward for the Hornets is hurt, the Lakers will be dominating inside thanks to Gasol, Kobe, Odom and several others on the team. That's if New Orleans can get by San Antonio Monday. As for the Celtics, they will continue to be not only the team to beat, but the team that needs to prove it can win in any situation, home or away.

Billups Down, Kobe Up

Game 3 in Orlando featured Rashard Lewis scoring a career-playoff high of 33 points, while the Pistons suffered the loss of their PG leader, Chauncey Billups for most of the game. Billups went down with a strained right hamstring after stepping on Jameer Nelson's foot in the 1st quarter. An MRI will be done on Thursday, and Detroit coach Flip Saunders said they are shooting for Billups to return Saturday for Game 4. Orlando stayed in control throughout most of Wednesday's game, up 12 at the half. Detroit started to come back in the third, closing the gap to just 4. But the Magic started off with an 11-0 run in the 4th. Dwight Howard finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 6 blocks. Orlando wins 111-86 to get back into the series.

In the 2nd game of TNT"s slate, the Lakers hosted Utah for Game 2. Kobe Bryant held the MVP award high above his head prior to the contest, then hit an incredible shot which banked high off the backboard during the game. Kobe scored 34 tonight after receiving his award, with Derek Fisher adding 22. The Lakers took this game despite the Jazz trying to get back into it several times. Los Angeles has yet to lose during the playoffs which goes to show just how good a team they are this season.

It seems like a Celtics vs. Lakers Finals may be inevitable as both teams push forward through the competition.

The NBA's Clock Error

During Game 2 of the Pistons versus Magic series, there was about 5 seconds left on the clock, quarter 3. The ball was inbounded, went up the full court, and eventually a 3 pointer was hit by Mr. Big Shot, Chauncey Billups, to give the Pistons a 2 point advantage. Magic coach Stan Van Gundy and crew weren't pleased with the refs' decision to let the shot count, but the refs had no choice. Pistons win 100-93, Magic go down 2 games to none. The NBA just a few days later admits it, there was a screwup, and Billups' 3 should have been no good.

Let's face it, first off the Pistons are the better of the two teams, and playing some of the best basketball in the playoffs right now. It's a 7 game series, which gives Dwight and the Magic plenty of opportunity to recover. But the stuck clock issue is the sort of thing that can make or break a team in a game, as it gave the Pistons the lead and momentum which they continued with into the 4th. A whistle should have blown immediately to stop play, but for some reason the refs just let it go. Excuses can't be made for the Magic loss, the rules are the rules...but hopefully the NBA will look into changing this one as it could hurt a team during important contests.

Related story: Pistons & Hornets Up 2-0.

Pistons & Celtics Battle!

In the past there were many infamous battles between the Celtics and Pistons, playoff and regular season. Laimbeer taking on Bird, knocking McHale and other Celtics to the hardwood. Isiah getting into the Chief, Robert Parish' face. The famous Bird steal and pass to Dennis Johnson as he drove for the layup to win the game. You've heard the play by play call, many times.

Wednesday night featured the 2007 version of this battle, and an early season test for both clubs. It featured a battle of UCONN stars in Rip Hamilton and Ray Allen on opposing teams. Also featured were two big men in KV and Rasheed. Paul Pierce and Chauncey Billups also starred in the 2k version. This would also provide an early test for the Celtics as they battled one of the true NBA contenders in the Pistons.

Both teams came out hot in the first quarter matching baskets. Rajon Rondo was an early surprise star as Hubie Brown noted that he was shocking the Pistons at how easy he could get into the paint and score. Definitely surprising, as the Pistons have been noted as one of the top defensive squads for several years now.

The Pistons and Celtics played at a generally even pace, with no huge leads or runs. The Pistons finally started to climb ahead in the fourth and found themselves up 6 with under 2 minutes left. But after an Eddie House 3, superstar Ray Allen nailed a tying 3 point shot. With the game tied, KG came up with the ball with 5 seconds left, after stripping it from Chauncey Billups' hands on a layup. Paul Pierce missed a quick turn around jumper. Then with just about 2 seconds to go, Billups came up big. The guard gave a great fake to Tony Allen, drawing a 2 shot foul. Billups of course hit both big free throws and the Pistons handed the Celtics their first home loss of the season.

The Celtics still look good, but the Pistons proved why they are a top contender. Solid shooting, a team that's been together for several years now and a great defense. As the Celtics move forward they will continue to gel and acquire that defensive presence. And this was just round 1. The Pistons and Celts will meet twice more prior to any playoff matchups.

Best Damn Talks to Ray Allen

Ray Allen recently appeared on the Best Damn Sports Show Period, via satellite from Boston, Massachusetts. Ray discussed how great it is to play for a storied franchise like the Celtics and wear the throwback jerseys in a recent game. He also discussed his acting gigs such as He Got Game. Ray said that he was being trash-talked by Spike Lee during a Knicks-Bucks game early in his career. Spike eventually talked to Ray about auditioning for the part. Ray talked about how intimidating it was to work with a legendary actor like Denzel Washington.

In "Get to Know Ray Allen" Ray said he never received Allan Ray's paycheck when they were teammates. Ray said his 1 bad habit is singing, because he can't do it too well. He also once painted his toenails purple for a playoff run in Milwaukee. Ray discussed an interesting campaign being done by Vitamin Water and NBA players on December 19th too.

The December 19th promotion which involves players like Ray Allen, T-Mac, Shaq, Dwight Howard and Chauncey Billups as part of Team Vitamin Water. For every point scored by these players, Vitamin Water will donate money to the food bank of their specific city (Boston, Orlando, Miami, Detroit, Houston, etc). A pretty sweet promotion for the holiday season, so let's hope these guys score a bunch. How about a couple 50 point performances? Ray and T-Mac are definitely capable.