Lose at home? Why would the Spurs want to do that? A late push proved they didn't.
Spurs won 84-69.
Though early on the Detroit Pistons looked oppressive and impressive on defense - as promised - something went horribly wrong when it counted - in the fourth quarter.
Racking up a 17-4 lead in the first quarter, Detroit early looked much more together at both ends of the court. The blue shirts filled the floor on defense with perfect spacing. I'll admit it they were flat out scary. The Spurs were getting picked and poked - like an eggshell from the inside.
And under the basket.
It was only at the 4:16 mark, joined by a "Big mock cheer" from the home crowd at San Antonio's SBC Center, when the first foul was called against Detroit. Ultimately for such a physical game fouls were low and didn't really play a part in the game.
"Seven straight points for the defending champions" - at 7-2 - Al Michaels over-actively called at the 8:32 mark of the first quarter.
But early it really did look like the eight days of rest would sink the Spurs in lethargy. They had four turnovers (TO's) early.
Maybe that's what led Greg Popovich to call a timeout just 2:21 seconds into the game - down a "mammoth and insurmountable" 6-2. He called another about three minutes later with his team down by nine, 13-4.
Seemed a little quick on the draw, but after looking like they'd be lucky to hit double digits in the first quarter it or something clicked.
Appropriately Obi-Wan Ginobili - as one fan's sign called hm - put the final dagger in, finishing off the enemy even though destined to meet again (Sunday 5:30 P, 8:30 E, ABC).
By my count there were four dunks in the game - one by Manu Ginobili, two by Ben Wallace and one by Tim Duncan.
Article comments
1 - Tan Hoang
Obi-Wan, that's hilarious. Spurs win in 6 games.
2 - Matthew T. Sussman
I'm still not counting out the Pistons by any means.
3 - RJ
Game Two starts any minute. This series pretty much rests in the balance.
Spurs win, they go up 2-0, and the Pistons are likely screwed, unless they win all three at home.
Pistons win, they can go home and finish off SA, or even go up 3-2 by winning just 2 of 3 at home, and then have two chances to win another one in Texas.
Big game, tonight...
4 - RJ
Halftime. Pistons down by a lot. Their defense looks like shit, and their offense isn't much better (other than McDyess and maybe the Wallaces).
Looks like it's gonna be 0-2 heading back to The Palace, unless a miracle breaks out...
5 - Sean
We have a ball game now. Whoever said the Pistons were done! never considered they are the defending champions and defending champions always come to play. The Pistons core hasn't changed from their championship run a year ago and the Spurs are in trouble. Detroit found their weakness and they are exploiting it. I'm going to call, this Pistons in six.
6 - Temple Stark
Grrr. Stupid Pistons -)
Seriously, you have to give it to them and say they took their pride back.
7 - Sean
A lot of silence concerning how the series is heading. Where are all the bandwagon fans? As I said Pistons in six.
8 - Sean
Temple Shark, it's not your fault the Spurs are going to lose. D-E-T-R-O-I-T- B-A-S-K-E-T-B-A-L-L.
9 - Temple Stark
Yerp, cursing for a different reason tonight.
Gawd, but what an atrocious finish for the Spurs. It's crazy. Timmaaaah gets his free throws and they win the game.
They couldn't even get Rasheed fouled out with his sixth - and he made them pay. I like Rasheed.
I'll feel a whole lot better Thursday night.
And HOW HARD IS IT TO GET MY LAST NAME RIGHT? :-)
S-T-A-R-K.