post-partum

miami played a better game. they played a better series... and, as much as i love the pistons, i have to concede that they simply did not hustle enough to earn it. they were weary and it showed; the drive simply wasn't there, no matter how much i jumped up and down on my couch and screamed. the heat were faster, and they wanted it more: they were there for every rebound, and the managed to find baskets despite broken plays. i give them mad props.

but don't discount the pistons. let's not jump to the conclusion, mr. simmons, that their reign is over. however devastating the loss, let's not forget everything they've been through the last few years. they won the national championship two years ago. they went to finals last year, and took the series to seven games. they gave up 18 losses in the regular season, with the best record in the league. and, they put up a good fight against the heat in the semifinals. they might be a little burned out from all that work. but, it's far from over. they are going to show up to play again next year.

however, a few kinks need to be worked out as a team, and the synergy that makes them so great needs to be revisited. when they move, they move. and when they can't, they trudge in slow motion. but, cut them some slack, mitch, because you'd be tired too, if you didn't half-ass the regular season. the pistons need to examine what went wrong, and make it right... and i really believe they have the maturity to learn from this loss, and come back stronger next year. go pistons. detroit love.

"You can make some changes, coaches, a player," Ben Wallace said, "but, you know, ultimately it will be on you as an individual to accept this loss and look in the mirror and see what you can do, come back ready."