The Pistons wrapped up a 59-23 record, the 2nd best in the NBA, Wednesday night with a 84-74 victory in Cleveland.

Chauncey Billups looked up from his chair in Detroit’s crowded locker room and addressed the days ahead.

“The real season,” he said, “is about to start.”

Playoff time. For the Pistons, that’s all that matters.

Arron Afflalo was the step-up of the night, dropping 15 on 6-12 shooting, along with 8 rebounds, 4 dimes, and 2 steals.  Included in those 15 points was a wicked blow-by of Anderson Varejao for a 180-degree carousel lay-up.

Max and Stuck followed close behind with 13 and 12 points respectively.

Everyone started out cold as ice, with Afflalo really the only one shooting it straight from the start.  The Pistons shot 24% in the first half, but they worked their way back to a morale-boosting “W”.

I heard the Cavs getting booed by their own fans on more than one occasion.

All of the starters played 12 minutes, and none scored over 4 points.  The rest was up to the Zoo Crew.

No LeBron James.

Pistons vs. Sixers: Game 1 – April 20!