Ahh, the playoffs are in the air and we already have postseason “controversy” running amok.

Was Chauncey’s 3-pointer with 4.8 seconds left in the 3rd in time? Eventually it was deemed no, but unofficially. Considering the officials on the court can’t use instant replay for time-related issues, Chauncey was awared the 3-ball and the Pistons took a 78-76 lead going into the 4th.

Here it is in case you missed it:

As odd as the situation was, we can’t discredit the shot or the win. The players on the court were playing like the time was running, and until the shot was in flight and Keith Bogans raised his arms in disapproval, I couldn’t see any reaction to it. Nobody stopped playing defense, and Chauncey did what he does best, he came through on a big shot. I’d be saying the same thing if Detroit was on defense.

It’s unfortunate that this will take away from the merit of the Pistons staving off a 3-point-crazed Magic and weathering the storm to pull out a W. Not too mention Chauncey’s overall performance. But hey, a win’s a win.

Isn’t it nice to have the old Chauncey Billups back? I don’t know where he was the first few games in the Sixers series, but he sure as hell is back now.  He notched 28 points with 5 boards and 4 assists.

A rare off-night for Rip, who went 4-18 from the field.  Had he been on his game, this thing wouldn’t have been close.

Talk about your ultimate ticky-tack fouls.  Sheed and Dice got hammered all night by the refs calling fouls practically for looking at the guy with the ball. Sheed went 7-10, although we would’ve seen a lot more if fouls #4 and #5 weren’t on his back during the late game. Only fitting, Dice fouled out.

This is the Dwight Howard we’re used to.  22 boards and 18 rebounds, although a packed stat line, is the norm for Howard. Looks like all that thumb injury talk can quiet down now. Although those 5 turnovers (with 0 assists) is nothing to write home about.

This one was all Pistons until a 36-point, 7-11 from downtown onslaught by Orlando brought them back into it.  The perimeter defense was borderline nonexistent at that point.

Tayshaun- still gettin’ it done.  17 points, 10 boards and 5 assists for the Prince.

Game 3- Wednesday May 7, 8:00 in Orlando.