By Eric Woodyard – PistonPost.com writer
“I guess I got my swagger back, Mama that said I killed her man, Well I guess I got the dagger back…”  -Jay Z, All I Need (2001)
It’s an understatement to say that Rip Hamilton has gotten his swagger back since returning to the starting lineup. He’s looks as hungry as he’s looked since ‘04, his cuts are more incisive than ever, and his demeanor is as equine as it’s been since Mr. Big Shot’s departure to the Mile High City.
Hamilton is, in a sense, …

Couldn’t have picked a less desirable time to be on a five-game losing streak.
The Pistons’ upcoming road trip will include the home courts of four of the top five Eastern Conference teams (Cleveland, Boston, Orlando, Miami) and a Western Conference contender (New Orleans), in a short span of nine days.
And then “home sweet home,” right? I wish. The first game back is against the Nuggets, a team whose now formidable status needs no explanation for Pistons fans.
A 14-15 home record goes without saying.
Pessimism is a rampant mantra in these semi-dark …

By Adam Debrowski – PistonPost.com writer/editor
•For once, the Pistons looked like a youthful group that could keep up with one of the league’s top teams- until the clock struck 12 [minutes left in the fourth quarter]. Initially up by eight then outscored 32-14 in the final quarter, this was one of the most embarrassing Piston collapses in recent memory.
•This is the first time Detroit has lost four straight home games for eight years. That’s no typo- eight years.
•The loss moved the team to 13-11 at home and .500 continues to …

All that talk about the Lakers going 15-0?  The Pistons thought otherwise, knocking off L.A. on their home turf 106-95.
Sheed led the way with 25 points and 13 boards, including a crazy long range bank shot (note Top Play #6 below).  I love to see Sheed rallied up getting those nitty-gritty boards in the post.  All too often does he check in, launch a couple long bombs, then sit back down when he gets in foul trouble.  This was not one of those games, and you could tell the man …