On a night that many thought they wouldn’t see until the 2009-2010 season, Gilbert Arenas returned.

On a night that many thought they wouldn’t see until the 2009-2010 season, Detroit let a 12-point fourth quarter lead evaporate and Gilbert Arenas had an opportunity to do what he arguably does best: hit a game-winning buzzer-beater.

The Pistons snuffed that chance out.

In a defensive stance nothing short of spectacular, Kwame Brown forced Arenas to fall out of bounds and hoist up an airball with five seconds left in the fourth. Caron Butler corraled the miss and followed with a second-chance airball of his own.

“I’m going to think about that the whole way to Indiana,” Arenas said. “I should’ve called a timeout, or I should’ve just drove the lane off the rebound, but that’s what happened. We’ve got to live with it. … Just had a mental block.”

Regardless of not playing in an NBA game  for the past 11 months, Arenas finished with a double-double, 15 points and 10 assists.

Rip Hamilton finished with a game-high 31 points and was the Pistons’ driving force of the first half.

The Pistons three point shooting was a factor, converting 10 of 15. Notably, Hamilton made five of his nine attempts, Tayshaun Prince made all three of his, and Walter Herrmann made both of his.

Antawn Jamison led the Wizards in scoring with 21 points and five rebounds in over 42 minutes of action.

The win keeps the Pistons in the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture at 24 games behind the leader, Cleveland. The Charlotte Bobcats rest in the ninth spot at 2.5 games behind Detroit, potentially posing a threat if Detroit hits another cold streak.

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Quote source: AP

“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, carrying the Detroit Pistons! In last night’s win over the Orlando Magic, he chipped in 29 points and dished out a career-high 14 dimes (CP3 numbers). Since his return back into the starting lineup the Pistons have won five of their last six games, without Allen Iverson.

Rip City took Magic guard J.J. Redick on a trip that I’m sure that he will never forget last night, including a wicked spin move (…Earl the Pearl-esque) around half court followed by a pretty feed to Walter Herrmann for the assist. He put the dagger into the Magic’s hearts when he ran Reddick through a crisp screen for a sweet mid-range jumper to push the Pistons lead to 95-90 late in the fourth quarter.

“It was a big game because with Allen (Iverson) out and Sheed not playing and Stuck(ey) getting hurt, it was gonna be a tough game for us and we just dug deep and we got the win,” Hamilton says.

WIth Hamilton back in the starting lineup, the Pistons look well equipped to parry the competition in the Eastern Conference.

“Allen Iverson should start. The proof is in the pudding that ever since Rip Hamilton has been sitting out, the Pistons have been winning. I believe that they have won 8 of their last 10 games with Rip out so I believe that if it ins’t broke than you shouldn’t try to fix it. Rip can’t create for himself. Stuckey and Iverson can, so they should be starting. Rip is still mourning the trade that sent Chauncey to Denver and he needs to just get over it and play some basketball.” [EW]

Short and simple: they needed someone who would punish our little drama queens when they got out of line.

Judging by his [lack of] decision-making during Sunday’s pitiful performance against the Knicks, he’s not doing a very good job.

There are so many questions. Why, after going scoreless in the first 4 minutes and finishing the first quarter down by 17 points, was the bench not in sooner? How did Walter Herrmann sit the first 3 quarters when the Pistons were getting manhandled? Why did Rodney Stuckey only notch 17 minutes when AI had the shot selection of Larry Hughes (that’s not a compliment)? AI chose a shot over an open man so many times I can’t count them on both hands. Allen Iverson does NOT deserve to start the next game. Start Stuckey in his place.

There wasn’t a problem with Rip until he decided to screw his team over just so he could throw a cheap elbow at Jared Jeffries. The Pistons were within 5 points and this game could have been won with Rip’s sharpshooting, had he not been ejected. Rip does NOT deserve to start the next game. Start Afflalo in his place.

And Sheed. Sheed, Sheed, Sheed. What are we going to do with you? You start and stop on a dime. If only there was some other way to get you started other than technical fouls (which apprently didn’t work today). Is there some magic button Michael Curry can press that turns the lackadaisical Sheed into the low-post offensive monster that he was before he won that big, shiny ring? Rasheed does NOT deserve to start the next game. Start Antonio McDyess in his place.

When the Pistons win, it seems like the headlines always mention how someone came off the bench and carried the Pistons on their back. It always seems like such a surprise to the media when Arron Afflalo scores 15 points or Rodney Stuckey gets 10 assists. Why? These guys play with exponentially greater willpower than anyone who starts (save Tayshaun Prince), and it shows by the way they actually want to win. Get these guys in the game and keep them in the game.

For 4 years I’ve watched the Pistons dwindle into some washed-up team who would like another ring, but doesn’t truly want it. It’s hard to say but it’s true. Luxury continues to trump necessity. The bench, however, has the drive. The reserves have consistently showed Michael Curry their ability time after time, but he does not seem to be understanding.

So far, all I see is Flip Saunders II.