Possible yes, probable no.
That's putting it layman regarding your Detroit Pistons and their chances of winning a seven game playoff battle against a red hot Cleveland team that dose not lose at home. It's virtually impossible. HOWEVER, there is a slight hint of an outside chance. Unfortunately for us Pistons fans, there are multiple scenarios that absolutely must occur for them to shock the world with an upset.
First of all, and most importantly, Tayshaun Prince will need to bring his A+ game on both sides of the court every second of all six games. (Pistons can't & won't win in 4, 5 or 7) Even if Tay's useless the rest of the post season, he'll have to play 40-44 serious minutes of borderline perfect execution. You will hear so-called analysts spewing redundancy concerning LaBron and how “he's going to get his” and “you have to stop the rest of the Cavs.” This is an ignorant game plan. If Puppet Boy lets his defense off the hook as they start this series, we won't see a game five. It is imperative they lock down James. If they can hold him to a 22-8-7 average, they can win some games, but if he's going off for 35-45 points a game we're looking at a sweep. It begins and ends with not only Tayshaun's defense, but his offense, and yes, even his leadership.
Second, They must contain Mo Williams. If Stuckey and Rip can limit his open looks from the field and get some help from the bigs when Mo drives the paint, they have a semi-solid chance.
Third, in a word, Sheed! Rasheed Wallace needs to bring it. This is a contract year and the playoffs so he should be focused, but we all know Sheed's emotional before rational. If he can establish his game in the post before going to launch mode from the arch, it will open up the floor for the rest of the team and that could be huge. But it's vital Wallace rebounds and blocks, specially in game one. Ben Wallace most likely won't play in the opener, so without him giving Sheed fits, and the Cav's feasibly looking ahead, It's conceivable the Pistons steal the game.
This brings us to dribble penetration. Detroit must protect the rim. They can't allow James, Williams, West, Gibson and Szczerbiak to find open lanes. They have to switch on pick and roles and anticipate the play.
Finally, the basic fundamentals. Detroit must win the turn over battle and the board war, control the tempo, get to the line and MAKE their free throws.
There's no gray area or X factor going into this post season. The Detroit Pistons have to play determined and aggressive basketball with a serious sense of urgency.
We've always heard how the Pistons feed off being the under dog, Well, now they're at an all you can eat buffet and the Cleveland Cavaliers are ringing the dinner bell.
