Finally

It took six games (two games more than it should have) but the Pistons finally disposed of the Chicago Bulls.

The reason for why the Pistons finally won is simple: they finally played physical. You saw a team yesterday that was hustling on defense, getting after loose balls, and hitting the boards unlike any game they have played in the playoffs thus far. Chalk this victory up to a McDyess and Webber's rebounding in the second have, Prince's late offense, and Hamilton's and Bullups' ability to hit clutch free-throws.

We did learn something else in this series though. The Pistons will live and die by the play of Rasheed Wallace, whether we like it or not. This is not to say that the rest of the team isn't great. Billups, Hamilton, and Prince are definitely more talented than Rasheed, but Wallace is the key to the offense. His presence down low opens up free looks and rebounds for Webber. And how many times last night did you see Wallace kick the ball up top and around to Billups or Hamilton for an open three, or a high pick a roll that left himself with an open shot. It's not that he's the Piston's number one option, he just opens up the floor for everyone else.

It was nice once again to see the Pistons playing tough defense. They made all the Bulls feel uncomfortable. They swarmed to the ball, and were finally giving help defense to their teammates. Everyone talks about how now the Pistons will cruise to the NBA Finals, but if they play defense like they did in games four and five, they'll be heading home early. I do look forward to what should be an easy series with either Cleveland or New Jersey, but with the Pistons "turn it on, turn it off" style of ball we never really know what we're in store for.