Well, it seems that the odds are stacked high against the Pistons. Here are 10 reasons why I think the Pistons will beat the Lakers:
1. Defense. They said it wins championships. The Pistons are playing a level of defense unseen in the modern (shot clock) era. They've set historical records all season long. Sure, San Antonio plays great defense, but they haven't broken records and set milestones like the Pistons have. Remember 19 blocks in one game?
2. Offense. The fashionable thing for analysts to say is: "how are the Pistons going to win scoring 60-70 points?" newsflash, the Pistons are scoring only 3.9 points per game less than the Lakers during the playoffs. that's two shots. that's in spite of the low scoring games that the Pistons played in. The Pistons aren't the same team, offensively, as they were last year. They can and do run the break when it presents itself.
3. Playing on the road. The Pistons have shown to be a good road team during the playoffs. they beat Indiana (tied for the best home record during the regular season) 2 out of 3 times on their own floor.
4. Rebounding. During the playoffs the Lakers are getting outrebounded on average, while the Pistons are outrebounding their opponents on average. When the Pistons control the boards, they are extremely tough to beat.
5. Big bodies. During the playoffs, Shaq hasn't faced a team with as many big bodies as we have. This isn't a Shaq vs. Ben matchup. Shaq will face Ben, Sheed, Elden, Memo, maybe Corliss, and if everyone fouls out, maybe 7'1" Darko. Larry Brown has even shown a zone defense at times, which allows for some help on Shaq.
6. Triangle defense. When the Lakers set up and run the triangle, it plays into the Piston's strength: half-court, help defense. The Pistons had the most trouble against the Nets who are a team that doesn't set up in the half court.
7. Playoff tested. The Pistons have gone to 7 against the Nets and won tough games when many counted them out. They've played the NBA's top team in the Pacers and beat them.
8. Element of surprise. Everyone is counting them out. The Pistons are a very strong team, mentally. Everyone in L.A. is getting ready for their victory parade. The Pistons have a chance to steal one in L.A. by throwing the first punch and catching the Lakers (and everyone else) by surprise.
9. Sheed. Everyone's "x-factor" is Tayshaun, Rip, or even Memo. They forget that Sheed is finally healing from his foot and ankle injuries. He's closer to 100% health for the first time since the regular season. During the last 3-4 games of the Indiana series, Sheed has been playing his best basketball, since the regular season. He's posted double doubles and scored over 20 points a few times. Mark my words, Sheed will be huge in the Finals.
10. Tayshaun Prince . In the NJ and Indiana series, he's had to focus on RJ and Artest. Remember the Milwaukee series when he guarded a lesser Desmond Mason? Well, get ready Devean George....I see Tayshaun stepping it up in the Finals. Tayshaun may defend Kobe a few times, but I see him on George a majority of the time.
