BACK WHERE WE STARTED

BACK WHERE WE STARTED

Twenty-one years to the day since the most infamous and frustrating loss in franchise history, the Pistons at times seemed headed for a similarly heart-wrenching ending in Game 4 of another Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics. Doing everything better than Boston except convincing the officials that they could play defense without fouling, the Pistons opened the game with a 10-0 run but clung to leads as low as two points into the second half despite holding the Celtics to 15 field goals through three quarters while attempting 33 foul shots in that time. But the Pistons resisted the temptation to let their frustration with the whistles bubble over. Detroit got inspired play from Antonio McDyess, a huge contribution from Jason Maxiell and a 16-2 closing spurt to win going away. That sets up the series as a best-of-three headed back to Boston for Game 5.

FLIP SAUNDERS: “There’s always talk about your team at times when things get a little bit off edge in a big game that we lose our composure. I thought tonight, more than anything – the only guy that got a T, I think, was me – our guys kept their composure.”

DOC RIVERS: “Give Detroit credit. I thought they … were more physical, were more aggressive all night. Usually the win goes to the team that’s more aggressive – and it was them. It happened. It shouldn’t have happened, but it did.”

McDYESS: “I just tried to get the players into the game and let them know there’s only so many opportunities we’re going to have. Our opportunities are definitely getting limited. Next game is going to be harder, harder after that, so we’ve got to leave everything out on the floor.”