Instant Replay Game 4

GETTING CLOSER – Billups was 2 for 11 and 0 for 2 from the 3-point arc when he rose up from behind the line with just under three minutes left and the Pistons clinging to a seven-point lead. The Palace went quiet as the ball traced an arc to the basket, then exploded in celebration when it ruffled cleanly through the nets. It was a huge basket all the way around – showing Billups still had the chutzpah to take a critical shot and giving the Pistons the first fourth-quarter lead that felt safe, up 10 with 2:53 remaining. Billups finished with 10 points, seven assists and no turnovers.

SAUNDERS: “I thought in the second half he got a lot more aggressive. Tay made a great play on that. Tay had the shot and could have shot it and make the extra pass. That’s usually where Chauncey is at his best on those threes, on those swings.”

BLOCK PARTY – Maxiell’s spectacular first-quarter block of Garnett was one that would make even Prince’s highlight reel. Garnett thought he had an uncontested transition dunk and brought the ball behind his head with two hands to throw it down when Maxiell came from behind to swat it forcefully and cleanly out of Garnett’s hands and off Boston’s backboard. That was the prelude to Maxiell’s offensive outburst to start the second quarter.

MAXIELL: “I saw him in transition ahead of me and decided not to give him an easy layup and decided it was a perfect time to block a shot.”

REGROUPING – If there was a moment when it looked like the Pistons would blow their cool, it came with 4:38 left in the game and Boston within five points. Hamilton felt he was pushed by Allen while making a cut, gestured to the officials, then turned and tried to cut toward the basket, plowing into Allen and drawing his fifth foul. But the Pistons dug in to get consecutive stops on Pierce attempts , got two free throws from Wallace and the big triple from Billups before Hamilton – who often gets tunnel vision after exhibiting frustration in such a manner – scored on three straight possessions, effectively sealing the win.