Down 2-0, with their backs against the wall, the Pistons responded by sticking to Detroit basketball. Defense, extra passes on the fast break, and more defense. The tone was set by Ben Wallace early. He was blocking shots, rebounding, and getting alley-oop dunks to charge up the crowd. Rip Hamilton came off screens better and knocked down his midrange jumpshots. Chauncey Billups hit some big 3s (an area where they have been lacking the past couple of games). In short, the Pistons played their best basketball. The Spurs, on the other hand, got a good game from Tony Parker, but the long-armed Pistons defense kept Duncan in check and totally shut down Ginobli.
Still, the Spurs were in it til the 4th quarter, even though the final score (96-79) doesn't show that. Detroit has to be careful, because you know the Spurs will come back strong on Thursday. Going down 3-1 would pretty much end their chance of winning the series. The Spurs won't lose 3 in a row.