Auburn Hills, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons’ past has them confident about their future.
The defending NBA champions trail 2-1 in the Eastern Conference finals best-of-seven series against the Miami Heat. A Detroit loss tonight in Game 4 would send the Pistons to Miami for Game 5 on Thursday in jeopardy of being eliminated. But after rebounding to win the semifinals against the Indiana Pacers, the Pistons are confident.
“It definitely brings back some memories,” Pistons guard Chauncey Billups said before Monday’s practice. “But our team is always at our best when our backs are against the wall.”
Two seasons ago, the Pistons gained experience from coming from behind.
The Pistons trailed the Orlando Magic 3-1 in the first round of the 2003 playoffs. Then-Magic guard Tracy McGrady said he was happy to make it to the second round before it became finalized. Detroit won the next three to claim the series.
The Pistons were down 3-2 against New Jersey in the 2004 semifinals. The Nets failed to end the series at home in Game 6, and Detroit won the series in seven games.
During this season’s conference semifinals, the Pacers led the series 2-1, but the Pistons won the next three games, including two on the road.
“There is no difference” in being down 2-1 to Indiana or New Jersey than being down 2-1 to Miami, Pistons center Ben Wallace said.
“This team has never lacked confidence. … We know we’re capable of coming back with a good fight. We’ve been down before. We know how it is bouncing back. This team has done a great job ever since I’ve been here playing in the playoffs of being able to come back and adjust.”
But of all the come-from-behind challenges in recent years, the Pistons could have their toughest one against Miami. The Heat is 5-0 on the road in the playoffs.
After winning Game 1 90-81 and limiting Miami guard Dwyane Wade to 16 points, the Pistons haven’t been able to stop Wade, who has combined for 76 points the past two games. And despite a right thigh injury, Miami center Shaquille O’Neal had his best game of the series with 24 points in Game 3.
“We’re a very confident team, but we have great respect for (the Pistons),” Miami coach Stan Van Gundy said. “You have to for a team that is defending champions.”
On what it would mean to go back to Miami with a 3-1 lead, Wade said: “It’s going to take a lot of will. The game isn’t going to be easy for either team.”
Footnotes
The Pistons seem frustrated with the officiating in Game 3. The Heat shot 54 free throws, including 43 in the second half. Detroit also had two technical fouls in the fourth quarter. “It wasn’t (the Heat) that frustrated us,” Billups said. “I ain’t going to get into it. But I told y’all last night it wasn’t the Heat. Draw your own conclusions.” Said Ben Wallace: “A game like that when everybody is marching to the free- throw line, it’s tough to get a rhythm.” … While the Pistons had a regular practice, the Heat went easy. “We’re going to stretch and watch film,” Van Gundy said. “My trainer told me four of my five starters couldn’t practice any way. We’re going to go over some things. It’s just going to be a mental day.” … On his ailing right thigh, O’Neal said: “I’m just going to go to the hotel and get some rest. I’m feeling all right.”
Marc J. Spears can be reached at 303-820-5449 or mspears@denverpost.com.
