The Pistons Lose To The Celtics

It was an off night for the Pistons offensively, partly because of foul trouble. In the first quarter Antonio McDyess, who have been excellent for most of this season, picked up two quick fouls and had to sit.

Jason Maxiell on the other hand was great. With The Pistons down 10 - 3 to the Celtics, Maxiell started a surge that led to the Pistons scoring 17 straight. The Pistons led 22 - 12 at the end of the first.

The Celtics however made a come back in the second quarter erasing the Pistons ten point lead and tying the game 41 - 41.

Then Rip Hamilton made a shot to put the Pistons back up by two. The Pistons led 43 - 41 at half-time.

The second half was pretty much a wrestling match.

In the third quarter The Celtics tied with the Pistons four times. With the game tied 61 - 61, Rip Hamilton made a point off of a technical foul, giving the Pistons a one point lead. Then Chauncey Billups made two points off of a Celtics foul, pushing The Pistons lead up to three.

The Pistons led 64 - 61, but Paul Pierce made a shot cutting The Pistons lead to one. Then with the pistons leading 63 - 64, Antonio McDyess finally scored a point to put the Pistons lead back up to three at the end of the third. The Pistons led 66 - 63.

In the fourth quarter The Celtics just continued to hound The Pistons. The Celtics made a run giving them a five point lead. The Pistons fought back and cut their lead to three, but Paul Pierce made a steal and pushed the Celtics lead back up to five.

Then the Pistons starting missing their free throws. Rip Hamilton after being fouled by Eddy House, made one of two. Then, Chauncey Billups after being fould by Paul Peirce missed both free throws.

The Pistons finally pulled the game within three, and could've forced the game into overtime, but Chauncey missed a three point that would have tied the game 88 - 88. The Celtics beat The Pistons 92 - 85.