<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">In 2004, the Eastern Conference was ridiculed for its lack of elite teams. It was assumed that the survivor of the rough and tumble West – Lakers, Spurs or Timberwolves – would automatically roll over the Eastern champs, who were bound to be overwhelmed in the Finals. But a funny thing happened that season. The Pistons' defensive-minded approach was too much for a star-studded Lakers squad and Detroit shocked L.A. to win the NBA title in five games. Here we are three years later and the circumstances are remarkably similar. The East has been awful all season while all the power teams reside in the West. But with the Pistons beginning to catch fire, it's becoming clear that a repeat of 2004 is entirely possible. Detroit is beginning to take control of the Central Division with an unselfish, balanced style and a renewed commitment to defense. And with Chris Webber in the mix, the Pistons have the most complete starting five in basketball. Unlike last season when Detroit raced out of the blocks and peaked too soon, the Pistons are building momentum and just beginning to play their best basketball. Their recent play has vaulted Flip Saunders' team all the way to the No. 3 spot in the latest Yahoo! Sports rankings.</div> Source
