Arenas Could Be Thorn In Pistons Side

Discussion in 'Detroit Pistons' started by NTC, Jan 25, 2007.

  1. NTC

    NTC Active Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Come playoff time, Gilbert Arenas -- not LeBron James -- could be the player standing in the Pistons' road to the NBA Finals.

    What a change.

    Coming into this season, most thought it would be James and the Cavaliers who would derail the Pistons' ride. After all, James' spectacular play forced a Game 7 between the teams in an Eastern Conference semifinal last season.

    But it's Arenas and his Wizards -- they visit The Palace at 7 tonight -- who pose the greatest challenge to the Pistons.

    "Gilbert has been great this year and has done a great job of leading his team," Pistons president Joe Dumars said.

    Arenas is averaging 29.7 points, shooting better from 3-point range (39.1 percent) and from the free-throw line (83.7 percent). He also has upped his rebounds and assists and cut down on turnovers.

    Arenas has plenty of motivation, too.

    First, he wants to make amends for last season's postseason performance, when he could have put James and the Cavaliers on the edge had he made a late free throw. Instead, Arenas missed, and the Wizards later were eliminated.

    Plus, Arenas wasn't selected by coach Mike Krzyzewski to play for Team USA in the 2008 Olympics.

    "He just seems to be on a mission, trying to establish himself as one of the premier players in this game," ESPN NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith said. "Last season's playoff failure in a big spot -- that hurt him. It was a reminder to a lot of people that he's still a second-tier star."</div>

    Source
     
    NTC, Jan 25, 2007
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  2. mike18946

    mike18946 JBB

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    Err...no

    Not until they learn to play some half decent defense.
     
    mike18946, Jan 26, 2007
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  3. Mamba

    Mamba The King is Back Staff Member Global Moderator

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    I think the article forgot about Antawn Jamison.
     
    Mamba, Jan 26, 2007
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  4. magicfrankie

    magicfrankie JBB JustBBall Member

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    One thing for sure... Arenas is playing with a huge chip on his shoulder...
     
    magicfrankie, Jan 28, 2007
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  5. og15

    og15 JBB *********

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    Maybe the Pistons should improve their offense? Jokes, Jokes, but the Wizards are doing well against them and without Jamison today too.
     
    og15, Jan 30, 2007
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  6. mike18946

    mike18946 JBB

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    Pistons are clearly coasting along right now. Obviously they know a fast start does not always give you what you want come June time. Something is wrong but not quite sure what the problem may be. Hopfully they pick It up after the all-star break.

    Wizards have a great offensive team and one of the best guards in the NBA. Maybe the best scorer in Gilbo.

    However can they beat a team like the Pistons in a 7 game series with such poor defense and bad interior post defense? It remains to be seen. Guess they could If Arenas, Butler and Jamison all stay very hot through a series.

    Wizards will struggle with any team in a 7 game series that has anything inside. Which is why teams like Pistons and Miami would be favoured to beat them.
     
    mike18946, Jan 31, 2007
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