Mar

29

Agent Zero Returns But So Does Rip; Pistons Squeeze Past Wizards 98-96

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Game Recap 

The Musical Selection before Saturday night’s game between the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center should have been “At Last” (the Etta James version, hands down! Outside of my beautiful bride of 25 plus years Beyonce Knowles is one of the prettiest women on the planet. But her version can not hold a candle to Miss James rendition.)

The fans of the Wizards for the first time since April 27, 2008 welcomed the return of the prodigal son to the fold. Agent Zero was in the starting lineup! Gilbert Arenas was finally back; long after he was expected on even the most pessimistic forecasts as the campaign began. More importantly Arenas had a great game recording a double-double and having the chance to make the winning shot at the end of the game. There was only one problem; Detroit got back a major weapon in their arsenal Richard Hamilton. Rip lived up to his nick name ripping the Wizards defense for 31 points and the Pistons won 98-96.

Detroit was able to build themselves enough of a cushion in the first three quarters that when the Wizards made their run in the fourth they were able to survive and hold on for the win. The Pistons led 29-26 at the end of the first. They would increase their advantage to 60-53 as the two teams went their separate locker rooms as the game reached the half.

Detroit appeared to be on the doorstep of a blow-out at the end of the third as they were on top 84-72. And then like a spigot being turned off the Pistons offense stopped flowing just when the Wizards found their shooting touch. Washington not only bridged the gap they took the lead at 87-86 with 6:28 to play when Dominic McGuire slammed the rock through the twine. The Wizards lead did not last long and Detroit was on top 98-96 with 2 seconds to play. Agent Zero tried to get off a 23 foot trey to win the game. Proving that even a sight challenged squirrel can find an acorn every once in a while the man I am officially dubbing at this moment  ”The CYPHER” Detroit center Kwame Brown blocked Arenas’ shot and the Piston won the game. ( Why “The CYPHER” ? Dictionary.com defines the word: “The mathematical symbol (0) denoting absence of quantity; zero.” Need I expand?)

Richard Hamilton had 31 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists while Tayshaun Prince dropped 19 points, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 1 rebound and 1 steal. Rodney Stuckey scored 13 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds while Jason Maxiell 10 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks.

Antawn Jamison led the way for the Wizards with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Gilbert Arenas had a double-double 15 points, 10 assists and 3 rebounds while Andray Blatche contributed 15 points, 4 rebounds and 1 block.  Nick Young came off the bench with 13 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block while Caron Butler had a double-double 11 points, 10 boards, 2 assists and 2 steals. Detroit has a record of 35-37; Washington is 17-57.

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