Pistons win 88-80 behind the strong play of Sheed and Billups. One more win Tuesday night and the Palace will have a new address - Three Championship Drive.

I think it's a bit of a mistake that everyone is talking about how huge Shaq has been. First, he's not dominating the glass like he has in the past. Big Ben, Sheed, and the boys have a lot to do with that, but he's averaging 4 rebounds fewer a game than he did against the Timberwolves. Second, he's not scoring. Certainly, he's been the Lakers best player and their leading scorer, but remember that when Jordan went off in the playoffs he dropped 60. When Shaq goes off, he's lucky to get to 35. At that rate, he cannot win without the help he has not been getting. I'm not saying he hasn't been playing fantastic. I'm not saying that he's actually made me a believer in his skills rather than the ultimate skeptic. I'm just saying he isn't the one man wrecking crew you've been lead to believe. He's played outstanding, but the Pistons have contained him. Nothing less. Nothing more.

Drew Sharp, god bless him, blames The Rapist.

We'll see you Tuesday. With a little luck, we'll have just gotten back from flipping over a few cars and setting them on fire. Go Pistons.