R2

A very solid 2nd half for the D in tonight's game. Billups had the type of game expected (and needed) from him in his matchup against the Orlando point guards. I also liked putting Tey Tey on Hedo and not Lewis--that shows the respect (or lack thereof) the D has for Rashard Lewis. Dwight Howard is still a broad-shouldered one-trick pony--he can't shoot FT's, he is a BAD face-up post player outside the paint, and is not a great passer. Detroit went zone, put bodies between Howard and teh rim, and closed out effectively on shooters. And I honestly like Herrmann getting some good 4th quarter run and getting under the skin of the Orlando players.
It wasn't all roses and candy in the first half, though. Detroit stood around a TON in the second quarter as they tried to post Dice against Hedo repeatedly, with Rip attempting to throw the entry pass instead of Stuckey or Chauncey. Dooling and Hedo got to the rim rather easily at times. Also, while Maxiell had a great second half, he is not a great screen-roll player; Detroit attempted to get Howard away from the rim by getting Cram Maxx in some screen-rolls, which didn't work out well in the first half. Second half, Cram did a great job of moving from the weakside and making plays.
All in all, a very good series opener; especially considering Boston is staring down a game 7 tomorrow while the LeBrons rest up. It was also great to see everyone favorite Dookie, Redick, in the game late and squeezing off a bunch of inconsequential 3's.
I'm excited to watch the Hornets-Spurs series. I think the Lakers beat the Jazz; but I'm not sure about the Spurs getting past NO.