I was wrong. No... I was dead wrong. How could I not see this coming. The Pistons are not just going away like this. Also thank to the Spurs' early parade plan for Thursday. It definitely diverted their own determination and boosted their opponent. Since game 5, the series switched from a turnover-driven fastbreak game to halfcourt game. The individual matchups come into play now. I forgot to mention that the Pistons did very well creating mismatches in game 5. Billups consistently found himself facing the Spurs big men (mostly Tim Duncan) and was able to drive to the basket to make a shot or kick out to create shots. The slow tempo game helped Rip Hamilton to get into rhythm, which is the reason that Rip was on fire in game 6... I was thinking maybe if Chauncey Billups continue to play at this high level, and nobody is the clear cut hero for the Spurs if they win game 7, can Chauncey be the MVP? (NBA logo man Jerry West did it in 1969 when his Lakers lost to the Celtics) This is a crazy thought from me considering my doubt over Billups' ability until game 3 of this series... I picked the Spurs to win in seven games. I'm confident that the Spurs won't disappoint me in game 7. The Spurs let game 6 to slip away. They were totally overwhelmed by Pistons' determination. The Pistons bench keep injecting energy into the Pistons game. Although Lindsey Hunter only scored 4 and Antonio McDyess scored 10, Hunter became the guy that showed never-let-my-team-lose mentality, and McDyess is almost like playing with all he has been saving during his two-year long knee injury... The success of the Spurs depends strongly on Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. They were unable to control the tempo of the game. Their offense is not using Tim Duncan enough. I would like to see them getting Duncan involved but doesn't necessarily have Duncan taking the shot. The Wallaces are just too strong under the basket. Sometimes making post moves or taking the signature Duncan shot is not as easy. Duncan should try to be more like a distributor with the ball inside. Making tough shots against the Wallaces is not the solution to beat the tough Pistons defense. It was quite obvious that the Spurs offense was unable to create without Duncan on the court. Duncan's presence made it much easier for Parker and Ginobili to do their job. So use Duncan wisely is the key... The Pistons need to shoot the ball well to win. Whether it's the shot down low by Rasheed Wallace, the sideline shot by McDyess, or the Hamilton shot of a screen, they just need to shoot well. They need to do more than the Spurs to win on Spurs' homecourt... I read much about Tim Duncan's legacy on the line. I don't buy that. Losing is just part of the game. He was consistent throughout the series. He was almost the only consistent factor for the Spurs no matter how crazy Manu or Robert Horry got. He has won two regular season and Finals MVPs. Maybe his legacy tarnishes because he can't win without David Robinson. Oh no! Good players lose too. Especially in such a close matchup with Pistons. Well, even if the Spurs really lose this one, don't forget Parker, Duncan and Ginobili are all signed with the Spurs through at least 2010. Duncan still have many more chances to run wild with this bunch to boost his legacy... I don't believe the pressure is on the Spurs' side to win at home. Rather, it's tremendous on the Pistons to win two straight at San Antonio. The Spurs had the mind in the celebration too early in game 6. They know that. Now a good disciplined team like San Antonio knows exactly what do. Close it out. This is going to be my first ever NBA Finals game 7. Now when it's all square and even, the homecourt will help Spurs out. The Spurs will adjust after game 6. The parade in San Antonio will take place as scheduled.

6.22.05 updated: 6.23.05 photo: AP/Joe Cavaretta