Give the Pistons their Props

One thing I liked about pro basketball in the 1980s was the brute honesty of rivalries.

The Celtics and Lakers didn't like each other.

Same for the Celtics and Sixers.

Same for the Celtics and Pistons.

Even Magic and Larry weren't friendly until after the Lakers won their last title of the decade.

Because there was so much mutual dislike, everyone knew what was at stake when rivals played each other--win or be stuck with the pain of losing until you played that team again.

Earlier this season, the Celtics celebrated a win over the Pistons at Auburn Hills. Chauncey Billups and other Pistons poked fun at the Celtics for doing so, claiming that the game didn't mean that much to Detroit.

What a bunch of BS, I thought, as the only reason good teams play each other is to compete, and the ultimate goal of any competition is winning.

Well, the Pistons came clean before yesterday's game (see quotes below), and owned up to it's importance.

And for this, they deserve credit.