Pistons in control Detroit defense suffocates Lakers
https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2004/06/12/Pistons-in-control-Detroit-defense-suffocates-Lakers/stories/200406120035 Donald Emmons - Toledo Blade JUN 12, 2004 12:40 PM It's cliche to say, "Defense wins championships." Truth be told, there's some truth behind the claim when applied to the NBA. Over the previous 15 seasons the eventual NBA champion had been ranked among the top five in at least one of the two major defensive categories - opponents points per game or opponents field goal percentage - in either the regular season or during the playoffs. Such claims paint a pretty picture for the Detroit Pistons, who are two wins shy of claiming the franchise's third NBA title. Detroit ranked first in opponents points per game (82 ppg) and third in opponents field goal percentage (41 percent) in the NBA during the regular season. L.A. ranked 16th in opponents points per game (94.3 ppg ) and opponents field goal percentage (44 percent). The Pistons orchestrated ...