The matchup between the two teams was like a Russian slap-fighting contest. They stood opposite each other, trading blows one after another, just waiting to see who would be the first to collapse.
The level of their defenses was about the same... though the Pistons were slightly better.
Their offenses were also evenly matched. The Pistons had better teamwork, while the Pacers' individual offensive output was a little stronger.
Halfway through the second quarter, the Pistons finally took the lead.
But Coach Carlisle kept rotating his players, still not subbing Su Xi into the game.
It wasn't until there were only two minutes left in the second quarter that he finally sent Su Xi in. By then, some fans in the stands had already started chanting Su Xi's name.
When Su Xi entered the game, the Pistons were leading by five points thanks to a three-pointer from Billups at the top of the arc.
