The Pistons' starting lineup: Billups, Hamilton, Prince, Rasheed Wallace, and Ben Wallace.
The Pacers' starting lineup: Su Xi, Artest, Miller, Jermaine O'Neal, and Foster.
Both teams boasted strong lineups.
Everyone knew this was going to be a war of iron and fire.
On the TNT broadcast, you could clearly see the fire and determination burning in the players' eyes.
Both teams had every reason they had to win.
Foster and Rasheed Wallace stood on opposite sides of the half-court line. The players skipped the customary pre-game pleasantries. This was seen as unusual, yet perfectly understandable: the two teams were already bitter rivals.
Before the game, the head referee specifically warned both sides about physical altercations and the limits on defensive contact.
He had a tough job ahead of him tonight, and the league was counting on him.
