After watching the double overtime thriller in Memphis last night. I had to start thinking about how well the Pistons have been playing. And I had to square them up against the NBA champion Spurs. Because, as we all know, they will meet again in the finals barring any injuries to any of the aforementioned teams' main players.

The Pistons did not really impress me when they went into two OT's with the Grizzlies. The once shuffeling and very stifling defense of the Pistons seemed to be less stellar than what it was under Larry Brown. Especially the matchup between Chauncey and Damon Stoudamire. In the OT, Mighty mouse was driving to the lane at will. Either dishing to an open Pau Gasol or popping a teardrop in the lane. This was not the Pistons of old.

Yes, on the offensive end, the Piston that was taking the shot was the guy being guarded by Damon Stoudamire's little size. Which is why Chauncey barried the Grizz with a jumpshot with .03 seconds left on the clock. I don't see this happening when they face the Spurs. Yes, Tony Parker is smaller, but the defensive rotation is still awesome when it comes to the Spurs. And as we all saw last year, Bruce Bowen was the one shutting down Mr. Big Shot.

Speaking of Tony Parker, his quickness is definetly quicker than the older Mighty Mouse. And his jumpshot and plain scoring ability has been unreal since the season started. I think Tony Parker alone will totally befuddle Chauncey. If the rotation is not there for the Pistons, the Spurs will man-handle Detroit's aging backcourt. And yes, I said aging. Ben Wallace's blocks this season has dropped. Tayshaun is not playing yet to his potential this season. And Rasheed is aging.

It would be safe to gauge the top two teams when they face each other on Christmas day. But we also must keep in mind that Manu Ginobili hasn't played in what seems like forever. Finley has stepped up nicely but the statement game that the Pistons hoped for won't be there without a healthy Manu. If the Pistons win on Christmas day, it better be by a bunch. If its close, or worse yet, they lose....expect the Spurs to walk off with the rings once again in June. This time, without a seven game masterpiece that once was. The Pistons are a better team this year. But unfortunatly, the Spurs are the best.