Big Bad Ben is Ready to Destroy Miami

Ben Wallace, the preeminent Piston, was the only starter left in a quiet practice gym Thursday morning.

He was calm. He simply shot free throws, over and over, a repetition of the very act that has caused so much concern this post-season.

He looked confident. He looked good. He made more than 15 in a row. To say that Wallace was superb when the Pistons needed him most in these playoffs could very well be an understatement.

What he turned out to be is a genuine force on both ends of the floor against the Miami Heat.

Wallace, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, played on these playoffs with the possibility that this could be his final games as a Piston. He ensured that would not be the case.

His offense, though, was only part of the presence that enabled Detroit to be where they are nowIn these playoffs, only Tayshaun Prince, the metronomic forward, was the only Detroit player who seemed comfortable on the offensive end. And he was the lone Piston to score -- of any kind – consistently in the post-season.

He's turning out to be a player that the Palace of Auburn Hills can be proud of.

The Pistons will rely on something that can get them past the Miami Heat in the East Finals. A difference that will separate them from mediocrity. That difference could very well be Ben Wallace.

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