Pistons Win

It was on the 26th of December, when Cecile and I finally got to watch our very-first real live NBA game. Being an NBA fan, this evening is probably one of the highlight of our 2nd trip to the US and the East Coast.

Renelle sponsored our tickets for this game. Each cost US$110.00 at the lower section, which was really a good vantage point to see the game at the Izod Center. Formerly Brendan Byrne Arena, and later, Continental Airlines Arena, the Izod is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It is home to the New Jersey Nets and the home of the New Jersey Devils NHL hockey team.

I pointed out to Cecile a banner that hung in the rafters that gave tribute to the 35 concerts Bruce Springsteen has done in this venue.

The arena opened July 2, 1981, with the first of six concerts by New Jersey rock musician Bruce Springsteen. The “Boss” remains the most popular concert act to perform here. His appearances have included a 10-night, sold-out run in 1984, an 11-night run in 1992, and a 15-night, sold-out run in 1999.

The New Jersey Nets, who had played their first game here on October 30, 1981, losing to the New York Knicks, 103-99. Later that season, on January 31, 1982, the NBA All-Star Game was played at the arena.


But for this game, Richard Hamilton scored 22 points as the Pistons defeated the Nets, 101-83 on Wednesday night for their sixth straight victory. It was probably all over by the third quarter as Detroit Pistons shot 78 percent. Hamilton made all five shots and the Pistons connected on 14 of 18 from the field that from a one-point halftime lead, it blew into a 14-point margin entering the final quarter.

Patrick had earlier predicted it would be a “blow-out.” And he was right. But I didn’t expect it to be that big a margin. And Cecile had observed that the Nets were not really “going for the ball” which is probably one of the reasons why Jason Kidd wants out of this team.