That’s how the Pistons do it. They’re unselfish, they’re smart, they know when to switch, when to double, when to crash the boards, when to make the extra pass.

Time and again, Detroit’s best shooters pass up open shots early in the shot clock and move the ball, grinding seconds off the game, working for even better shots. Contrast that to late in the game, when a carefully crafted basket could have put Miami back in it, but instead of creating an open shot for someone, Wade simply launched a three that had no chance of finding anything but iron.

Wade’s shooting and Detroit’s style were nowhere more evident than in the assists total: Detroit had 21 assists; the Heat just 12. That’s called creating shots for your teammates instead of tryhing to do it all yourself.

The Spurs are going to love Detroit’s style, because they like playing deliberately, too. And San Antonio, with two titles in the past six years, feel pretty good about having the best player on the court, Tim Duncan, as well as the most explosive player, Manu Ginobili, who will ensure that the finals get big ratings in Argentina if not New York and Los Angeles.

Special feature A look back at Spurs' win over Cavs

The Pistons won’t go easily. Hamilton is the new Reggie Miller, except he also plays defense. Billups isn’t flashy at the point, but he is sure with the ball and a deadly shot. The Wallaces — Ben and Rasheed — give presence up front. Tayshaun Prince is a Sam Bowen kind of defensive player.

They’ve got a legacy to write for themselves. Not since the early 80’s when Dr. J’s 76ers won one championship and no more has an NBA champion failed to win another championship within the next four seasons.

You could say Detroit still has three years to go before it fails to accomplish that. But if they are the consummate team, it’s in large part because of their coach, Larry Brown, and Brown is probably off to Cleveland at the end of the playoffs. Plus, the Heat will be back next year, with — one presumes — a healthier and hungrier Shaq and a Dwyane Wade who’s older and wiser and even more dangerous than it is now.

So if the Pistons plan on multiple championships, they’d best do it now. They’re the best total team in the East against their counterparts in the West. It’s going to be a  great match-up.

You just hope somebody watches.

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