By Mike Weilamann

May 10, 2008: SCOREBOARD | IN FOCUS GALLERY | AROUND THE ASSOCIATION ARCHIVE

PHOTO OF THE NIGHT
Richard Hamilton scored 32 points against the Magic in Saturday's Game 4 win to move within 10 points of passing Isiah Thomas for the team's career playoff point total. Joe Murphy/NBAE/Getty Images
QUOTE OF THE NIGHT
Stan Van Gundy "From a coaching standpoint, we've had three end-of-the-game possessions in this series. And we haven't gotten a very good shot on any possession. So you've got to lay that on me."

-- Magic coach Stan Van Gundy after Saturday's heartbreaker against the Pistons in Game 4.
NBA.COM'S FANTASY TAKE
Carlos Boozer Fresh off his outstanding performance in Game 3, I say it’s a good move to stick with the hot hand and plug Utah’s Carlos Boozer into your Drive to the Finals lineup. Booz scored 27 points and tied a career playoff-high with 20 rebounds to lead the Jazz to a 104-99 victory Friday, cutting the Lakers' lead in the Western Conference Semifinals to 2-1. It was a long-awaited arrival for Boozer, who struggled in the first two games of the series. Another option to consider is Utah’s Mehmet Okur, who was recommended by us for Friday’s game and delivered 22 points and seven rebounds. Once again it all depends on you think is going out in the semifinals. David West? Tony Parker? Take your pick.
SHOOTING STUDS
Delonte West Delonte West, Cavaliers
108-84 win vs. Celtics
21 pts, 7-11 FG, 4-6 3-pt FG

Richard Hamilton, Pistons
90-89 win at Magic
32 pts, 12-24 FG, 8-9 FT

Tayshaun Prince, Pistons
90-89 win at Magic
17 pts, 7-14 FG, 1-3 3pt FG, 2-2 FT
STAT SHEET STUFFER
LeBron James It wasn’t one of his best statistical nights, but LeBron James did a little of everything to help the Cavs beat the road-weary Celtics. James posted 21 points, eight assists, five rebounds, four steals and three blocks as Cleveland got its first win against Boston, which has yet to win a road game in this postseason. For a change, LeBron had some much-needed help and that trend must continue for the upset-minded Cavs.
SHOOTING DUDS
Dwight Howard Dwight Howard, Magic
90-89 loss vs. Pistons
8 pts, 3-12 FG

Ray Allen, Celtics
108-84 loss at Cavaliers
10 pts, 4-12 FG, 0-5 3-pt FG

Rajon Rondo, Celtics
108-84 loss at Cavaliers
7 pts, 3-10 FG
ORLANDO’S RUNNING OUT OF MAGIC TRICKS
Richard HamiltonChauncey Billups Tayshaun Prince all but spoiled any hope that Orlando could make this a series when he nailed the amazing running one-hander in the closing seconds of Game 4 on Saturday. The Pistons, playing without Chauncey Billups, literally escaped with a 90-89 victory that gives them a commanding 3-1 edge in the series. Detroit, which can clinch at home on Tuesday, is the first to record a road victory in the semifinal round. Entering Saturday, the home teams were a perfect 11-0. Adding insult to injury, Prince’s shot was eerily similar to the so-called Superman Dunk that Orlando’s Dwight Howard (by the way was there a Dwight sighting Saturday?) used to win this year’s Slam Dunk competition. There’s plenty of blame to spread around for this loss, which puts the Magic in basically an insurmountable hole. "I missed a lot of shots, just had a little frustrated night," Howard said. "Nothing I can do about it -- just come back next game and get a little better."
C’S RECEIVE AN ‘F’ ON ROAD REPORT CARD
Kevin GarnettRay Allen Man, I guess there is no place like home for the Celtics. Kevin Garnett and company have nothing on Willie Nelson as the C’s can’t wait to not be on the road again. Saturday’s blowout loss in Cleveland dropped Boston to 0-4 in postseason away games and casts serious doubt as to whether the Eastern Conference’s best team can keep up this pace in their quest for a 17th championship. Once again, Garnett got little help from the other two-thirds of the Big Three. Paul Pierce managed 14 points, but was only 3-of-8 from the floor. Ray Allen pulled off another disappearing act that would make Houdini proud as he went 4-of-12 from the floor, including 0-of-5 from 3-point range. Even on a night where LeBron James was mortal, the Celtics failed to grab this series by the throat. Instead, Cleveland has new life. With the Pistons looking to make short work of the Magic in the other bracket, the C’s can ill-afford to get into a marathon set with the Cavs.
COACHING CHALK TALK
Mike D'Antoni Round and round we go. The latest coach making a change of scenery is Phoenix’s Mike D'Antoni, who is heading to the Big Apple to become the new Knicks boss. This one is sort of surprising since all indications were that D’Antoni would at least listen to what the Bulls had to offer before making a decision. Suns star Steve Nash also must be caught off guard, pun intended, since the former MVP stated Friday that he expected D’Antoni to return. That leaves the Bulls and the Suns looking for new leaders. Can you say Avery Johnson?
COOL/CLUTCH PERFORMANCE
Tayshaun Prince Tayshaun Prince lands in the center square, which seemingly belonged to Hedo Turkoglu in the final minute of Game 4. But Prince spoiled the party with a cool and clutch running one-hander that sent the Pistons on their way to a 90-89 road victory and a 3-1 advantage in the Eastern Conference Semifinals series. Prince scored six of his 17 points in the final quarter to go along with five rebounds and five assists. Prince’s contributions were huge as Detroit played without floor leader Chauncey Billups, who sustained a hamstring injury in Game 3.
WNBA STAR OF THE NIGHT
Yolanda Griffith There’s plenty of excitement brewing about the Seattle Storm. On Saturday, Yolanda Griffith and company closed out the preseason with a 75-64 home win over the Indiana Fever in the preseason finale for both. Griffith led the Storm with 14 points and nine rebounds. The addition of Sheryl Swoopes, Swin Cash and Griffith to an already solid nucleus of Sue Bird, Janell Burse, and Lauren Jackson has expectations running high amidst the Storm camp. It’s easy to see why many have Seattle pegged as the preseason favorite to win a championship.