The main plotline of Game 5 will be physical play. The Finals got more physical when it moved to Detroit. The Pistons are averaging 12.5 steals and 99 points in the two games on their home court. The Spurs have to adapt to this style of game in Game 5 and cannot rely on the officials to clean things up.

Tim Duncan has received a lot of attention for his struggles in the Palace. He is averaging 15 points in the first two games in Detroit and has missed a total of 22 shots in Auburn Hills. After back-to-back tough games, Tim is eager to get back on the court and stop the talking. On Saturday he spoke to the media about how to adjust for Game 5...

"Just being more intelligent, just understanding what their focus is, how they want to really pack it into the lane, making quick decisions when it's time, and involve the other teammates when it's time. Not only just sitting there trying to pound the ball but score the ball. I've got to be able to draw and kick and use their aggressiveness against them.

The Pistons have looked like a different team on their home court. They are very active on defense - preventing the Spurs from attacking the basket and swiping at balls producing steals. The Spurs repeatedly say they are an inside-out team, going first to Tim Duncan down low for their points. Detroit has been able to crowd the lane, sometimes triple-teaming Duncan under the basket. If the Spurs continue to struggle with outside shooting, Detroit's strategy of stopping Tim has a good chance of getting them the lead in the series.

The Spurs have one shot left to grab a game on the road. Coach Pop put it best when he was asked about the 2-3-2 series...

"I think it's monstrous to try to get the fifth game. To say anything different I would probably be disingenuous, because in my heart, you know, we knew we had to get a game. Sure, you want to get them both and all that kind of baloney, but you want to get a game on the road in this format without a doubt."