The Detroit Pistons came into their quarterfinal match with the Los Angeles Lakers having a ton of momentum. They had won their last three games after dropping their first two.
A number of guys were playing well. Bruce Brown and Khyri Thomas both had been playing well. Henry Ellenson was a bit of a mystery despite playing well in a couple of games.
Thomas was out again due to hamstring tightness.
On the other hand, the Lakers were 4-0 and looking to keep rolling. That is just what they did.