You could see how excited Reggie Jackson was on our bench Friday night against Chicago. With two days to think about his first Pistons start, a fresh start with a franchise that will finally let his talents be displayed, Jackson was boiling over Sunday afternoon.

Detroit benefited from another home game at the Palace. Tayshaun Prince was also present, rocking his warm-ups on the bench after just arriving this morning. A warm ovation was bestowed upon the Palace Prince, who looked at peace with a nice glow around him. He’s home – it’s unbelievable.

There was plenty of buzz in the Palace to begin the game. It was a close defensive contest until the end of the quarter, when Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made it rain to put us up after one. Our poor point guard was so nervous he had to throw up on the sideline while practically hyperventilating.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t find his rhythm until the end of the second. Jackson missed his first seven shots, air balling threes and forcing play, but once he made his first bucket as a Piston at the free throw line, he was OK. He drained a deep 3 to cut a ten point Washinton lead to just five at halftime.

The Wizards were finding their success in the paint. Gortat & Humphries couldn’t miss, and we were allowing too many offensive rebounds. Once again, Stan Van gave them the chat, breaking our slump (like vs. the Bulls). The guys also put their arm around our new point guard, telling him to relax and just do his thing.

Jackson exploded in the third quarter, showcasing his versatility as both a slasher and shooter. Mateen Cleaves said he’s one of the best pick-and-roll point guards in the NBA. He’s 6’3″ and 210 lbs., and he wasn’t afraid of John Wall, who was held to just ten points. Jackson shot 6/9 the rest of the way, and with more 3’s from Pope, Detroit took a double-digit lead into the fourth.

By shutting their big men down, we took away their offense the whole second half. More Pistons jump shots rained from downtown, keeping the Wizards down at least ten until their demise. Spencer Dinwiddie and Anthony Tolliver gave us a real boost off the bench, helping Detroit win the final two quarters by twenty-two.

There is a real energy going on right now with these Pistons. They’ve waited a long time to win, and they believe in their coach for the first time. Prince is back. We have a new young, star point guard. Monroe and Drummond are young stars. Young Pope had 26 points on six 3’s. We traded all the white players.

I’m just saying, with all that talented youth, we are for real in the Eastern Conference. Once he found his comfort, Jackson threw a beautiful lob to Drummond. They really started to click, and they will continue to play better together. At one point, Andre flexed his muscles after being fouled and still making it – they can’t deny us any more.