It's not that the Big Thigh Bruise would ever get nervous.

It's not that the word Flash will ever be associated with the Indiana Pacers offense.

It's not that the Miami Heat - the playoff perfect 8-0, rested and ready Miami Heat - have any real reason to cast an eye of concern at anyone, anywhere.

But the World Champion Detroit Pistons look polished, prepared and downright powerful as they moved a step closer to finishing off the Pacers and advancing to the much-anticipated Eastern Conference Finals - where Miami awaits.

Detroit delivered a show-of-force performance Tuesday, slapping a straight-jacket defense on Indiana while cruising to an 86-67 victory - a performance that gave it a 3-2 series lead heading into Thursday's Game 6 in Indianapolis.

How tough was the Pistons' defense?

During one stretch, Indiana missed 14 consecutive shots. The Pacers starting five combined for a measly 37 points. Indiana was out-rebounded by 18, including 11 on the offensive glass.

More than 30 minutes into the game the Pacers had just 35 points and not a clue how to get things going - although playing with a little more passion might be a start.

Not that it may matter.

"Any time we get a team to play against our set defense," said Piston center Ben Wallace who had 19 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. "I like our chances."

This was "Detroit Basketball," as the P.A. announcer here likes to scream. This was how the Pistons shocked the NBA and captured the world championship last June. Defense. Rebounding. A patient, balanced offense.

When Detroit plays like this, well, just listen to stunned Pacer coach Rick Carlisle.

"The last 31 minutes were dismal."

"When I look at the tape." (pause) "If I look at the tape."

"We don't have much to build on tonight."

Or the ultimate, Detroit-just-whipped-you comment: "I thought Darko played well."

"I thought in the second and third quarter we defended as well as we have all year," said Pistons coach Larry Brown. "(The second half) was probably as good a half as we've played."

The Pacers deserve high marks for their resiliency, tenacity and togetherness in a season where their November brawl at The Palace of Auburn Hills left them with a roster reeling from suspensions.

They could have given up then.

Instead, they put together a strong effort, made the playoffs, beat Boston in a wild back-and-forth series and even jumped to a 2-1 lead over the Pistons.

Only the Pacers' ability to rise from the ashes leaves any doubt that Detroit won't finish this in Game 6. But Tuesday, Indiana showed few signs of rising from anywhere.

"We flat out got embarrassed," said Pacers forward Stephen Jackson. "There is no reason for us to get beat this badly."

Actually there is a reason and it was the home team.

Indiana's success in this series was as much about what Detroit didn't do - namely play its patented defense - as what Indiana did do. The blue collar Pistons tried to get pretty after an easy Game 1 victory and wound up almost kicking the playoffs away.

Two strong efforts and easy victories later, Detroit is back with the intensity that got it here. The offense is efficient. The defense is nasty. The bench is improving.

"It's close," said Wallace. "We're making strides to get there."

If nothing else, that is what the Heat, watching comfortably from South Beach, ought to be paying attention to.

After a brilliant effort, not a single Piston broke a scowl.

"There is no need to talk about what we need to get done," said Ben Wallace. "We need to go out there and play basketball."

The Miami-Detroit matchup has been a long time coming, the two clear big boys of the Eastern Conference and a rematch of sorts between the Pistons and Shaquille O'Neal.

A year ago, a ferocious and determined Detroit team locked down the Los Angeles Lakers in five quick games. It won't be that easy beating Shaq this time, especially if his bruised thigh is fully healed.

But Detroit is starting again to look like a champion. The stumbles and bumbles early in this series seem like ancient history.

Miami need not be nervous. But it better be ready.
 

(Agencies)