‘111'1/11(11 ,96;eritil Coimatams. Southeast illichipins Preferred if/omen's Health Proli?ssionalc Dr. Michelle Herman Pistons' Due t wasn't until 1:37 was left in the first half of Game Three that Al and Doc finally gave the Pistons some credit. Until then, the ABC play-by-play team of Al Michaels HARRY and Doc Rivers KI RS BAUM played the role of Columnist two love-sick teenagers, dreaming of a double-date with Laker star Kobe Bryant and rookie Luke Walton, the heroes of Game Two. You see, Kobe has been an NBA high- light reel of his own — not to mention a star on Court TV— since the season began. His last-sec- ond, three-point shot sent Game Two into overtime and an even- tual 99-91 win. Walton, the son of former NBA great Bill Walton, played very little during the regular season, but his 27-minute perform- ance of seven points and eight assists became the "story within the story." The Pistons may have won Game One, but the announcers "knew" that the Lakers were just feeling out the competition, in the same way a heavy- weight champion feels out his competi- tion during the early rounds. After Game Two, the die was sup- posedly cast: Lakers in five with help from Luke. Earlier in the series, ABC late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel got into some trouble during an in-game pro- motion, when he said he didn't want Detroit to win because Detroit fans would bum the city down. The comment and similar comments made during his show forced ABC to pull him off the air for one night, and send the host into apology mode. Obviously, the ABC front office has Detroit fans confused with Los Angeles fans. A lame comment from some talk show guy won't send us into the arms Harry Kirsbaum's e-mail address is hicirsbaum@thejewishnews.com To Our Team of Board-Certified Specialists of grief counselors and therapists. We're of heartier stock and don't need validation from outsiders. We just needed some objectivity from the announcers. It was during Game Three and the Pistons were ahead by 16 points with 3:49 left in the 3rd quarter. But Al still couldn't resist returning to a post- mortem dialogue about Game Two's overtime loss by the Pistons. When the Pistons finally won Game Three, 88-68, and held the Lakers to a record low playoff score, the two announcers finally admitted they should quit talking about what's wrong with the Laker team and speak of what's right with the Pistons. Kobe was held to 11 points, and Luke spent 19 minutes scor- ing four points and dishing out two assists. So much for feeling out the competition. Game Four could be considered ah ugly win, but it's still a win. Shaquille O'Neal scored 36 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in an 88-80 loss. Lucky Luke played 12 minutes before fouling out with no points, no assists and no threat. Even if we lost Game Five — still to be decided as this column is written — and we're on our way back to the City of Angels, we still have two more chances. I understand how difficult it is to let go of a dynasty. It's more natural when a star player like Isiah Thomas or Michael Jordan retires. It's tougher to let go when a team turns into a dozen bickering, ball-hog- ging self-stars. The pundits may say, "There is no 'I' in championship — there are two of them," but I disagree. I say to Al and Doc and that guy with the really loud suits that here's a team with a good chance to win a championship — if they haven't already — after a not-so-patient 14- year wait. They may not be household names yet, but just wait. Embrace the Pistons. There's noth- ing to be afro'd of. ❑ Jeanne DeBono, MD, FACOG • Allan Emery, MD, FACOG Michelle Herman, DO • David Lipschutz, MD, FACOG Alvin Schoenberger, MD, FACOG • Lester Voutsos, MD, FACOG In Office Osteoporosis Testing • Board-Certified Physicians • High Risk and Low Risk Pregnancy Care • Menstrual Disorders • Infertility • Alternatives to Hysterectomy • Laparoscopic Surgery _ • Menopausal Health Care •Alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy 4-D Obstetrical Ultrasound! Evening & Saturday Hours Available Now accepting new patients • Most insurance plans accepted (248) 865-4250 30055 Northwestern Hwy., Ste #250 • Farmington Hills, MI 48334 5 Attention Bond Bu ors! Tax-Free* Offering .00% YTC 6 Taxable Offering .300% YTM Michigan St Strategic FD Detroit Edison Poll Cntrl Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) 5.450% coupon A3/A- matures 09/01/29 YTM=5.255% price 102.686 callable 09/01/11 @100 6.30% coupon Aaa/AAA matures 06/28/24 price 100.000 callable 06/28/05 @100 *Interest free from Michigan State and Federal Income Tax. These offers are subject to change in price and/or availability. Call David Holz & Robert Sheplow at 1-888-524-2104 JBHanauer & Co. a Wealth Management Specialists Since 1931 Member NASD/SIPC Offering as of 06/14/04 Ivinvjbhanauer.COM \ Shop - Online the Easy Way... 6/18 www.jewish.com 2004 `°