Okay people, it's just a game

Last night's game between the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers - the first time the Pacers have returned to the Palace of Auburn Hills since The Brawl - was delayed by a bomb threat. Some moron called the Palace switchboard before the game and said there was a bomb in the Pacers' locker room. The Pacers got on their bus and drove to the far side of the Palace grounds. Meanwhile, thousands of people entered the arena, took their seats, and sat out a 90-minute delay to the game. They were told the delay was "due to unforeseen circumstances." (Entertainment was provided with the Michigan State-Duke college basketball game on the scoreboard.*)

No bomb was found. But apparently, the Pistons were still on some kind of delay once the game started, as they lost to the Pacers, 94-81. Ouch. (Pistons fans: Is it time to panic over their team's third straight loss to an inferior team?) Please consider that the Pacers had to be talked into playing the game. Half the team wanted the game to be cancelled. They were finally persuaded to play by the NBA, which threatened the team with a forfeit.

Something to consider for Palace security: The Pistons and Pacers could face each other in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Start boosting up that staff now.

* MSU beat Duke 78-68. Great job, Spartans. If they beat Kentucky on Sunday, they're in the Final Four.