Around the NBA, Pistons guard Carlos Delfino has always been known for his kindness. By frequently baking cookies for fellow players and offering a shoulder to cry on when their wives leave them for NFL players, Delfino has earned the nickname “El Hombre Apacible,” or literally a man who is gentle with others.
But it was his hard foul on Kirk Hinrich with 2.8 seconds left and the score tied at 81 that truly displayed his kindness, sending Hinrich to the line to sink two free throws and seal the Bulls 83-81 win over the Pistons at the United Center Thursday night.
After the game, Hinrich expressed gratitude for Delfino’s kindness.
“That was really great of him,” Hinrich said. “He didn’t have to foul me. I was just throwing up a prayer out there, trying to be the hero and he hacked the crap out of me. He’s definitely getting a fruit basket from me.”
The Pistons had one last ditch effort to win the game, but a solid defensive effort and what Tayshaun Prince called “stinky-ass breath” from Luol Deng caused Prince to miss a potential Pistons game-winner.
It was an ugly win, with the Bulls shooting just 35 percent from the field, but fans are encouraged to take on the “a win is a win” attitude and be thankful for what they can get.
Ben Gordon led the sloppy effort with 25 points and Ben Wallace dominated his old team on the boards with 19 rebounds. Tyrus Thomas had a stellar game, putting up a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds and surprisingly limited trash talk.
With this win, the Bulls clinch their third-straight playoff birth and close within a half-game of the Cavs, whom they host Saturday afternoon.
Fans should not expect King James and company to be as kind.
Number of the night: 4
Points put up by PJ Brown. He also had three rebounds, one blocked shot and one assist. This guy is awesome.
