He moves like a water bug, so fast that sometimes all you see is the streak of where he was. Into the corner, back into the middle, through two defenders, back into the corner, grab the ball, turn, shoot. Richard (Rip) Hamilton is such a whirling dervish that you're not sure where his shots really begin. Is it when he flicks his wrist, or when he lifts his arms, or when he lifts his legs, or when he starts running 10 seconds before he ever gets the ball? One thing is certain, when that ball comes, there is little hesitation as to whether it'll be launched.

Let her Rip.

Here's the simple truth, folks. Richard Hamilton has been the best and most consistent Piston in these playoffs. I bring him up today, on the morning of what could be Detroit's Waterloo -- Game 3 of an Eastern Conference finals that it already trails, 2-0 -- because it is clearly time for some good news.