Before the Pistons sang their swan song, Chucky Atkins took some parting shots at the Nets. Although the Nets are headed for a second straight Finals appearance, Atkins said they will never stir a lot of buzz in these parts.

"Regardless of what the Nets do, they're always going to be in the shadow of the Knicks," Atkins said, "because of the great tradition the Knicks have. The Knicks have been around for years and years and they have a great following. Regardless of what they do, they're always going to be in the shadow of the Knicks, must like the Clippers are [in the Lakers' shadow] in L.A."

Atkins said he was happy the Pistons stayed in Manhattan instead of New Jersey. "A lot more to do, a lot more going on," Atkins said. "We stay in Jersey during the season and it's pretty boring."