Buddy Frantz rode his tiny clown bike on the floor of The Palace last year and nobody really cared.
  This season, the fans go nuts for every crazy stunt performed by Frantz and his Palace Patrol interactive fan team.
  Attendance is up at The Palace is season, but more importantly, enthusiasm for the Pistons also has rebounded.
  "The crowd is so into it this season," Frantz said. "Last year I'd have to beg people to play the contests with us. This season they're begging me to play. The fans are really into it and it's getting crazier as the season goes on."
  The players feel it, the fans respond to it and management is happy to have some life back in the arena.
  "There has been a real change; we noticed it starting with the preseason," Pistons guard Michael Curry said. "It's a lot better, we can tell the fans are behind us. Last year I don't think they were as into it. They now have expectations for us to play well and win. They've gotten on us a few times pretty good, but we deserved it.
  "I think our fans will be a real asset for us during the playoffs. They get behind us, motivate and support us. That's what you need."
  Attendance is up 26.9 percent over last season, credited to lower ticket prices and a winning team. There have been 10 sellouts (22,076) this season, compared to only three last season.