Billups' hiccups show up when it hurts most.(basketball player Chauncey Billups)

Byline: Michael Rosenberg

CLEVELAND _ Rip Hamilton was down on his back, Chauncey Billups was lying on his stomach, and though there were 18.5 seconds left, I really thought a referee was going to count to 10 and start waving his hands.

The Cavaliers just beat the Pistons, 91-87, and Roger Federer could not put a good spin on this one. It was not about energy. It was not about focus. It was not about overconfidence or "taking their foot off the gas pedal" or any of the other explanations we trot out whenever the Pistons lose. And sorry, Rasheed, but it was not about the officiating, either.

The Pistons were out-played.

Down the stretch.

In a game they took very, very seriously.

And that would have to worry them, if …