Detroit Pistons
Recap Rewind: The Pistons were able to keep pace with the streaking Cleveland Cavaliers by taking care of business on the road. With wins at the Seattle Supersonics, Portland Trailblazers, and Phoenix Suns, the Pistons ran their winning streak to five games. The Pistons returned home to end the winning streak with a tough loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
Notable News: The Pistons wins helped them stay ahead of the Cavs by 1.5 games for the Central Division lead…Chauncey Billups left the Suns game early in the first half with a strained groin. He sat out Sunday’s loss to the Mavericks…Flip Murray did his part to pick up the slack for the ailing Billups. Murray pumped in 25 points and had six steals against Phoenix. He followed up that performance with 18 points, six assists and four steals against the Mavs…Rip Hamilton had missed more than one free throw in only eight games prior to Sunday’s game. The most he had missed in those eight games was three (three times). Since Rip is making free throws at an 86% clip this year, his 2-7 effort from the line against the Mavs is noteworthy.
Fast Forward: The Pistons have a busy week beginning with a home game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. They then hit the road again to play at the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and Milwaukee Bucks.