Pistons in cruise control

03.9.2006

(Basketball News) - After battling back from an 11-point deficit versus Chicago on Wednesday, the Pistons became the first team this season to clinch a playoff berth.

Detroit head coach Flip Saunders doesn’t really have to do much with his already-loaded squad since the Pistons can practically coach themselves. An NBA-best 49-11, Detroit posted its 13th straight win at home and improved to an amazing 27-2 as the host this season.

Versus the Bulls, Chauncey Billups scored 27 points and dished out nine assists in a 106-101 win over the Bulls at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Rasheed Wallace added 25 points for the Pistons, who earned a sweep of the four-game season series with Chicago.

The Bulls have only beaten Detroit twice in the last 16 meetings.

The Pistons, seeded No. 1 in the Eastern Conference playoff race, will play four of its next games on the road, starting with Washington on Saturday.

They are 4-5 in their last nine away games and 22-9 on the road this season. After playing the Wizards at the Verizon Center, Detroit will host the Bobcats before making trips to Toronto, New York and Charlotte.

DET

Post your comment:

No profanity or inaproppriate remarks. All i.p. addresses will be saved and abuse/hate posts will be reported to providers and authorities as part of the anti-spam act of 2003, thank you for posting comments on the articles only.