Detroit Pistons Team Report - November 7

(Basketball News) - Chauncey Billups racked up 20 points and 10 assists to lead six Detroit players who scored in double-figures as the Pistons posted a 99-91 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Richard Hamilton added 17 points for the Pistons, who rebounded from Friday’s 101-89 defeat at Toronto, while Rasheed Wallace scored 12 of his 16 points in the third quarter to help the defending World Champions take control of the game. Ben Wallace compiled 11 points and a season-best 16 rebounds as Detroit emerged triumphant despite missing head coach Larry Brown for the second straight night.

After Philadelphia cut the lead to five early in the third quarter, Rasheed Wallace scored the next seven points to help Detroit begin to pull away. The 6’11" center was fouled after sticking back Ben Wallace’s miss and converted the three-point play to give the Pistons a 57-48 cushion, then drained a shot from beyond the arc on Detroit’s next trip down the court for a 13-point margin with 9:25 left in the period.

A three-pointer by rookie Carlos Delfino gave Detroit a commanding 83-67 lead after three quarters of play. The Sixers never got within single digits until Andre Iguodala’s trey in the final minute accounted for the final margin.

Billups has averaged 20.3 points, six rebounds and seven assists in Detroit’s first three games of the season.

The Pistons are off until Monday when the start a three-game road trip against the Los Angeles Clippers. Detroit will also visit the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz on the swing.