Portland hosts unbeaten Pistons

The Pistons are perfect 2-0 on the current swing. On Thursday, Richard Hamilton scored 12 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter to lead Detroit over the Phoenix Suns, 111-104, at America West Arena. Hamilton hit the game-tying basket and go-head jumper for the Pistons, who are the only undefeated team in the league (5-0) and continue their best start to a season since beginning the 1988-89 campaign 8-0.

Chauncey Billups had a season-high 27 points and 11 assists in the win over Phoenix for Detroit, while Tayshaun Prince ended with 18 points. Rasheed Wallace tallied 16 points and seven boards and Ben Wallace had 15 points and 16 rebounds for the Pistons, who have scored over 100 points in four of their five games this season.

After tonight’s game, the Pistons, who defeated the Sacramento Kings, 102-88, on Tuesday at ARCO Arena in the opener of the road trip, return home to host the Boston Celtics on Tuesday at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Portland attempts to win its third game in a row, as it plays the third contest of a five-game road trip. On Wednesday, Zach Randolph scored 29 points and Darius Miles added 26 as the Trail Blazers defeated the New York Knicks, 95-83, at the Rose Garden.

Randolph shot 11-of-19 from the floor and also pulled down 12 rebounds in the win for the Trail Blazers, who have won six straight over the Knicks at home. Ruben Patterson added 17 points off the bench in the victory.

The Trail Blazers will be off until Wednesday when they are scheduled to host the Chicago Bulls. They will finish their homestand on November 18th against the Golden State Warriors.

Detroit and Portland will play once more this season. The Pistons will welcome the Trail Blazers on December 20th to The Palace of Auburn Hills.

The Pistons have won three of the last four contests in this series. Detroit has won two in a row at Portland.