Pistons try to get back on track against Hawks

Detroit lost to the Hornets on Sunday when Baron Davis’ slam dunk with 1.3 seconds left lifted New Orleans to a dramatic 81-80 victory over the Pistons at the Palace.

Tayshaun Prince had 13 points and eight rebounds to lead the Pistons, who had their winning streak halted at four games. Richard Hamilton also netted 13, but left the game late in the second quarter with a neck strain and did not return.

Hamilton is expected to miss tonight’s game.

Chauncey Billups recorded 12 points and nine rebounds in the loss, while Mehmet Okur collected 10 points and 18 boards.

The teams headed into the fourth quarter locked at 60-60 and were still tied at 78-78 when Darrell Armstrong drilled a three-pointer with 1:55 remaining.

Bob Sura’s driving layup handed Detroit an 80-78 edge with 1:38 left. The score remained that way until Wesley was fouled with eight seconds left and made 1-of-2 from the foul line.

Billups then had a chance to push the Pistons’ lead to three points, but he missed both shots from the foul line with seven seconds left to help set up Davis’ game-winning bucket.

Davis held the ball beyond the three-point line and drove at the net before slamming down a two-handed jam to give the Hornets the one-point lead. Detroit then inbounded the ball and Sura missed a desperation heave at the buzzer.

The Pistons are 4-3 on the road this season.

Shareef Abdur-Rahim scored 26 points and Jason Terry added 19, as the Hawks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 92-83, at Philips Arena on Saturday.

Abdur-Rahim also pulled down nine rebounds and handed out five assists. Stephen Jackson had 10 points for the Hawks, who won for only the second time in their last five games.

Atlanta has not won consecutive games since winning four in straight last season from April 9-14.

The Hawks are 2-3 as the host this season.

In 2002-03, Detroit won three of the four contests with the Hawks. Atlanta’s only win last season over the Pistons was a 94-92 victory on December 7, 2002 at Philips Arena.

Overall, the Pistons have won three in a row and six of the last seven meetings between the two clubs.