1-28 Detroit 95 Indiana 87

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Detroit 95 Indiana 87

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The Pistons lost leads of 15 and 16 points. And the Indiana Pacers even tied the game late in the fourth quarter.

But, unlike late-game losses, on Sunday, the Pistons established an inside punch -- a one-two of Rasheed Wallace and Chris Webber -- early enough to turn back to it for grind-out baskets down the stretch.

After the 95-87 win, coach Flip Saunders, fresh off his 500th career victory, sloughed off questions concerning that milestone to wax on about the effectiveness and efficiency of those big men who did the dirty work -- and won the game -- down low.

Free Press

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AUBURN HILLS -- Chris Webber had 17 points and 13 rebounds, and Detroit Pistons coach Flip Saunders picked up his 500th victory with a 95-87 win over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night.

Detroit improved to 4-1 since moving Webber into the starting lineup after signing with his hometown team on Jan. 16.

Rasheed Wallace added 20 points for Detroit, including 18 in the second half. Richard Hamilton scored 21 and Antonio McDyess finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Free Press

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AUBURN HILLS -- Remember when the Pistons' firepower came from their perimeter players?

That was like, what, a month ago?

The Indiana Pacers got a taste of the new Pistons attack on Sunday -- as frontcourt players Rasheed Wallace, Chris Webber and Antonio McDyess combined for 50 points, 31 rebounds and nine blocks in the Pistons' 95-87 victory at The Palace.

"I think we are starting to play a more playoff-type style with our offensive execution," said Flip Saunders, who earned the 500th win of his coaching career. "We are getting the ball inside, playing off 'Sheed, playing off Chris and making teams play at our tempo."

Detroit News

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AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- If there's one thing the Indiana Pacers are showing these days, it's that they aren't going to quit playing no matter how big a deficit they face.

The Pacers fought back after trailing by at least 15 points twice Sunday night, only to run out of energy down the stretch in their 95-87 loss to the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

It ended a three-game win streak for the Pacers and left them three games behind the Pistons in the Central Division.

Star