[box score] Detroit opened up this game with a 37 point first quarter, their best so far of the season. The start had all the makings of a another Pistons’ blowout but to the Grizzlies’ credit they never quit chipping away at the Piston leads. Being that the Pistons travel to Houston tonight to play the Rockets they probably would have liked to have gotten some rest for the starters but they were needed in the fourth quarter to secure the win. The Pistons had leads of 20+ for much of the night but Memphis was able to hang in and get within 7 in the late stages of the 4th quarter but some timely buckets sealed the win for the Pistons.

The Pistons backcourt were in all-star form for the game. Chauncey Billups put his stamp on the game early scoring 14 points and handing out 6 dimes in the first quarter. Chauncey finished the night with a season high 28 points to go along with 14 assists (with only 1 turn over) for his 4th double-double of the year. He also pulled down 5 boards and got 3 steals. Not to be out done Richard Hamilton scored 27 points on a very efficient 11/16 shooting. Both played heavy minutes; Chauncey with 38 and Rip with 41.

GAME NOTES:

• Chauncey went 12/12 from the free throw line
• Jason Maxiell, starting for Rasheed, scored 15 on 7/8 shooting
• The Pistons had 29 team assists. They’re now 10-0 when they get 25 or more assists in a game. Mom always said it was good to share.
• Tayshaun had 19 (6/6 freethrows) and 7 boards
• Only 8 turnover for Detroit and 50% shooting
• The Grizzlies never led
• Mike Miller scored 0nly 5 points on 1/4 shooting thanks in large part to the defense of Richard Hamilton
• Pistons starting backcourt 55 pts, Memphis’ 8
• Darko scored 12 in the 1st quarter but then was 0 for the rest of the game
• The Grizzlies have now lost 5 straight