Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups shoots over New Orleans Hornets guard Jannero Pargo during the second half of the Detroit Pistons-New Orleans Hornets game, played Wednesday. Detroit defeated New Orleans 91-76.

Four games, 5 nights, 4 different opponents - usually that will take a physical toll on most NBA teams. Apparently not the Detroit Pistons. Balanced scoring and a swarming defense was the rule tonight as the Pistons easily defeated the New Orleans Hornets 91-76 at New Orleans.The Hornets had built an early 26-11 lead late in the first quarter, thanks to a Tyson Chandler basket, a pair of free throws by forward Gerald Wallace and a 3-pointer by Peja Stojakovic. But Detroit regained some momentum with the help of reserves Jarvis Hayes and Lindsay Hunter as they combined for the first 5 points of the 2nd period. The Pistons would pull to within 38-37 late in the half; soon thereafter, Pistons guard Chauncey Billups would drain a 3-pointer to knot the game up at 40. Billups would then make a pair of free throws to give Detroit a 44-42 halftime lead.

New Orleans would only get as close as 76-69, thanks to Bobby Jackson’s free throw with 6:02 left in the game; Detroit’s Richard Hamilton responded with a jumper and the Pistons would outscore the Hornets 15-7 the rest of the way, sealing the win. Detroit’s leading scorer was Hamilton with 21, while Billups had a solid outing, adding 18 with 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Rasheed Wallace contributed 13 while grabbing 10 boards.

New Orleans was led by Stojakovic with 19 points; Chandler had a very good game, adding 17 while grabbing a season-high 22 rebounds. Chris Paul had a somewhat subpar game, chipping in 14 with 7 assists. Detroit (13-5) returns home to host the Chicago Bulls Friday, while New Orleans (12-7) continues their homestand as they host the Memphis Grizzlies, also on Friday night.

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