T-Mac, Yao Injured; Rockets Lose to Pistons 94-82

Detroit Pistons guard Richard Hamilton (32) drives into Houston Rockets guard Luther Head (2) during the second half of their game, played on Sunday. Detroit beat Houston 94-82.

The Houston Rockets would just as soon forget this Sunday as not only did they lose against the Detroit Pistons, they lost their top two players, swingman Tracy McGrady and center Yao Ming. The Rockets simply folded against the Pistons’ air-tight defense, turning the ball over 17 times. The end result was a loss to the Pistons 94-82 at Detroit.

Detroit’s Rasheed Wallace hit a pair of 3-pointers in the final minute of the first quarter to give the Pistons a 25-22 lead. Wallace finished the half with 14 points, helping the Pistons to a 51-44 lead at halftime. With McGrady and Ming sidelined in the third quarter, the Pistons’ Antonio McDyess and Richard Hamilton took over; both combined for 21 in the period in helping Detroit build a 78-60 lead. The Pistons led by as many as 20 entering the fourth quarter, and Houston never seriously challenged them after that point.

Detroit was led by Hamilton with 17 points with 6 assists, while Wallace and Jason Maxiell from off the bench added 14 each; Wallace also grabbed 10 rebounds. Houston was led by reserve Luis Scola from off the bench with 18 points and 9 rebounds; McGrady, in limited action, added 14. Detroit (20-7) next travels to New Jersey to take on the Nets Wednesday, while Houston (13-15) gets a few days off before traveling to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies Friday.