Mar

28

Pistons Clinch Central Division Title As They Shut Down Miami 85-69

Posted by Jeff Sack under Main 

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Arron Afflalo and Jason Maxiell each scored 15 points apiece, Chauncey Billups recorded a double-double, and the Detroit Pistons clinched the NBA Central Division Title as they just shut down the Miami Heat 85-69? Thursday night. Miami was held to just 35.8% (24-67) from?the floor for the game, and a down right embarrassing 13.3% (2-15) from outside the arc.

Miami is playing with a skeleton crew, and have been dead men walking since the Shaquille trade, but they showed no discernible effort to play as a team. All game long all you saw from the Heat side of the court were five individuals who happened to be wearing the same?uniforms. However they did take advantage of a slow start by Detroit to grab the lead at the end of the first quarter 23-18.? Miami was ahead at 40-33 when Blake Ahearn hit 2 at the line with 3:33 remaining in the game. Detroit ended the quarter with a 10-5 run, and were down just 2 points at the half 45-43.? The two teams were tied at 49-49 when Antonio McDyess slammed it home to put the Pistons ahead 51-49. Detroit outscored Miami 15-6 for the rest of the period, and went into the final quarter leading 66-55. Miami was never a threat in the fourth quarter.

Afflalo starting in place of Richard Hamilton, who was out with an injury, scored a career high 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, in the Detroit victory. Jason Maxiell scored 15 coming of the bench, 7 rebounds, 1 block, Chauncey Billups scored 13 points, 11 assists, 3 rebounds. Rasheed Wallace also scored 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist, Antonio McDyess scored 11 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 blocks.

Blake Ahearn came off the bench for Miami and led the team with 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals. Chris Quinn scored 11 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, Earl Barron scored 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists. Detroit is now 51-21, Miami is 13-59.

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