Pistons' streak ends at 6 wins
Okur, Kirilenko power Jazz past Detroit, which is outscored by 17 points in the fourth quarter.
By Chris McCosky

The tank ran dry, frustration boiled over and the Pistons six-game winning streak ended.

All in all, it was another typical night at the Delta Center for the Pistons.

Behind 24 points and 12 rebounds from former Piston Mehmet Okur and 22 points, 12 rebounds and four blocked shots by Andrei Kirilenko, the Utah Jazz (9-12) put a 92-78 spanking on the Pistons Monday.

Home at last
By JoAnne C. Gerstner

All Pistons forward Maurice Evans has ever wanted is a chance. Just the simple opportunity to show what he can do, some precious minutes of playing time.

His quest to make it has taken him on an unlikely path, from the NBA to Europe and back to the NBA.

But it's all been worth it. Evans believes he has found a home with the Pistons, and the Pistons like the way he plays off the bench.

Burning questions
Billups deserves USA spot
Colangelo is way off to show interest in Kidd, Hinrich
By Chris McCosky

Q. Why wouldn't Chauncey Billups be considered for a spot on the U.S. national team?

A. I don't know, but it's mind-boggling. As far as we can figure out, Jerry Colangelo (czar of Team USA) has expressed interest in point guards Jason Kidd and Kirk Hinrich.

Is he joking? The Olympics are in 2008. Kidd is slowing down visibly. He might need a walker by 2008. By the way, Billups has had Kidd's number the last two seasons. And Hinrich? Come on.

Blessed backcourt
By Chris McCosky

Isn't it odd the Pistons have the best record in the NBA, were 10-1 on the road before Monday, and still not one team member has been honored by the league?

Richard Hamiltongot 100 points in a week, shot 50 percent, the Pistons won all four games and he wasn't named player of the week.

Chauncey Billups has been at the top of the assist-to-turnover charts all season, had a week in which he scored 64 points (with 29 assists and five turnovers), outplayed Mike Bibbyand Steve Nashand then embarrassed Sebastian Telfair. The Pistons won all three games, on the road. And he wasn't named player of the week.

Basketball 101: NBA fashion police
By Chris McCosky

In the NBA, Big Brother is always watching.

The league has stationed paid observers in every arena. And, the omnipresent NBA Entertainment cameras are always on.
What they're trying to expose are violations of the NBA dress and uniform codes. They even monitor players' deportment during the national anthem.

After a rash of fines levied against teams and players for wearing game shorts too long -- 13 players have been fined $10,000 apiece since the season started -- the NBA Players Association has started to fight back.

Alley oop... to Pistons assistant coach Sidney Lowe

Joanne C. Gerstner's top five - Feeling the heat

Slam dunks



Pistons hit skids versus Jazz
By Krista Latham

Some games are so ugly they belong in a dust-covered box tucked in the corner of a grimy basement.

Out of sight and out of mind, hopefully forever.

Such was the Pistons' 92-78 loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday night.

By the fourth quarter, the sound of the officials' whistles elicited sarcastic smiles from the Pistons, smiles that said something along the lines of "un-be-lieve-a-ble." The teams combined for 52 personal fouls, with each team getting 26.

Ben expects better play from himself
By Krista Latham

Ben Wallace has a lot of pride. He isn't one to accept anything but the best from his teammates -- or himself.
That's why Wallace hangs his head and stares at the floor in front of his locker some nights, even after victories, as he did Friday night at Golden State.

Sure, he's happy with the team's record -- 15-3 after Monday night's loss against the Jazz.
He just wishes he had a little more to do with it.

"I'm totally frustrated with my game," said Wallace, after scoring 13 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, dishing five assists and blocking two shots Sunday against the Clippers. "I'm just not really happy with what I'm bringing to the table right now."





Former Piston Okur rallies Jazz past Detroit 92-78
By A. Sherrod Blakely

The streamers came pouring down from high above, just moments after Utah's 92-78 surprising win over the Detroit Pistons.

That's what happens when you're a bad team, and you just so happen to beat the team with the best record in the NBA.

"They were more aggressive," said Detroit coach Flip Saunders. "Usually the team that's more aggressive gets loose balls, gets calls, a lot of things fall their way."

Turmoil swirls around Eastern Conference foes, Pistons remain stable
By A. Sherrod Blakely


Catching up with the two-time Eastern Conference champion Detroit Pistons was the focus for both Miami and Indiana when the season began.

As it turns out, both of those teams have bigger issues to contend with these days.
Their troubles may result in Detroit's path back to the NBA Finals being a bit smoother than anticipated.




Back to life: Homecourt advantage returns in Jazz victory
By Tim Buckley

Carlos, Gordan, Deron and Big Rob all were out, and Greg left early.
But The Boss was back.
No, not George. No, not Bruce.
Larry.

With Jazz owner Larry H. Miller back in his usual Delta Center courtside chair for the first time since leaving that very seat to berate his club for its pitiful performance during a Nov. 14 loss to the New York Knicks, the Jazz merely beat the best team the NBA currently has to offer.
Utah's 92-78 victory over Detroit not only handed the 15-3 Pistons just their second road loss of the season, but also restored a little bit of the luster the Delta Center has lacked since lads named John and Karl endeared themselves to Jazz fans in first-name fashion.