Pistons look to Ben to grind out 93-89 win over Portland
By A. Sherrod Blakely

Flip Saunders called it a trip to the dentist, but it wasn't really like pulling teeth.

No, the Detroit Pistons' 93-89 win over Portland Tuesday night was more like teeth grinding. Constantly.

It wasn't pretty, and it wasn't really what we've come to expect of the Pistons, now 20-3 in their franchise-best start to this season. In fact, this was the first time in nine home games that the Pistons didn't reach triple-digits on the scoreboard.

This wasn't typical. Or maybe it was, because when it came time to win this one, the Pistons looked where they so often look. Right at Ben Wallace.