NBA Wrap: Hamilton Puts Pistons in First-Place Tie
TORONTO (Reuters) - Richard Hamilton scored 18 points to push the Detroit Pistons into a first-place tie with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Central Division after a 91-61 romp over the New York Knicks at Auburn Hills, Michigan, Saturday.
Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess added 16 points apiece as the defending NBA champion Pistons chalked up their third straight win.
The Knicks recorded a season-low points total, three short of the franchise's all-time worst output of 58.
Detroit coach Larry Brown did not talk to the media before the game for the first time in his 1 1/2 years with the team and also skipped the post-game news conference.
News reports in Detroit suggest that Brown, who still has more than three years left on his contract, wants to leave the Pistons at the end of the season to coach the Knicks.
Jamal Crawford led the way with 14 points but New York still lost for the 12th time in 14 contests.
Stephon Marbury picked up 10 points for the Knicks, who were without Penny Hardaway due to a sprained ankle.
In Indianapolis, Kenyon Martin had 25 points and five steals as the Denver Nuggets won their second straight game under new coach George Karl, downing the Indiana Pacers 95-88.
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