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Pistons Vault Bulls Into Playoffs

Chicago can't clinch season sweep despite, or maybe due to, 'Sheed's absence

By Jesse Andrews,  Newser User

Posted Mar 10, 2008 5:42 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Detroit became the second NBA team to clinch a playoff spot last night, defeating Chicago 116-109 despite missing Rasheed Wallace, reports the Detroit Free Press. The Bulls were gunning for a sweep of the four-game season series, but the Pistons muscled their way to a 42-28 rebounding advantage. Chauncy Billups matched a season mark with 34 points.

He confirmed that composure was essential for the complaint-prone Pistons: "I felt that we did a good job coming out and taking care of business and not complaining to the refs." Averred his coach: "I thought our bigs had some great blocks tonight that were called for fouls." Ben Gordon scored 27 for the 25-38 Bulls.

Chicago Bulls coach Jim Boylan reacts after the Bulls' were whistled for a foul in the second half of their 116-109 loss to the Detroit Pistons in an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 9, 2008, in Auburn Hills, Mich. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Chicago Bulls coach Jim Boylan reacts after the Bulls' were whistled for a foul in the second half of their 116-109 loss to the Detroit Pistons in an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 9, 2008, in Auburn...   (Associated Press)
Chicago Bulls guard Shannon Brown, left, and Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups (1) tangle while chasing a loose ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 9, 2008, in Auburn Hills, Mich. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Chicago Bulls guard Shannon Brown, left, and Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups (1) tangle while chasing a loose ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 9, 2008, in Auburn Hills,...   (Associated Press)
Detroit Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince (22) dunks against Chicago Bulls forward Drew Gooden (90) in the third quarter of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 9, 2008, in Auburn Hills, Mich. Prince scored 21 points to help the Pistons to a 116-109 win. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince (22) dunks against Chicago Bulls forward Drew Gooden (90) in the third quarter of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 9, 2008, in Auburn Hills, Mich. Prince scored...   (Associated Press)
Detroit Pistons forward Amir Johnson (25) dunks over Chicago Bulls forward Andres Nocioni (5) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 9, 2008, in Auburn Hills, Mich. The Pistons beat the Bulls 116-109. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons forward Amir Johnson (25) dunks over Chicago Bulls forward Andres Nocioni (5) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 9, 2008, in Auburn Hills, Mich. The Pistons beat...   (Associated Press)
Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich, right, tries going to the basket against Detroit Pistons forward Amir Johnson in the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 9, 2008, in Auburn Hills, Mich. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich, right, tries going to the basket against Detroit Pistons forward Amir Johnson in the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 9, 2008, in Auburn Hills, Mich....   (Associated Press)
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Bulls put back in their place
Chicago Sun-Times

Pistons finally solve Bulls
The Daily Tribune (Mi.)

 
NBA • basketball • Chicago Bulls • Detroit Pistons • Ben Gordon • Chauncey Billups • Rasheed Wallace • Flip Saunders

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