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Rip Hamilton Returns to Lead Pistons By Cavs

James has off night, but Cleveland still clinches playoff spot

By Mitch Pritchard,  Newser User

Posted Mar 30, 2008 12:35 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Richard Hamilton is back and that makes the already tough Detroit Pistons that much tougher. Hamilton scored 14 points and the Pistons cruised to an 85-71 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight, reports the Associated Press. The Cavaliers still managed to clinch a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference when the New Jersey Nets lost to the Phoenix Suns.

LeBron James had one of his worst nights of the year with only 13 points, 5 assists and 5 turnovers. The Pistons dominated right from the start, as they opened with a 6-0 run and led 29-18 after the first quarter. Detroit expanded that to 49-33 at halftime and 72-50 after the third. Chauncey Billups and Jason Maxiell each scored 13 for Detroit, which has won three of its past four games.

Detroit Pistons center Rasheed Wallace, left, defends against a shot by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sasha Pavlovic (3) of Serbia tonight. The Pistons beat the Cavaliers, 85-71.
Detroit Pistons center Rasheed Wallace, left, defends against a shot by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sasha Pavlovic (3) of Serbia tonight. The Pistons beat the Cavaliers, 85-71.   (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons forward Jason Maxiell (54) shoots against Cleveland Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas tonight. Maxiell scored 13 points to help the Pistons to a 85-71 win.
Detroit Pistons forward Jason Maxiell (54) shoots against Cleveland Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas tonight. Maxiell scored 13 points to help the Pistons to a 85-71 win.   (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives against Detroit Pistons guard Richard Hamilton in the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, March 29, 2008, in Auburn Hills, Mich.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives against Detroit Pistons guard Richard Hamilton in the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, March 29, 2008, in Auburn Hills, Mich.   (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, right, takes a shot against Detroit Pistons center Theo Ratliff in the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, March 29, 2008, in Auburn Hills, Mich.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, right, takes a shot against Detroit Pistons center Theo Ratliff in the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, March 29, 2008, in Auburn Hills, Mich.   (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons guard Richard Hamilton, front, drives against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Wally Szczerbiak tonight. Hamilton led the Pistons with 14 points in the Pistons 85-71 win.
Detroit Pistons guard Richard Hamilton, front, drives against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Wally Szczerbiak tonight. Hamilton led the Pistons with 14 points in the Pistons 85-71 win.   (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
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NBA • basketball • LeBron James • Cleveland Cavaliers • Detroit Pistons • Chauncey Billups • Richard Hamilton • Jason Maxiell

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