Detroit Pistons edge Washington Wizards in overtime
Richard Hamilton erupted down the stretch, helping the Detroit Pistons escape with a 115-110 overtime win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday 21 November at the Palace of Auburn Hills in
Michigan.
Hamilton led the Pistons’ attack as he finished the game with 27 points, highlighted by a 12-point explosion in the extra period, helping the Pistons snap their two-game losing skid.
“We could tell that the Wizards were having trouble guarding Rip down the stretch,” said Pistons head coach John Kuester. “He had things going, and we were going to keep getting him the ball.”
Hamilton, who was only averaging 12.1 points before the game, scored 12 of Detroit’s 13 points in the overtime, highlighted by five-straight jumpers before missing his last attempt in the
final two minutes of the game.
Charlie Villanueva also had an outstanding night as he led the Pistons in regulation with his 25 points on 10-for-18 shooting to go with 11 rebounds, while Jason Maxiell added 14 points and
five rebounds, leading the Pistons to their fifth win of the season.
“I was just determined to win this game,” said Villanueva, who shot 4-for-6 from beyond-the-arc. “In the end, Rip did what we needed from him. He's been struggling, so it is always good to
see him get going like that.”
JaVale McGee had his best game of the season as he scored 20 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, while Gilbert Arenas continues to play well, tallying 19 points and 16 assists, but the Wizards
couldn’t hold on to their lead in the regulation.
“We played a great game, so this one hurts,” said Arenas, who shot 9-for-18 from the field. “The blowouts don't hurt -- it is the ones you should have won. We should have won this, but I
had two key turnovers.”
The Wizards had a chance to close out the game in regulation after having a 102-98 lead with less than two minutes left in the game. However, their defence collapsed down the stretch allowing
Villanueva to attack the lane for a lay-up that forced an extra period, where Hamilton took over for the Pistons.
“Rip did in overtime what you want your veteran players to do,” said Wizards and Hamilton’s former head coach Flip Saunders. “He took over the game.”
The Wizards played without rookie sensation John Wall, who missed his fourth-straight game because of a sprained left foot. The 2010 first-overall pick is expected to suit up on Tuesday 23
November when the Wizards host the Philadelphia 76ers.
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