Detroit played a solid game today, beating Portland 98-87. Portland players and fans were expecting the game to be a bit closer, but everything went well for Detroit today. "It was really frustrating," said Portland star Smith. "I thought we were going to be ready for this game, but we just couldn't do anything against them." Coach Bob seemed perplexed early on, but made a few adjustments late in the game that were too little, too late in this game but may help his side out next time these two teams meet.

Detroit was led by Henderson (14 points, 12 boards, 2 assists, 2 blocks), Chapman (13 points, 13 boards, 2 assists, a block), Gilliam (15 points, 1 assists, a block). Portland was led by Smith (24 points, 9 boards, 16 assists, 6 steals), Jackson (32 points, 6 boards, 1 assists, 5 blocks), Vanderveer (7 points, 13 boards, 0 assists, a block).

Detroit are now 51-6 and 30-0 at home with today's win. They hold at #1 in the Central and hold at #1 overall in the Eastern Conference. With this loss, Portland stand at 40-18. They hold at #1 in the Northwest and stay at #3 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Detroit* roster Portland roster