Detroit overcame a great game by Neal, beating Charlotte 85-77. "It's a team sport," said losing coach Bob. "If we had another couple players like Neal out there, we'd have won this game easily. But we didn't, so we didn't." Bob has been under fire lately, and the lackluster performance by his players (save Neal) certainly doesn't improve his job security any.

The normally-quiet Neal was less than satisfied after the game. "I feel betrayed - like I did my best and my teammates didn't. I don't know if it was coach's fault for not getting the team up, or if the other players just all had an off day at the same time. But this was a close game, we had our chances, and we didn't execute when we needed."

Detroit was led by Gilliam (27 points, 5 boards, 2 assists, 4 blocks), Kay (16 points, 5 boards, 2 assists, a steal), Henderson (6 points, 12 boards, 1 assists). Charlotte was led by Neal (10 points, a steal), Richards (13 points, 10 boards, 0 assists, 2 blocks), Lloyd (10 points, 6 boards, 1 assists, a steal).

Detroit have been victorious in the past 15 games and stand at 64-6. They have won the Central title and stay at #1 overall in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte are now 19-51 and 16-22 at home. They remain at #5 in the Southeast and stay at #15 overall in the Eastern Conference.

box score Detroit* roster Charlotte roster