A collapse by Houston led to a 99-88 beating by Detroit, increasing the pressure on the Houston coach. Bob had to suffer through the game as his players were ineffective and his former fans were heckling. To make matters worse, the team was dominated by hated Detroit, a bad thing for any Houston coach.

"That ---- man can't win a ---- game if his ---- life depended on it!" screamed one disgruntled fan, who is obviously tired of Houston losing ways. While Houston deny it, rumors about that they have already started a search for a new coach who can turn this franchise around.

It was just more fuel for the fire today when Detroit took Houston behind the woodpile for a 99-88 whooping. Although Vegas was predicting a Detroit win, many people believed the Houston certainly had the talent to knock them off. Sims did everything in his power to help his coach, but in the end Gilliam led the Detroit to victory.

"You hate to see somebody with Bob's character go through this. It's just a sad sight," commented Detroit coach David Smith. "We're obviously delighted to get the victory over such a worthy adversary in a big rivalry game like this, and all I can do is credit my players, my assistants, and our fans."

Detroit was led by Gilliam (22 points, 4 assists, a steal), Kay (25 points, 6 boards, 2 assists), Price (6 points, 10 assists, 2 steals, a block). Houston was led by Sims (22 points, 9 boards, 1 assists, 2 blocks), Fox (14 points, 1 assists, a steal, 4 blocks), Lewis (11 points, 5 boards, 1 assists).

Detroit extended their winning streak 17 games and are now 66-6 and 36-0 at home. They clinched the Central crown and stay at #1 overall in the Eastern Conference. Houston have lost their last 6 games and drop to 37-36. They stay at #2 in the Southwest and hold at #7 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Detroit* roster Houston roster