Detroit lead Charlotte in the Eastern Conference First Round 1-0, coming out on top over Charlotte, 110-99 in overtime, in a game that was a near-deadlock all the way. "You run out of superlatives for a game like this," said an exhausted Detroit coach David Smith. Indeed, neither team ever really took control, leaving fans of both sides with knots in their stomachs. The action got even more intense when the game headed into overtime, as a single great play or mistake can easily end it. Unfortunately it couldn't last forever, and Detroit pulled off the win.

Detroit was led by Lacroix (18 points, 12 boards, 3 assists, a steal), White (13 points, 10 boards, 3 assists, a steal, a block), Day (16 points, 9 boards, 1 assists, a steal). Charlotte was led by White (32 points, 4 assists, a steal), Plungis (24 points, 6 boards, 1 assists, a steal, a block), Gish (17 points, 1 assists, a steal, a block).

box score Detroit* roster Charlotte roster