Detroit closed the gap against Charlotte in the Eastern Conference First Round 1-2 with a big 102-90 win over an overmatched Charlotte team. Always politically correct, Detroit coach David Smith stated simply "We just managed to do what we needed to get done out there. The players had solid execution all around, and Delgado's effort helped set the pace. Charlotte is a team we've had success against in the past, which I think gave us a bit more confidence coming in."

Charlotte coach Bob was a little more frank. "We knew going in that we'd need a miracle to beat Detroit, and we didn't get it. They have better players and a better coach, and did what they were supposed to do out there. I'm just glad the final score wasn't even worse."

Detroit was led by Delgado (14 points, 10 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks), Fox (19 points, 4 assists, a block), Graham (24 points, a block). Charlotte was led by Leonard (41 points, 1 assists, a steal, a block), Atkins (19 points, 13 boards, 0 assists, a block), Williams (16 points, 0 assists).

box score Detroit* roster Charlotte roster