Charlotte are leading Detroit in the Eastern Conference First Round 3-1, taking advantage of a lazy effort by Detroit. "Before the game, I kept telling them that they needed to stay focused. Sure, Charlotte isn't very good, but they're not going to lay down and play dead either," said Detroit coach David Smith. "But nothing worked. I even heard some players betting on the margin of victory." That overconfidence cost them, as they lost 92-79.

The credit goes to Charlotte coach Bob, who had his team playing the best they've played in a while. The game plan was perfect, and Charlotte took advantage of every opportunity they were given. "We caught them with their guard down," he said after the game. "They'd probably win a rematch, but that doesn't matter. All that matters is today's score."

Charlotte was led by Leonard (31 points, 2 assists, a block), Williams (25 points, 6 boards, 0 assists, a steal, 2 blocks), Gonzalez (13 points, 14 boards, 1 assists, a steal). Detroit was led by Henderson (12 points, 9 boards, 3 assists, 4 blocks), Kay (17 points), Delgado (8 points, 0 assists, 3 blocks).

box score Charlotte roster Detroit* roster