Brooklyn are ahead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals 2-1 with a 98-96 win over Detroit keyed by Hargrove's solid outing. "Take away Hargrove, and we'd have won this thing," said Detroit coach David Smith. "It was a very close game most of the way, and he was the one that put Brooklyn over the top. I thought we had the right game plan and executed well. What's sad is that I don't know what we'd do differently next time, except for hoping for a more mortal performance by him."

Brooklyn coach Bob was happy for the win, but concerned about the team's play. "I didn't think this was a very good team win. Our players seemed tempted to sit around and watch Hargrove do his stuff. That was enough for the win today, but on another day maybe Hargrove will be injured or our opponents can counter him, and we'll need the rest of the players to step up as well."

Brooklyn was led by Hargrove (24 points, 14 boards, 0 assists, 5 blocks), Owens (25 points, 5 assists, a steal, a block), Goltz (18 points). Detroit was led by Price (8 points, 5 boards, 19 assists, 6 steals, 2 blocks), Degraff (30 points, a steal, 2 blocks), Martin (18 points, 1 assists, 2 blocks).

box score Brooklyn roster Detroit* roster