A solid outing by Bigelow led Detroit to a 94-85 win over Atlanta. "Take away Bigelow, and we'd have won this thing," said Atlanta coach Bob. "It was a very close game most of the way, and he was the one that put Detroit 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."

Detroit coach David Smith 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 Bigelow do his stuff. That was enough for the win today, but on another day maybe Bigelow will be injured or our opponents can counter him, and we'll need the rest of the players to step up as well."

Detroit was led by Bigelow (15 points, 9 boards, 1 assists, a block), Burke (8 points, 18 boards, 0 assists), Thompson (14 points, 5 boards, 0 assists, 2 blocks). Atlanta was led by Scott (15 points, 4 steals), Blackman (5 points, 18 boards, 0 assists, 3 blocks), Harriott (25 points).

box score Detroit* roster Atlanta roster