Detroit came out on top in an exciting game against Charlotte. "I'm sure it was a dream game for the fans, with the result in the balance down to the end," said Detroit coach David Smith. "But these sorts of games give me gray hair."

David Smith and his counterpart, Charlotte coach Bob, brought out the best in their teams. "Not a lot of mistakes from either side," said Bob. "That's what I like to see. Of course, I'd like to see us win as well but only one team can do that. Detroit just played better, and we have to tip our hats to them."

Detroit was led by Fox (17 points, 5 boards, 2 assists, a steal, 2 blocks), Delgado (14 points, 15 boards, 1 assists, a block), Kay (21 points, a steal). Charlotte was led by Leonard (26 points, 2 blocks), Neal (7 points, 10 assists, a steal), Williams (19 points, 0 assists).

Detroit stand at 11-3. They remain at #1 in the Central and remain at #1 overall in the Eastern Conference. With today's defeat, Charlotte fall to 6-7 and 4-4 at home. They drop to #3 in the Southeast and drop to #7 overall in the Eastern Conference.

box score Detroit* roster Charlotte roster