The Chicago coach and players looked bewildered today, as they were steamrolled 102-76 by Detroit. "I'm not sure they knew what hit them," said Detroit coach David Smith. "It didn't really seem like they came out with much of a plan, instead playing like a pickup team. I hate to criticize [Chicago coach] Bob, but I don't think he did his job preparing for this game."

That has been an increasingly frequent impression in Chicago games, leading many supporters to call for the coach's head. The players tend to avoid the matter, but today was the final straw for Chicago star Fisher. "We couldn't believe what we were hearing in practices. Stuff like, 'just go out and do your best and good things will happen.' He didn't show us any film of Detroit, and we really came out today with no idea what to expect. I try to be a team player and all, but when the coach isn't doing his job, we're not going to win."

Detroit was led by Henderson (9 points, 15 boards, 3 assists, 3 blocks), Gilliam (15 points, 6 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks), Kay (24 points, 1 assists, a block). Chicago was led by Fisher (10 points, a steal, 4 blocks), Smith (14 points, 2 steals), Joseph (16 points, 0 assists).

With the victory, Detroit improve to 23-1 and 12-0 at home. They hold at #1 in the Central and stay at #1 overall in the Eastern Conference. Chicago stand at 10-15 after today's defeat. They remain at #4 in the Central and drop to #10 overall in the Eastern Conference.

box score Detroit* roster Chicago roster