A long string of mistakes added up, allowing underdog Portland to come out with a 91-87 upset of Detroit. "We may have a great ranking," said Detroit coach David Smith, "but nobody's going to win many games playing like that. We got to where we are by a combination of talent, game plan, and solid execution. But the execution and game plan went out the window today, and Portland took the gift win."

Portland coach Bob was nearly as surprised afterwards. "That sure wasn't what we had prepared for. We figured we were going to have to battle to avoid the blowout, but they just self-destructed out there and gave us the win. We'll take it, of course, but we don't expect to get that lucky in the future."

Portland was led by Arnold (9 points, 11 boards, 5 assists, a block), King (9 points, 2 steals), Howard (5 points, 11 boards, 0 assists, 2 blocks). Detroit was led by Day (17 points, 12 boards, 3 assists, a steal, a block), Riffe (11 points, 3 steals, a block), Henderson (23 points, a steal).

With the win, Portland jump to 10-14 and 10-0 at home. They hold at #4 in the Northwest and remain at #11 overall in the Western Conference. With today's defeat, Detroit are now 17-7. They hold at #1 in the Central and remain at #1 overall in the Eastern Conference.

box score Portland roster Detroit* roster