Detroit cruised past LA Clippers 101-73, an outcome that surprised no one. Detroit was the heavy favorites coming in, and played like it. "It's easy to lose your focus when everyone expects the easy win," said star Henderson. "But we knew a lot was riding on the game, and that reputation doesn't mean anything in the standings. The score starts at 0-0 regardless of who's playing, and you've got to prove you're the better team every day."

If Detroit coach David Smith can keep his players focused like that, there is no limit to what the team can do.

Detroit was led by Henderson (10 points, 12 boards, 1 assists, 2 steals, a block), Gilliam (23 points, a steal), Shaw (8 points, 5 assists, 2 steals). LA Clippers was led by Brown (24 points, 6 boards, 0 assists, 2 blocks), Murphy (8 points, 12 boards, 1 assists, 2 steals), Hayes (10 points, 5 boards, 3 assists, a steal).

Detroit stand at 28-2 and 15-0 at home. They remain at #1 in the Central and remain at #1 overall in the Eastern Conference. LA Clippers stand at 21-8. They hold at #2 in the Pacific and stay at #4 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Detroit* roster LA Clippers roster