The New York coach and players looked bewildered today, as they were steamrolled 134-106 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 [New York coach] Bob, but I don't think he did his job preparing for this game."

That has been an increasingly frequent impression in New York 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 New York star Speight. "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 Kay (36 points), Delgado (22 points, 13 boards, 0 assists), Graham (19 points, 2 blocks). New York was led by Speight (19 points, 2 steals), Fuller (15 points, 0 assists, a block), Howie (19 points, 0 assists).

After this win, Detroit improve to 27-7. They remain at #1 in the Central and hold at #1 overall in the Eastern Conference. With this defeat, New York drop to 13-20 and 6-13 at home. They hold at #4 in the Atlantic and stay at #9 overall in the Eastern Conference.

box score Detroit* roster New York roster