Streaking Pistons Beat Clippers, 111-104

Kelly Tripucka scored 30 points, and the Detroit Pistons tied a club record with their ninth consecutive NBA victory Wednesday night, a 111-104 decision over the Clippers.

The win, Detroit’s 12th in its last 13 contests, extended the Pistons’ home streak to a record 13 games. The Pistons’ nine-victory streak ties the franchise mark set in October 1970.

Isiah Thomas added 22 points for the Pistons, while rookie center Benoit Benjamin led the Clippers with 20. Kurt Nimphius and Rory White each added 19 for the Clippers.

The Clippers played without starters Cedric Maxwell and Marques Johnson. Maxwell has a lower back sprain, and Johnson has a sore right knee.

Two Vinnie Johnson free throws gave Detroit a 91-84 lead with 6:55 to play. Then, after a turnover by Nimphius, Earl Cureton scored off a rebound to give the Pistons a 93-84 margin with 6:15 left.

The Pistons took a 95-85 lead on a basket by Tripucka with 5:31 left, but the Clippers drew within 97-93 on a three-point goal by Norm Nixon.

Detroit, however, scored the next four points on baskets by Thomas and Tripucka for a 101-93 edge with 2:03 to play.

Detroit outscored the Clippers, 16-5, during the final 5:22 of the second quarter, taking its 54-53 halftime lead on a Thomas layup with two seconds left.

The Clippers will go to Boston where they have a date with the Celtics Friday night.