NBA Roundup : Pistons End Suns’ Winning Streak, 106-100

The Phoenix Suns are the early surprise of the National Basketball Assn. They have been handling some of the best teams in the West and challenging the Lakers for first place in the Pacific Division.

But for the first time this season, the hustling, young Suns ventured East of Houston Wednesday night.

They played the rough and rugged Detroit Pistons on even terms for nearly 3 quarters before finally losing, 106-100, at Auburn Hills, Mich.

The Suns, who had won 4 in a row, including a one-sided victory over the Lakers, pulled ahead, 69-67, in the third period. Then Adrian Dantley scored 6 points in an 11-0 run that put the Pistons in command.

Dantley finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds as the Pistons came back strong from a 6-day Christmas vacation.

“It was a good rest for me,” the 32-year-old Dantley told the Associated Press. “It was the first time I’ve been home (Washington, D.C.) for Christmas in 16 years. It was nice. I felt great. I hope we have another break like that next year.”

Despite Dantley’s big game and the run late in the third quarter, the Suns never gave up. They trailed only 100-97 with 2:37. But Bill Laimbeer tipped in a miss by Dantley to keep the Pistons safely in front.

The Suns made a strong impression on the Pistons.

“It shouldn’t be a surprise,” Dantley said. “Since we did so well last season, it seems every team is up for us.”

Coach Cotton Fitzsimmons wasn’t impressed with the officiating. The Pistons, noted for their physical play, were called for only 18 fouls to 31 for Phoenix.

“We had trouble getting to the free-throw line,” Fitzsimmons said. “I’m sure you’ll see the disparity in the box. Maybe they deserved it. That’s fine.”

The Suns, outscored by 9 at the line, shot poorly, too. They shot under 42% from the field. Tom Chambers was 8 for 26.

Cleveland 122, Charlotte 98--Imagine the Cavaliers playing .800 after 25 games this season (20-5).

After 25 games a year ago, the Cavaliers were 12-13 and just beginning to cause problems for the better teams in the league.

Things are going so good the Cavaliers worried about playing the Hornets at Richfield, Ohio.

“It’s a no-win situation,” said Mark Price. “They are the kind that nobody wants to play. You’re expected to win, but they can get hot.”

There was no need to worry. Price had 16 points and 12 assists. Six of his teammates were also in double figures to make the seventh win in a row an easy one.

Utah 96, Sacramento 80--With Coach Jerry Reynolds in a Sacramento hospital after collapsing in the fourth quarter Tuesday night, the Kings’ couldn’t cope at Salt Lake City.

Karl Malone led the fast-starting Jazz on a 24-8 run in the first quarter and the Jazz romped. Malone finished with 21 points and 16 rebounds.

The Kings, 1-13 on the road, led, 6-5. But the 24-8 spurt put the game quickly out of range.

Reynolds is expected to get out of the hospital today. He will probably return to coaching next Tuesday night when the Kings host Dallas. Assistant coach Herman Kull was in charge for this defeat.

The Kings’ starters shot a combined 10 for 57. Ed Pinckney came off the bench to establish order. He had 14 points and 11 rebounds.

New Jersey 118, Indiana 101--Joe Barry Carroll ignited a 13-4 spurt in the fourth quarter at East Rutherford, N.J., and the Nets helped the Pacers remain the only winless team on the road.

Carroll had 2 baskets and 2 free throws to begin the run that handed Indiana its 14th loss in a row away from home.

An 8-0 run led by Reggie Miller cut the Net lead to 85-84 before Carroll started the rally.