NBA ROUNDUP : Palace No Longer Safe for Pistons

The Detroit Pistons knew they would miss Isiah Thomas, their leader. After all, he was the player who took charge when the going was tough.

What they didn’t realize was that nobody would come forth to assume the leadership role at crunch time.

The Pistons, for want of a clutch basket, lost to the Indiana Pacers, 105-101, Wednesday night at Auburn Hills, Mich.

Just before the All-Star break, the Pistons lost by two points at home under similar circumstances to the Chicago Bulls. It is the first time the Pistons have lost consecutive games at The Palace, their home the past three seasons.

The Pistons, down by 21 points in the second quarter, rallied behind Joe Dumars to pull within two points twice but they couldn’t catch up. Dumars had 19 of his 28 points in the second half.

Michael Williams, developing into an effective player in his fourth NBA chance, couldn’t miss for the Pacers. The 6-foot-2 guard from Baylor made all eight of his shots from the floor and all five free throws for 21 points.

After Mark Aguirre made a jumper with 71 seconds left to cut the lead to 98-96, Williams was fouled and made two free throws to thwart the two-time NBA champions.

Williams was drafted by Detroit in 1988 and played in 49 games as a rookie. Both Phoenix and Charlotte gave him a try last season before he went to the CBA.

Williams has done well as the Pacers’ third guard. He moved into the lineup recently when Vern Fleming hurt his neck. In the past four games, he has averaged 21 points and is 28 of 37 from the field.

“It’s great to get a win,” Williams said. “It’s special to do it against guys you know and respect. It was a thrill to play that well against Dumars.”

Coach Bob Hill praised his young guard. “I love him as a player,” Hill said. “I can’t say enough about what he has brought to our team. He makes everyone else a better player. He is going to get better and better.”

Although Dennis Rodman had a career-high 24 rebounds, the Pistons lost for the second time in 27 games this season to a club below .500.

“We have to play harder, especially at home,” Detroit Coach Chuck Daly said. “We have to realize we’re just an average team right now. Everyone thinks we’re playing hard, but we’re not, especially at home. And I don’t know what lies ahead on the road.”

New Jersey 140, Atlanta 106--The Nets didn’t play like a team in a slump, but the Hawks played like one that has now lost eight in a row on the road.

With Chris Morris scoring 32 points, the Nets built a 12-point halftime lead, then scored 75 points in the second half to end a seven-game losing streak.

Cleveland 95, Dallas 93--Craig Ehlo made a tie-breaking three-point basket in the third quarter at Richfield, Ohio, and sank two clinching free throws with 11 seconds left.

It was the first time since mid-November the Cavaliers have won back-to-back games.

Brad Daugherty had 23 points and 13 rebounds for the Cavaliers.

Rolando Blackman led Dallas with 28 points. Derek Harper, after missing his first six shots, had 14 points and 14 assists.

Harper made the final score close at the buzzer when he made a four-point play, sinking a three-point shot and a free throw.