Pistons Honor Thomas

Isiah Thomas experienced both ecstasy and agony Saturday at Auburn Hills, Mich.

Thomas, the career leader in eight categories for the Detroit Pistons, had his No. 11 jersey retired by the club in a ceremony that lasted more than an hour.

But then, Thomas, now the general manager of the Toronto Raptors, was forced to watch as the Pistons, behind Allan Houston’s 29 points, rolled to a 108-95 victory over the Raptors.

Thomas joins Bill Laimbeer (40), Vinnie Johnson (15), Dave Bing (21) and Bob Lanier (16) as the only players to have their jerseys retired by Detroit.

Cleveland 97, Philadelphia 82--At Cleveland, the Cavaliers extended the NBA’s longest current winning streak to seven games by picking on an easy target for them. Cleveland has won 20 of its last 21 games against the 76ers, including the last seven.

Terrell Brandon led the Cavaliers with 25 points and also had nine assists. Vernon Maxwell scored 26 for the Sixers.

Orlando 95, Miami 93--The battle between centers Shaquille O’Neal of the Magic and Alonzo Mourning of the Heat at Miami was nearly as close as the game. O’Neal had 31 points and 10 rebounds, Mourning 27 points and 15 rebounds.

The victory ended Orlando’s four-game road losing streak.

New Jersey 82, New York 77--Chris Childs scored five points in the final 52 seconds at East Rutherford, N.J., and made a steal to set up two go-ahead free throws by Armon Gilliam as New Jersey scored the final 10 points and held the Knicks scoreless for 2:24.

Gilliam led the Nets with 28 points and 11 rebounds.

New Jersey outrebounded New York, 63-43.