Pistons win 10th in a row

WASHINGTON -- The Detroit Pistons’ energy and enthusiasm impressed Washington Wizards Coach Eddie Jordan.

He wished he’d seen some of it from his own team Wednesday night.

Richard Hamilton’s 20 points made him the 10th-leading scorer in Pistons history, and he added nine assists and seven rebounds to help Detroit earn its 10th consecutive victory by beating Washington, 106-93.

It’s the Pistons’ longest winning streak since an 11-game streak in January 2006, and their average margin of victory in this run is 16.8 points.

“Another game where most of our starters could sit and watch most of the fourth quarter and watch our young guys develop,” said point guard Chauncey Billups (16 points).

How lopsided was this one? Detroit led by double digits throughout the second half and seven Pistons scored at least 10 points.

Detroit used a 10-0 run at the start of the second quarter to take the lead for good. Led by Jason Maxiell’s 15 points, including one huge putback dunk, Detroit’s reserves outscored Washington’s, 33-8.

The Wizards were led by Caron Butler’s 22 points and Antawn Jamison’s 21, but they again failed to defeat a top team. Washington’s last victory over a club with a winning record came Dec. 1 against Toronto.