AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton each scored 20 points, leading the Detroit Pistons to a 95-69 rout over the Chicago Bulls in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Saturday night.
Detroit was aggressive on defense, getting into passing lanes with their feet and hands and balanced on offense.
The Pistons will host Game 2 on Monday night.
Chicago’s Ben Gordon averaged 25.5 points and Andres Nocioni added 12 a game in the first-round sweep over the Heat, but were held to just seven and two points, respectively. Former Piston Ben Wallace had nine points, eight rebounds and a block.
Luol Deng scored 18 and Kirk Hinrich had 15 for the Bulls, who led only once in the series opener.
Detroit took control with a 13-2 run midway through the first quarter, but didn’t put Chicago away until the opening minutes of the fourth.
Three Pistons made 3-pointers in the first 2 minutes of the final quarter for a 19-point lead before going ahead 86-60 a few minutes later.
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