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Pistons on verge of NBA victory
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-06-14 13:45

Detroit Pistons have moved within one win of the championship after a convincing 88-80 victory today in Game 4 of the NBA finals against LA Lakers.


Detroit Pistons Ben Wallace (L) and Richard Hamilton celebrate their win over the Los Angeles Lakers at the end of Game 4 of the 2004 NBA Finals at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Michigan, June 13, 2004. The Pistons defeated the Lakers 88-80 to put the series three games to one in their favor. [Reuters]

Rasheed Wallace led the Pistons with 26 points and 13 rebounds while Lakers centre Shaquille O'Neal had a huge game with 36 points.

The win gives Detroit a 3-1 series lead and puts them on the verge of their first National Basketball Association title in 15 years.


Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant (R) walks down the floor with teammate Shaquille O'Neal (L) in the final minute of Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons in Auburn Hills, Michigan, June 13, 2004.[Reuters]

The Pistons played with a sense of urgency in the fourth quarter, scoring 32 points.

Detroit could wrap up the series with a win in game five on Tuesday at home.

This is just the fourth time the Pistons have been in the NBA finals, and their building was rocking today as they seemed to feed off the energy from their boisterous fans.

The Pistons outscored the Lakers 41-39 in the first half of what was the most physical game of the best-of-seven series so far.

In each of the first three games, the Pistons won the third quarter but the Lakers stayed with them this time as O'Neal was a dominant force. But he didn't get much help from his supporting cast.

Fuelled by an additional day of rest, O'Neal came out with more energy, an extra spring in his step and a boxer's scowl on his face.

O'Neal hit Ben Wallace so hard on the first dunk of the game that Wallace's head was still bobbing long after O'Neal threw it down.

O'Neal was unstoppable, finishing with 20 rebounds as Wallace was helpless in guarding him one-on-one.

Defensive-minded Detroit are known for slowing games down but continued to run-and-gun the Lakers in this series with 15 fast break points in first half to the Lakers three.


Los Angeles Lakers forward Karl Malone keeps his eyes on the ball as he reaches up for a rebound during first half action against the Detroit Pistons in Game 4 of the NBA Finals in Auburn Hills, Michigan, June 13, 2004. [Reuters]

Detroit Pistons Rasheed Wallace, (20) dunks the ball as Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant watches during first half action in Game 4 of the NBA Finals in Auburn Hills, Michigan, June 13, 2004. [Reuters]

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (8) shoots over Detroit Pistons center Elden Campbell (L) and guard Mike James during first half action in Game 4 of the NBA Finals in Auburn Hills, Michigan, June 13, 2004. [Reuters]


Los Angeles Lakers forward Karl Malone (11) shoots over teammates Devean George (L), Shaquille O'Neal and Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince during first half action in Game 4 of the NBA Finals in Auburn Hills, Michigan, June 13, 2004. In the background are Pistons Ben Wallace, left rear, Chauncey Billups (1) and Lakers Gary Payton. [Reuters]


Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant reacts after missing a basket against the Detroit Pistons during first quarter action in Game 4 of the 2004 NBA Finals at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Michigan June 13, 2004. [Reuters]

 
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