Pistons outlast the Sixers in Overtime

Austin Daye and the Detroit Pistons took advantage of an unexpected reprieve.

Daye made a tying 3-pointer from the corner with 3.5 seconds left in regulation—after Philadelphia’s Lou Williams missed two free throws at the other end—and the Pistons went on to beat the 76ers 112-109 in overtime.


Daye’s shot came moments after the Pistons wasted a chance to tie the game. Down by three, Charlie Villanueva rushed a 3-pointer that missed everything, but Williams missed a pair of free throws with 6.2 seconds remaining, giving the Pistons another chance. Daye caught Tracy McGrady’s inbounds pass and made the tying shot.

The 76ers nearly rallied from a seven-point deficit in the final 20 seconds of overtime, pulling within one on 3-pointers by Evan Turner and Jodie Meeks. After Rodney Stuckey made two free throws for Detroit with 6.6 seconds left, Meeks tried a wild, off-balance shot that was well guarded. The shot bounced off the rim.

Tayshaun Prince scored 23 points for the Pistons, and rookie Greg Monroe(notes) added a career-high 16 points along with 13 rebounds.

The 76ers are in playoff contention after bouncing back from a 3-13 start and were sharp early on against Detroit. Philadelphia led 34-30 after shooting 74 percent from the field in the first quarter.

The Pistons clamped down a little more after that, and the 76ers finished the game at 48 percent. Detroit also had 15 offensive rebounds, five by Monroe.

With the Pistons trailing 92-90 in the fourth quarter, Ben Wallace missed a wild shot inside and then was called for a technical foul for showing his frustration. Williams made the free throw with 2:05 remaining, but the 76ers couldn’t extend the lead beyond three.