Pistons stun Lakers in Game One of NBA finals (Agencies) Updated: 2004-06-07 13:27
Chauncey Billups scored 22 points to help the Detroit Pistons stun the Los
Angeles Lakers 87-75 in Game One of the NBA finals at the Staples Center in Los
Angeles Sunday.
 Detroit Pistons
guard Chauncey Billups kicks out his leg as he celebrates a three-point
basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during Game 1 of the 2004 NBA Finals
at the Staples Center in Los Angeles June 6, 2004. Billups led his team
with 22 points as the Pistons took Game 1 of the best-of-seven series
87-75. [Reuters] | For the Lakers, giant
center Shaquille O'Neal was at his dominant best with 34 points. Kobe Bryant
picked up 25 points but Hollywood's favorite team was let down by poor
performances from the supporting cast.
 Los Angeles Lakers
Shaquille O'Neal looks on from the bench during the Detroit Pistons 87-75
win over the Lakers during Game 1 of the NBA Finals in Los Angeles, June
6, 2004. O'Neal scored a game-high 34 points in the loss.
[Reuters] | Detroit's intense and highly-rated
defense seemed to unsettle most of the Lakers including future Hall-of-Famers
Karl Malone and Gary Payton, who recorded only four and three points
respectively.
The Lakers bench was even worse, scoring a combined four points versus 19
points contributed by their Detroit counterparts. Los Angeles shot 39 percent
from the field against 46 percent by Detroit.
Los Angeles ended a closely contested first-half with a narrow 41-40 lead but
the Pistons started to take control early in the third quarter, ending that
period with a 64-58 edge.
 Detroit Pistons
center Rasheed Wallace drives to the hoop past Los Angeles Lakers center
Shaquille O'Neal for two points during Game 1 of the NBA Finals in Los
Angeles, June 6, 2004. [Reuters] | Detroit's
lead was never seriously threatened during the fourth quarter. Forward Rasheed
Wallace was the second top scorer for the Pistons with 14 points.
Game Two in the best-of-seven series will again be in Los Angeles
Tuesday.
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