10.07.2006

PHOENIX (87) AT DETROIT (90)
Stats

After trailing for the majority of the game, the Detroit Pistons 
fought off a 16-point first half deficit to rally for a 90-87 
victory over the Phoenix Suns in the Toshiba Vegas Summer League 
Monday evening. The Pistons outscored the Suns 57-38 over the 
third and fourth quarters to eventually take the game. 

Detroit turned the game around in the second half, as the 
Pistons put down 65.4% (17-26 FG) of their shots for 29 points 
in the third and 28 in the fourth. The defense needs to be 
lauded, as well, as it only allowed nine field goals for 36.0% 
to be made by Phoenix's shooters. 

The Pistons pulled to even at 6:47 left to play at 72-72, but 
let the Suns have their opportunities down the stretch to take 
the game. 

Trailing 87-83 with 1:06 remaining in the game, Detroit reeled 
off seven unanswered points to take the game. 

Detroit's Cheikh Samb scored eight points in the game, but his 
final two were the most important. With 15-seconds left to play, 
Samb hit a fall-away jumper from the right side to put his team 
up for good. 

Alex Acker led all scorers with a 29-point (9-24 FG, 11-14 F) 
outing. Acker was one of three Pistons to collect double-figure 
point totals. Mateen Cleeves had 14, while Nik Caner-Medley had 10. 

Phoenix had two near double-doubles with Maciej Lampe had 19 
points (8-8 FG) and eight rebounds, while Amare Stoudemire chipped 
in 17 points (3-9 FG, 11-13 FT) and nine boards. Ruben Douglas 
kept the Suns in the game down the stretch as he scored 18, as well. 

For the game, Detroit made 51.0% (26-51 FG) of its shots, while 
Phoenix hit 44.4% (24-54 FG). 

The Pistons return to action on Tuesday at 6 p.m., as they face 
the New York Knicks. Phoenix opens Wednesday's play with a game 
against the Portland Trail Blazers at noon