Wed, Apr 13, 2005 - Page 19 News List

Detroit Pistons win Central Division

POINTS MAN The Pistons clinched the Central Division with a 85-84 overtime victory against the Chicago Bulls, with Chauncey Billups scoring 28 points and the winner

AP , CHICAGO

Antawn Jamison had 32 points to help the Wizards end a five-game skid and re-establish some momentum as they anticipate their first playoff berth since 1997. Washington (42-35) also clinched its first winning season since 1998 and gave coach Eddie Jordan his 100th NBA coaching victory.

Michael Redd scored 35 points, and Erick Strickland added a season-high 22 for the Bucks, who fell behind in the first quarter and trailed the rest of the game in their 12th consecutive road loss.

Bobcats 110, Hawks 105, OT

In Atlanta, Keith Bogans scored 21 points to lead seven Charlotte players in double figures in a matchup of the two worst teams in the NBA.

The Bobcats snapped an eight-game losing streak and kept the Hawks from their first two-game winning streak of the season. Brevin Knight had 17 points for Charlotte and Emeka Okafor added 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Josh Childress led the Hawks with 20 points and 14 rebounds. Tyronn Lue added 18 points and 14 assists, while Josh Smith added 17 points and nine rebounds.

Rockets 90, SuperSonics 78

In Seattle, Tracy McGrady scored 38 points for Houston, and the Rockets kept Seattle from clinching the Northwest Division for the fifth straight game.

The Sonics, who have been trying to wrap up the division title for more than a week, dropped their fifth straight. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have won eight in a row, including a 122-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, to pull within four games of Seattle with five games remaining.

The Rockets, who clinched a playoff spot with their victory over Phoenix on Saturday, are sixth in the West and have won their last three.

Ray Allen led Seattle with 18 points.

Other result: Suns 108, Lakers 97.

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