NBA ROUNDUP : Pistons Team Up to Beat Knicks

If the New York Knicks are the best the rest of the East has to offer, the champion Detroit Pistons figure to breeze into the final round of the playoffs.

Despite a powerful performance by Patrick Ewing Sunday afternoon in New York, the Knicks were no match for the Pistons.

The Pistons led from the start, and, with Joe Dumars scoring 15 of his 31 points in the third quarter, romped to a 98-87 victory. It was the 14th win in the past 15 games for the Pistons, whose 13-game winning streak was stopped at Atlanta Friday night.

The victory was a lesson in teamwork. While the 7-foot Ewing was much the best player on the court, scoring 37 points, grabbing 13 rebounds and blocking three shots, the rest of the Knicks didn’t contribute much.

The Pistons played as a team. They hit the open man, frequently the sharpshooting Dumars. They helped out on defense and made up for each other’s shortcomings.

It was a tremendous demonstration of how important team play is in basketball.

About the only time the Knicks played as a team was when newcomer Maurice Cheeks was on the court. In just three games since being traded by San Antonio, the veteran guard already understands that the Knicks’ offense must revolve around Ewing. It’s something the other Knicks apparently don’t understand. For long periods of time, they forgot the big guy was there.

Cheeks played 23 minutes and made sure the offense began with Ewing. When the ball went into Ewing, the Pistons usually double or triple-teamed him. Ewing, who has developed into a good passer, often set up cutting teammates for easy shots. The trouble is, all except Cheeks, who was five for six, usually missed easy shots.

Ewing did have six assists, but should have had twice that many. Late in the game, trying desperately trying to do it all, Ewing was throwing up shots with Pistons all over him.

“They make us play their game,” Ewing said. “They kind of lulled us to sleep.”

Dumars, as he did last spring in the playoffs, took over. He made 14 of 23 shots, all but a couple from outside.

“Joe is one of the great players in the league both offensively and defensively,” Coach Chuck Daly said. “I felt this was one of our best games of the year.”

“We did the best we could on Ewing. You can’t stop him. That’s how good he is.”

Indiana 117, Portland 112--Just a week ago the Trail Blazers were putting heavy pressure on the Lakers. They were talking about taking over first place in the Pacific Division.

Two things have happened that suddenly have the Trail Blazers more concerned with third place than first.

First, their leading scorer, Clyde Drexler, sprained his ankle. Next, the Trail Blazers had to hit the road.

With Reggie Miller scoring 35 points, the Trail Blazers lost their third road game in a row and are only a game ahead of third-place Phoenix, now the hot club in the West.

Miller had 20 points in the first quarter to pick up the Pacers, who missed their first eight shots and fell behind, 11-2. Then Chuck Person scored his 15 points in the second half to thwart the Portland hopes.

Boston 115, Denver 107--Things are looking up for the Celtics. They completed an eight-game, 13-day trip with a victory at Denver, their second in a row.

And, their No. 1 draft choice, Michael Smith, has blossomed as a starter. Furthermore, they return home only three games out of first place in the Atlantic Division.

Smith, who averaged three points coming off the bench, has scored 40 points in the past two games as a starter at forward.

He had 24 points (11 for 18) to lead the Celtics.

Chicago 107, New Jersey 106--There may be doubt on some clubs about who to go to in the clutch, but not on the Bulls.

With the Bulls trailing by a point in overtime at East Rutherford, N.J., the 20,049 fans and all the players knew who would get the ball.

Michael Jordan got it and sank an 18-foot jumper with 25 seconds left. When Purvis Short lost the ball out of bounds, the Bulls ran out the final six seconds to win their fifth in a row. The Nets have lost 16 out of 17.

Seattle 110, Golden State 102--Derrick McKey scored 11 of his 33 points in the final four minutes, powering the SuperSonics to their fifth consecutive victory at Seattle.

Rookie guard Dana Barros scored a career-high 26 points, including a three-point basket that put Seattle ahead to stay, 94-92. It was the Warriors’ sixth straight loss.

Dallas 87, Minnesota 82--Sam Perkins scored 20 points, including two free throws with 11 seconds left at Minneapolis to help the Mavericks win their seventh win in the last eight games.

Minnesota led, 66-60, after three quarters, but scored only 16 points in the last quarter.

Cleveland 102, Charlotte 86--The Cavaliers are showing signs of playing back to last season’s form. Plagued by injuries for half the season, the Cavaliers are charging into the playoffs.

Larry Nance, who missed 16 games, had 24 points at Richfield, Ohio, to lead the Cavaliers to an easy win, their third in a row and ninth in the last 14.

Milwaukee 113, Miami 108--The Bucks built a 23-point lead in the third quarter at Miami, then barely withstood the Heat’s closing thrust.

It took three free throws in the last 15 seconds by Ricky Pierce to assure the Bucks their fourth victory in a row.