Auburn Hills, MI (Sports Network) - Rodney Stuckey led a well-balanced attack with 20 points and dished out six assists as the suddenly hot Detroit Pistons defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 103-89, at the Palace of Auburn Hills. After the game, Stuckey attributed the win to penetrating and passing more.
Tayshaun Prince had 19 points and Greg Monroe posted 16 points and nine rebounds as the Pistons find themselves in their first three-game win streak of the season.
Charlie Villanueva came off the bench to chip in 15 points for the victors and Ben Gordon added 11 points.
It was Dallas superstar Dirk Nowitzki's second game back after missing nine games with a knee injury, but his return has not resonated with the team despite his 32 point, five rebound and five assist performance in the loss to the Pistons. The Mavericks continue to slide after finishing a four-game road trip winless and have dropped the last six overall.
Jason Terry was the only other Dallas player to post double-digit scoring with 18 points.