The Detroit Pistons used a strong second half and another All-Star level performance from center Greg Monroe to beat the visiting New Orleans Hornets, 89-87.
Monroe continued his strong play of late with 24 points and 16 rebounds, including six offensive rebounds to keep possessions alive for the Pistons. Monroe also helped secure the win late as the Pistons were able to answer a late surge by the Hornets.
Detroit scored six points in the final minute to hold off New Orleans, with Monroe and Rodney Stuckey each making pair of free throws in the final minute to give Detroit a six-point lead with 23 seconds left which was enough to overcome a pair of missed free throws by Walker Russell a few seconds later.
Russell was pressed into action after roookie guard Brandon Knight left the game midway through the first quarter with a broken nose. Knight was unable to return and will have his nose set before returning to the court in a Rip Hamilton mask. With guards Ben Gordon and Will Bynum already on the shelf, Russell played pretty well with nine points and four assists while Rodney Stuckey added 17 points.
The Pistons have a rare, three full days off to rest and practice before playing their next game at New Jersey on Wednesday.
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