Pistons stun Lakers in Game One of NBA finals
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-06-07 13:27

Chauncey Billups scored 22 points to help the Detroit Pistons stun the Los Angeles Lakers 87-75 in Game One of the NBA finals at the Staples Center in Los Angeles Sunday.

Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups kicks out his leg as he celebrates a three-point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during Game 1 of the 2004 NBA Finals at the Staples Center in Los Angeles June 6, 2004. Billups led his team with 22 points as the Pistons took Game 1 of the best-of-seven series 87-75. [Reuters]

For the Lakers, giant center Shaquille O'Neal was at his dominant best with 34 points. Kobe Bryant picked up 25 points but Hollywood's favorite team was let down by poor performances from the supporting cast.

Los Angeles Lakers Shaquille O'Neal looks on from the bench during the Detroit Pistons 87-75 win over the Lakers during Game 1 of the NBA Finals in Los Angeles, June 6, 2004. O'Neal scored a game-high 34 points in the loss. [Reuters]

Detroit's intense and highly-rated defense seemed to unsettle most of the Lakers including future Hall-of-Famers Karl Malone and Gary Payton, who recorded only four and three points respectively.

The Lakers bench was even worse, scoring a combined four points versus 19 points contributed by their Detroit counterparts. Los Angeles shot 39 percent from the field against 46 percent by Detroit.

Los Angeles ended a closely contested first-half with a narrow 41-40 lead but the Pistons started to take control early in the third quarter, ending that period with a 64-58 edge.

Detroit Pistons center Rasheed Wallace drives to the hoop past Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal for two points during Game 1 of the NBA Finals in Los Angeles, June 6, 2004. [Reuters]

Detroit's lead was never seriously threatened during the fourth quarter. Forward Rasheed Wallace was the second top scorer for the Pistons with 14 points.

Game Two in the best-of-seven series will again be in Los Angeles Tuesday.

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