AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 31 (UPI) -- Richard Hamilton had 28 points and five steals Wednesday night as Detroit pulled away for a 108-99 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
The NBA's best defensive team, the Pistons collected a season-high 18 steals against the mistake-prone Clippers. Mike James also had five steals as the Pistons forced 22 turnovers, converting them into 31 points.
Hamilton scored five points in 13-0 run that bridged the third and fourth quarters, turning a four-point deficit into an 86-77 advantage with 10:09 remaining.
Chauncey Billups added 21 points and Mehmet Okur 19 for the Pistons, who were eliminated from Central Division title contention when Indiana beat Milwaukee.
Detroit (48-27) already has clinched a playoff berth.
