MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Chauncey Billups forced a second overtime with a clutch three-pointer Friday night and the Detroit Pistons went on to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 104-98.
The Pistons led, 86-81, in the first overtime before Minnesota ran off eight straight points. Mike James forced up a three-point shot that put the Timberwolves ahead, 89-86.
But Billups got the ball at the top of the arc and drilled a three to send the game into a second overtime.
The Pistons made the most of the chance, scoring 10 of the first 13 points in the second extra period. A Chris Webber jump shot made it 101-94, and ended Minnesota's chances.
Minnesota's Kevin Garnett and Detroit's Antonio McDyess were ejected from the game after McDyess forearmed Mark Madsen and Garnett threw the ball at him. No punches were thrown but the players left with the score tied, 70-70, in the fourth period.
Richard Hamilton scored 26 points and Billups had 25 for the Pistons.
Mark Blount had 22 points and 15 rebounds for the Timberwolves. Garnett had 14 points and 19 rebounds before being ejected.
