TORONTO, April 1 (UPI) -- Lenny Wilkens tied Bill Fitch for the most losses as an NBA coach as his Toronto Raptors fell behind early Tuesday night and were unable to come all the way back in a 92-85 setback to the Detroit Pistons.
Wilkens, who reportedly is in danger of losing his job at season's end, has 1,106 losses, tying Fitch. He can break the record in the finale of the home-and-home series Wednesday in Detroit.
After falling behind by 22 points, the Raptors rallied within 86-83 with 1:38 left on Rafer Alston's three-point play, which capped a 12-2 run. But former Raptor Chauncey Billups hit six free throws in the final minute to seal the victory for the Pistons.
Billups scored 17 points, going 11-of-11 from the line. Richard Hamilton led Detroit with 20 points.
The Pistons opened a 55-36 lead with 9:11 left in the third quarter on Clifford Robinson's 3-pointer. The Raptors did not get back within single digits until Vince Carter scored on a driving layup with 3:49 to play, making it 84-75.
Voshon Lenard scored 21 points and Carter added 20 for Toronto. Michael Bradley had 10 points and 14 rebounds for the Raptors.
The Pistons (47-26) moved 4 1/2 games ahead of the Indiana Pacers in their quest for a second straight Central Division title.
