NBA: Detroit 93, Minnesota 85

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Richard Hamilton scored 24 points Wednesday night as Detroit welcomed back Coach Larry Brown with a 93-85 victory over Minnesota.

Brown missed five games because of hip surgery and had originally planned to skip this one. But he decided at the last minute to spend the night on the bench and he limped onto the court to a huge ovation from the home fans.

Chauncey Billips scored 19 of his 21 in the second half for the Pistons and Tayshaun Prince hit nine of 13 for 19 points.

Minnesota was paced by 24 points each from Kevin Garnett and Latrell Sprewell. The Timberwolves led by seven during the third quarter, but fell victim to a 24-6 Detroit run.