Forward J.J. Hickson had 20 points and 11 rebounds as the Cleveland Cavaliers ended the Detroit Pistons' three-game winning streak, 110-101, at The Palace Monday night. Hickson collected his 10th in the last 12 games and 27th this season. The Pistons' home finale was marred by a fourth-quarter altercation between Cleveland center Ryan Hollins and Detroit forward Charlie Villanueva that resulted in the ejection of both players. Villanueva had to be restrained from going after Hollins as he was escorted from the court and was also blocked by security officials from entering the visitors' locker room to confront Hollins. Villanueva claimed that Hollins riled him by throwing an elbow. Hollins grabbed Villanueava at the other end when Villanueva tried to set a pick and Villanueva responded by pushing him in the face.
Daniel Gibson scored seven points in a 12-1 Cavs run late in the third quarter, allowed his club to stretch a two-point advantage to 86-73. The Pistons never got closer than six the remainder of the game.
"You just don't want it to escalate like that", Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson said. "There were a lot of expletives exchanged that I don't think I can repeat, but that stuff happens when your competitive nature kicks in and you just hope it doesn't go as far as it did."
Christian Eyenga had 13 points and grabbed 3 rebounds. The Cavaliers are 18-63 and the Pistons are 29-52.