The Milwaukee Bucks faced down their Midwest Division rival–the Detroit Pistons?–Sunday and gained sole possession of first place with an 89-82 win.
The Bulls visit Detroit on Wednesday, and the Pistons, a 32-win team last season, have been a quiet surprise in the Eastern Conference, going 31-23 thanks to the clever moves of quiet GM Joe Dumars.
“I was looking for someone as a coach who I knew was ready to put the time and energy needed to turn a team around,” said Dumars of hiring Pacers assistant Rick Carlisle. “Rick has relished the role and the players have all bought into his style.”
Carlisle is decidedly even-tempered. But his demeanor kept the Pistons from giving up after a quick start and fade. Deals for Cliff Robinson, Corliss Williamson, Zeljiko Rebraca and Jon Barry have given the Pistons, along with Ben Wallace coming in the Grant Hill defection, a solid core to support Jerry Stackhouse.
“This is probably the hardest-working team I have ever played on,” said Barry.
