Basketball: No presents for Spurs as Pistons romp to win

NEW YORK - Chauncey Billups scored 20 points and grabbed six rebounds to guide the Detroit Pistons to an 85-70 win over the National Basketball Association (NBA) champions San Antonio Spurs today in a rematch of last year's final.

The clash at the Palace at Auburn Hills was the first meeting between Detroit and San Antonio since the Spurs claimed the title last year and a preview of what many predict will be this season's championship final.

Winners of the last three NBA crowns between them, both the Pistons and Spurs remain among the league's best topping their respective conferences.

The Pistons exacted a small measure of revenge for their finals defeat with a dominating display and extended their winning streak to seven games while improving their record to a league best 22-3.

The surging Pistons have won 13 of their last 14 games and have been almost unbeatable at home with a 10-1 record.

Rasheed Wallace contributed 14 points to the Pistons cause while Ben Wallace ruled the board pulling down a season best 21 rebounds while chipping in with 10 points.

Tony Parker paced the Spurs with 19 points while Tim Duncan was limited to 18 and 11 rebounds.

- REUTERS