Detroit Pistons guard Richard Hamilton (32) drives into Houston Rockets guard Luther Head (2). Hamilton scored 17 points to lead the Pistons to a 94-82 win Sunday night. Detroit (20-7) has won five straight and 12 of 14, and joins Boston as the only teams with 20 victories. Houston has lost four of its last five.



Houston Rockets guard Rafer Alston (12) leaps between Detroit Pistons' Antonio McDyess, left, and Rasheed Wallace during the first half. McDyess and Rasheed Wallace added double-doubles, helping the Detroit Pistons beat the shorthanded Houston Rockets.



The Rockets started the night near full strength, but their two stars both left with injuries. Yao Ming missed most of the second half after needing four stitches to close a facial cut. Tracy McGrady didn't come out for the second half after aggravating a sore knee.



McDyess drives to the basket during the second half. He finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds - his fifth straight game with at least 10 rebounds - and Wallace had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Jason Maxiell had 14 points off the bench for Detroit. The Pistons led by 20 early in the fourth quarter, and Houston never threatened to get back into the game.