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RECAP
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BOX SCORE
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 GAME FLOW
TORONTO (AP) -- Jerry Stackhouse took the preseason predictions
about the Detroit Pistons personally.
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| Stackhouse |
Stackhouse scored a career-high 44 points as the Detroit Pistons
began the post-Grant Hill era with a 104-95 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night.
"Just keep saying what you've been saying," Stackhouse told reporters. "We're not that good. We just had a good start. We'll see. Time will tell."
Stackhouse, upset that Detroit is being taken lightly heading into the new season, scored 19 points in the third quarter and the Pistons led by as many as 19 in the period.
With Hill having joined the Orlando Magic, Stackhouse has become
the Pistons' leader.
"Last year was a situation where it was kind of a duo thing
with Grant Hill and myself," Stackhouse said. "Now, I think we're really a true team where we have efforts out of all the guys that
make up a winning team. It's very early so hopefully we come out of
this with some good confidence and we can start dispelling some of
those myths about the kind of team we have without Grant Hill."
Vince Carter had 26 points for Toronto, but fouled out with 1:19
remaining.
|  | | Ben Wallace flushes home two of his nine points for the Raptors. He also corralled in 12 rebounds. |
Stackhouse and Carter, who both played at North Carolina, guarded each other for most for the game.
"He hit shots. It was his night tonight. My hat is off to
him," Carter said.
A 3-pointer by rookie Morris Peterson brought Toronto within
seven points with 2:50 left, but Stackhouse assisted on a layup by Chucky Atkins to make it 99-90. After a steal by Peterson, Kevin
Willis' layup made it 99-92. Carter committed his sixth foul as
Stackhouse went up for a 6-foot jumper.
Stackhouse's two free throws gave Detroit a 101-92 lead with
just over a minute remaining.
"Jerry was sensational. He was unbelievable at times," Detroit
coach George Irvine said. "When Toronto was doubling him at the
end, he was looking to make plays."
Stackhouse also had five rebounds and three assists. Just before he converted a fastbreak dunk in the third quarter, he looked over his shoulder at Carter.
"Me and Vince play all the time," Stackhouse said. "This game is just one of many."
Atkins added 21 points and seven assists for Detroit.
Stackhouse scored 16 points and Atkins had 13 as Detroit led
56-46 at halftime.
"I've never played with a two-guard like Jerry," Atkins said.
"He's the leader of this team."
Game notes
Stackhouse's previous career high was 40 against Denver
last March 8. ... Stackhouse made nine of 10 free throws and was
17-for-35 from the field. ... Peterson and Detroit's Mateen
Cleaves, who led Michigan State to the NCAA title, played their
first NBA game. The natives of Flint, Mich., have known each other
since they were 7. "I think the whole city of Flint came here. It
was like, the last person out of town, please turn out the
lights," said Peterson, who finished with 14 points. Cleaves had
4. ... Carter and Charles Oakley have been named co-captains by coach Lenny Wilkens. ... Wilkens, the NBA's winningest coach, lost his Toronto debut. ... Antonio Davis of the Raptors played in his 500th game and celebrated his 32nd birthday.
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ALSO SEE
NBA Scoreboard
Detroit Clubhouse
Toronto Clubhouse
RECAPS
Charlotte 106
Atlanta 82
Cleveland 86
New Jersey 82
Orlando 97
Washington 86
Dallas 97
Milwaukee 93
Philadelphia 101
New York 72
Detroit 104
Toronto 95
Sacramento 100
Chicago 81
Minnesota 106
Houston 98
San Antonio 98
Indiana 85
Utah 107
LA Clippers 94
Golden State 96
Phoenix 94
LA Lakers 96
Portland 86
Vancouver 94
Seattle 88
AUDIO/VIDEO
 Jerry Stackhouse catches fire against Toronto with a career-high 44 points.
avi: 1024 k
RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1
Vince Carter starts his highlight reel in the Raptors' opener against the Pistons.
avi: 662 k
RealVideo: 56.6 | ISDN | T1
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