Pistons clinch conference crown

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2007

DETROIT, United States (AFP) — Chauncey Billups collected 28 points and eight assists as Detroit clinched their second straight Eastern Conference title with a 104-99 win over Orlando on Wednesday.

Detroit (51-27) also wrapped up home-court advantage throughout the entire Eastern playoffs.

However, the Pistons were the top seed last season but fell in six games in the conference finals to the Miami Heat, who went on to capture the National Basketball Association title.

"With the players Joe (Dumars) brought here and what we've done since we've been here, this is pretty much what we came to play for," Pistons coach Flip Saunders said.

Wednesday's win also helped the Pistons clinch their fifth Central Division crown in six years and completed their...