Pistons evens the series

First – It was Philadelphia’s turn for missing easy shots early as the Sixers started 3 of 13, which included missing two lob dunk attempts on nice feeds from Andre Miller. The Pistons’ first four baskets came from different players – all starters but Chauncey Billups. Four early turnovers – one on a bad call when the shot clock started too soon – prevented the Pistons from taking an even bigger early lead. The Pistons shot 58 percent to Philadelphia’s 35 percent and outrebounded them 14-7, yet wound up leading by only seven despite an 11-point, four-rebound quarter from Rasheed Wallace. Score: PISTONS 25, Philadelphia 18.

Second – Rodney Stuckey gave the Pistons some good minutes early, though it was obvious that Miller wanted to go right at him. Stuckey played him decently, but Miller – as crafty as they come – helped Philly stay close, creeping to within four points. Antonio McDyess came back off the bench and hit three jump shots as the Pistons pushed the lead to 10 points with just under five minutes to go in the half. The flukey baskets that enabled Philadelphia to stay close evaporated as the 76ers went six straight possessions without scoring, committing turnovers on four of them during a 10-0 run that expanded the lead to 16 late in the quarter. Score: PISTONS 53, Philadelphia 36.

Third – No Philly third-quarter comeback this time. The 76ers scored the first point of the third quarter to cut their 17-point deficit by one, but the Pistons then began stretching it out relentlessly. Billups got going with two 3-point shots and a conventional three-point play, McDyess continued to raise the bar on hustle plays and Philadelphia got nothing going offensively. The Pistons stretched the lead to 28 before settling for a 22-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter. Before the quarter was out, Amir Johnson and Arron Afflalo had made their playoff debuts. Score: PISTONS 84, Philadelphia 62.

Fourth - You know it’s probably a good night – or, perhaps, a very bad night – when the Zoo Crew is on the floor to start the final quarter. But they were, save for Hamilton instead of Jarvis Hayes, who came on midway through the quarter. The Pistons’ backups held the lead comfortably around 20 until the final three minutes, when Philadelphia’s backups started chipping away a little. Good experience for Stuckey, Afflalo and Johnson to put in the bank. Score: PISTONS 105, Philadelphia 88.

The Pistons avenged their Game 1 loss to the Sixers on Sunday by routing the Sixers, 105-88, on Wednesday at the Palace at Auburn Hills.

The best-of-seven first-round series between the two teams is now tied at 1-1.

Richard Hamilton scored a game-high 20 points while three Pistons chipped in with 16 apiece: Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess, who also grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds.

Lou Williams led the Sixers with 17 points, Andre Miller contributed 14 and Reggie Evans posted 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Detroit dominated from start to finish, leading Philadelphia for almost the entire game. The Sixers' only taste of the lead came during the opening minute, when Willie Green scored the game's first basket. The Pistons then scored the next nine points of the game and never looked back.

The Pistons went on a 14-3 run to end the half up by 17 points, 53-36.

Game 3 shifts to Philadelphia on Friday. Tipoff will be at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

At least Flip is learning now how to stay positive rather than staying overrated.