Rockets 108, Pistons 100
Rookie Patrick Patterson had 11 of his career-high 20 points in the fourth quarter Tuesday night as the Houston Rockets held off the host Detroit Pistons 108-100.
While the rest of the Rockets struggled from the field, Patterson made 8 of 11 shots to lift Houston (27-31) to its fifth win in eight games.
Will Bynum led the way with 21 points for the Pistons (21-37), who have dropped five of seven.
With the teams exchanging leads throughout the fourth quarter, the Rockets seized a 100-94 advantage on seven straight points from Patterson, including a deft three-point play with 3:12 remaining.
A pair of Aaron Brooks free throws extended the advantage to eight with 2:02 left, and the Pistons didn't challenge again as the Rockets swept the two-game season series.
Houston emerged victorious despite getting some poor shooting performances from several key players. Luis Scola was 4 of 15, while Brooks finished 2 of 9 and Kevin Martin went 4 of 12.