The Pistons aren't deterred by a 4-game slide as their East lead starts eroding a bit

A week ago, the Detroit Pistons were flying high. Winners in eight of their last nine games and 5 1/2 games clear of Boston in the Eastern Conference, they looked well on their way to becoming a No. 1 seed. The Pistons' season-worst losing streak reached four games on Sunday night, when they fell 121-110 to the Miami Heat — and that comfortable lead atop the East over the Celtics is down to a mere 2 1/2 games.

By TIM REYNOLDS