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The Pistons have won four of five, while the Hornets lost for just the second time in seven games. New Orleans was missing David West, who sprained his right ankle Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Chauncey Billups added 17 for Detroit and Tayshaun Prince had 13.
New Orleans got 21 points from Peja Stojakovic and Chris Paul added 14 points and 14 assists.
The Hornets quieted the early afternoon crowd by scoring the first 11 points, but Jason Maxiell brought the fans back into the game with a spectacular block of Tyson Chandler's dunk attempt. Detroit was within 26-21 by the end of the first quarter, then took over the game behind Hayes in the second.
He hit five 3-pointers and finished with 19 points in the quarter -- one more than the entire New Orleans team. In all, the Pistons outscored New Orleans 34-18 in the second to take a 55-44 halftime lead.
The teams played evenly in the third and the Pistons took a 77-66 advantage into the final period.
Hayes, however, got going again in the fourth, hitting a short jumper and a 3-pointer on Detroit's first two possessions. The Pistons led by as many as 24 down the stretch.
Notes: The Pistons' backups had 29 points in the first half compared to six for New Orleans' reserves. ... Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson sat courtside. ... The Pistons trailed by 15 in the first quarter before rallying to beat the Hornets 91-76 in New Orleans on Dec. 5. ... New Orleans has lost seven of eight to Detroit. ... Detroit hit 14 3-pointers, one short of a franchise record.
[Associated Press]
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