Philadelphia, May 18: Chauncey Billups scored 28 points as he led the Detroit Pistons to a Game Six 93-89 overtime defeat of the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday (May 16), winning their best-of-seven NBA Eastern Conference semi-final 4-2 and advancing to the Conference final where they will face the New Jersey Nets. Billups gave Detroit the victory with his third 3-pointer of the game with 15.2 seconds remaining in overtime to put the Pistons up by three. The point guard had sprained his left ankle in Game One of the series and only managed to play 23 minutes of Game Four before his return on Friday. Eric Snow's basket with 27.3 seconds left in regulation had put the Sixers ahead, but Billups tied the game with 14.6 seconds left when he hit a pair of free throws after being fouled by Snow. Philadelphia had a chance to win on the final possession, but could not get a shot off as time ran out. In overtime, the Pistons grabbed an 89-83 lead but Allen Iverson scored six consecutive points to tie the game once more with 1:12 on the clock. Billups then scored his decisive three-pointer with Chucky Atkins adding a free throw six seconds from the end to seal the series. Richard Hamilton added 19 points for the Pistons, while Corliss Williamson had 17 points off the bench.


Rookie Tayshaun Prince had 14 points, while Ben Wallace had 10 points and 18 rebounds. Allen Iverson was brilliant for the Sixers, leading all scorers with 38 points in a losing effort.


Derrick Coleman added 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Kenny Thomas added 12 points and 14 boards. The victory for the Pistons advanced them to the conference finals for the first time in 12 years. They will host the New Jersey Nets in Game One on Sunday (May 18) in Auburn Hills, Detroit.


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