AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Larry Brown will return to Detroit to coach at least one more game. His defending champion Pistons made sure of it.
Detroit ensured that the Eastern Conference finals will last at least six games by defeating the Miami Heat, 106-96, last night in Game 4 of their best-of-seven series.
The series is knotted at 2-2 heading into Game 5 tomorrow night in Miami. Game 6 will be Saturday on Detroit's court in what could be Brown's final home game as coach of the Pistons.
Brown has met with the Cleveland Cavaliers about becoming their president of basketball operations, though he insisted yesterday he would like to continue coaching the Pistons if his health allows it.
Earlier yesterday, Indiana Pacers vice president David Morway announced he is no longer a candidate to become Cleveland's general manager, furthering speculation that Brown could join the Cavaliers. Morway was considered the front-runner to replace the fired Jim Paxson.
The Pistons' win last night also locked in June 9 as the start of the NBA Finals, which will open at the Western Conference champions' court.
Last night's performance was the Pistons' most dominant of the series after they lost Games 2 and 3.
"We're in much better shape than we were," Brown said. "We have to find a way to win one game on the road and take care of our own court."
Richard Hamilton scored 28 points and Rasheed Wallace added 20 for the Pistons.
The Heat's Shaquille O'Neal, limited by foul trouble, had 12 points and five rebounds. Teammate Dwyane Wade had 28 points. *
