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Herrmann shines off the bench as Pistons top Wizards

Nov 2, 2008 - 3:18 AM AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (Ticker) -- Richard Hamilton scored 24 points and Walter Herrmann had a big game off the bench to lead the Detroit Pistons to a 117-109 victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday.

Hamilton scored 16 of his points in the second half as Detroit overcame a one-point deficit by scoring 66 points.

Herrmann had 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists in 23 minutes for the Pistons. He made three 3-pointers, including one with 1:20 to go to extend Detroit's lead to 112-102.

"He was great. Once again, you can't just look at the shots he's making," Detroit coach Michael curry said. "He does a lot of other things we need, like his 1-on-1 defense.

"The offense seems to flow better when he's on the court because he does the basic things you sometimes get away from. He moves the basketball but he doesn't force the action. When you take care of the basketball, guys get shots."

Antawn Jamison scored 24 points and Nick Young added 23 off the bench for the Wizards.

Rasheed Wallace had 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Pistons, who relied on their bench in this one.

Herrmann was 6-of-9 from the field and led a strong effort from Detroit's reserves, who combined to score 55 points.

"When we play a smaller team, I can play either the three or four," Herrmann said. "When we play smaller, we play very open and we can penetrate. I'm playing more comfortable. When you play more minutes you have more confidence."

"Walter played the same way last year. He just didn't get the opportunity he's getting now," Detroit guard Chauncey Billups said. "He's very energetic. He's a great shooter, and a great finisher."

Jason Maxiell collected 11 points and seven rebounds while Rodney Stuckey scored 11 points and Kwame Brown, a former No. 1 pick by the Wizards, scored all eight of his points in the first half.

Caron Butler netted 21 points for Washington, which trailed 47-30 in the first half before going on a 16-0 run that Jamison capped with a 3-pointer. The Wizards eventually took a 52-51 lead as the half but could not string together any defensive stops in the second half.

"It was a big improvement from game one and that's what we're looking at - improvement," Washington coach Eddie Jordan said. "I thought it was a giant leap as far as improving. I know we lost the game, but there were a lot of positive signs. For us to score 109 points against a very, very good defensive team means that we are making strides."