But when called upon, the second-year guard usually comes through.

Sunday night was no different, as Afflalo's 12 points off the bench played an important role in Detroit's 104-97 win against Charlotte.

"It's been a two-year thing, playing when available," said Afflalo, who made each of his four shot attempts and three

3-pointers.

"Mentally, I'm trying to stay tough and smart with the whole situation to where I'm in a situation where the minutes are more stable."

Afflalo played well in the first half Sunday, but his role became even more important when Richard Hamilton was ejected at the end of the third quarter.

Besides guarding Charlotte's backcourt, Afflalo also spent time defending 6-foot-9 Gerald Wallace and 6-10 Vladimir Radmanovic.

"It's tough, but I approach them all the same way," Afflalo said. "Try to be aggressive and play to my advantage, depending on who I'm competing against."

Iverson Charlotte bound?

With Allen Iverson becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer, there are some who think he and Larry Brown, who coached the

10-time all-star in Philadelphia, will reunite in Charlotte, where Brown now coaches the Bobcats.

Charlotte is one of the Eastern Conference's up-and-coming teams, but they are not close to becoming a title contender.

"I know at this stage in Allen's career, that has to be paramount on his mind," Brown said.

"Anybody who feels they're close, I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people step up. I know a lot of players have a lot of respect for him, so we'll see."

Prince playing through pain

Tayshaun Prince still is having some discomfort after hurting his right elbow Saturday in the fourth quarter of Detroit's loss at Philadelphia.

With 2:47 to play, Prince was fouled hard by former Piston Theo Ratliff.

Prince played Sunday's game with a black sleeve on his right arm.

Prince honored

Before Sunday's game, Prince was presented with a gold ring for being part of Team USA's gold-medal squad at last summer's Beijing Olympics.