--The Pistons' defense is back. They have held the opponent to less than 90 points for four straight games and seven of their last nine outings.
"We have been putting emphasis on it," Pistons coach Michael Curry said. "Over the last 10 games, our numbers defensively have been pretty good. We've been trying to keep our big lineup on the floor about 32 minutes per game. The last few games, we've been able to start a bigger lineup and you see it in the field goal percentage (allowed) and the plays we're making." --After the Kings' game, the Pistons head West for a four-game road trip that includes the Los Angeles Clippers, Portland, Denver and Utah. Other than the Clippers, the Pistons will be playing three playoff-caliber clubs. Portland and Utah have already beaten the Pistons at The Palace.
--The Pistons have gone through more rough stretches than usual during the first two months of the season but they're just one game behind the pace they set last season. They are 19-11 after going 20-10 through 30 games last season.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "In the last five games, we've been on the same page, but the best part is, we can only get better." -- G Allen Iverson on the Pistons' five-game winning streak.
