In National Basketball Association playoff action Tuesday, the defending NBA champion Detroit Pistons beat the Philadelphia 76ers 99-84 to take a two games to none lead in their Eastern Conference first round series. Detroit's Richard Hamilton led all scorers with 23 points.
The Miami Heat also took a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference series against New Jersey by beating the Nets 104-87 in Miami. Alonzo Mourning came off the bench to lead the Heat with 21 points while Shaquille O'Neal added 14 points and 10 rebounds.
In the first round series in the Western Conference, the Seattle Supersonics took a 2-0 series lead over the Sacramento Kings, winning in Seattle, 105-93. Seattle's Ray Allen led all scorers with 26 points. The Sonics are looking to win their first playoff series since 1998.