The Detroit Pistons moved to 2-0 over the Washington Wizards this season after 98-94 victory Sunday night at the Palace. This game marked former Pistons coach Flip Saunders’ first game back at the Palace since being fired after the 2007-2008 season. The contest was even throughout the night, but the Wizards were not able to hang on long enough.

The Pistons were led in scoring by Rodney Stuckey, who had 25 points on 9-18 shooting despite struggling with foul trouble all game. Charlie Villanueva came off the bench again for the Pistons, netting 18 points, four boards, and five assists in 37 minutes of action.

Three other Pistons scored in double figures, including rookies Austin Daye and Jonas Jerebko. Daye had 11 points on a perfect 5-5 shooting night, while Jerebko scored 10 and grabbed 11 rebounds.

Wizards all-star Gilbert Arenas had an off night, scoring only eight points on 3-9 shooting. He also pitched in with nine assists and six rebounds. Caron Butler led all Wizards in scoring with 20, also grabbing ten boards. Easter Michigan alumni Earl Boykins led all Wizards in scoring off the bench with 18.

Both teams shot just over 40 percent from the field. The Pistons were an abysmal 20 percent from beyond the arc and only 66 percent from the free throw line.

Washington’s loss keeps them at the bottom of the Southeast Division. They are 8.5 games back of the division-leading Magic. Their next game is Thursday night against the visiting Boston Celtics on TNT.

This win puts Detroit in third place in the Central Division. Their next game is Wednesday night as they travel to Philadelphia to face the 76ers in what will be Allen Iverson’s second game back with his old team and his first game against the Pistons since his rocky departure from the Detroit months ago.