Chauncey Billups scored nine of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, including four clutch free throws in the final 23.8 seconds as the Detroit Pistons edged the Maiami Heat 92-88 to even the Eastern Conference finals Thursday in Detroit.

The Heat earned a 91-86 victory in Game 1 Tuesday night, but couldn't contain the front line of Tayshaun Prince and Rasheed Wallace in Game 2. Prince had 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Wallace tallied 16 points and seven boards.

Richard Hamilton had 22 points and Ben Wallace pulled down 12 boards for the Pistons, who led with 18 point in the third quarter.

Dwyane Wade tallied 32 points and seven assists, but had nine turnovers for the Heat. Shaquille O'Neal added 21 points and 12 rebounds.

Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is Saturday at Miami.

The Heat scored 17 points in the last 1:46 before the defending Eastern Conference champions held on. It was a frantic finish, one that featured a missed timeout call and a spectacular shot from Wade.

Billups' two free throws boosted Detroit to a 90-83 lead with 23.8 seconds left, but Walker scored a quick layup. Prince then couldn't get the ball inbounds and called for time, but referee Dick Bavetta didn't grant the stoppage and instead signaled for a five-second call, giving possession to Miami.

Jason Williams missed a three-pointer from the right corner, but Wade got the ball at the other side, and nearly falling out of bounds, drained a rainbow shot to bring the Heat within 90-88 with 9.8 seconds left.

Billups, who ended 7-of-7 at the foul line, hit two more from the charity stripe with 8.7 seconds to go, and Lindsey Hunter stole the ball from Wade to end the contest.

Editor: Donald