The Pistons lost Allen Iverson with a groin strain against the Bulls, but Rodney Stuckey came to the rescue, scoring a career high 40 points to help Detroit to a 104-98 win at home, the Associated Press is reporting.

"We came out slow in the third quarter, and I knew I had to pick it up," said Stuckey, who topped his previous career high by 13 points. "My teammates were finding me; I was getting to the basket and getting to the free-throw line and I scored 40 points. I was just taking what the defense gave me."

Stuckey has been Detroit's best player since coach Michael Curry moved him into the starting lineup seven games ago.

"I've always felt, even last year, that he was ready to start," Curry said. "Tonight, he was dictating the game. He wants to be an All-Star, and he's working in that direction."