NBA-Bulls hold off Pistons for first win of season

CHICAGO, Nov 8 (Reuters) - The Chicago Bulls picked up a first victory of the season on Thursday, a 97-93 decision over the previously undefeated Detroit Pistons inspired by Tyrus Thomas's 19 points and 14 rebounds.

The Bulls had lost four straight games to open the campaign but their balanced play proved too strong for the Pistons, despite 36 points from Rasheed Wallace.

"This was a must-win game for us," guard Kirk Hinrich, who also had 14 assists, told reporters.

Five Chicago players, including Thomas, scored in double figures; Luol Deng had 17, Ben Gordon 16, Joe Smith 13 and Andres Nocioni 10.

Thomas's free throw with 2.9 seconds remaining wrapped up the win.

The Bulls had enjoyed a 12-point second-quarter lead before Wallace dominated the third, scoring 14 points, to pull the Pistons (3-1) back into contention.

Richard Hamilton's jumper brought Detroit within one at 94-93 with 1:35 remaining.

Hamilton, who finished with 18 points, fouled Gordon with 27 seconds left but the Bulls shooting guard missed the second of two free throws to give Detroit another chance.

Wallace failed to connect on a turnaround jumper, though, and Smith got the rebound for Chicago and was fouled with 13 seconds to go.

Still, the Bulls could not seal the win.

Smith made only one of two free throws, pushing the score to 96-93, but leaving Detroit within a three-pointer of a tie.

Hamilton took the shot, but missed the three-point attempt and Thomas hauled in the rebound and was fouled with 2.9 seconds to go.

He failed to convert on the first of two free throws, but made the second to ensure victory.

*Richard Jefferson's game-winning free throws highlighted a 25-point performance as the New Jersey Nets kept the Washington Wizards winless with an 87-85 home victory.

Vince Carter added 24 points for the Nets, who trailed by 20 points in the second quarter.

Antawn Jamison had 24 points with Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas scoring 21 each for the Wizards (0-4).

*Josh Howard and Jason Terry each scored 24 points and Dirk Nowitzki had 22 as the Dallas Mavericks won their third straight game with a 120-115 road victory over the winless Golden State Warriors. Baron Davis had 37 points for the Warriors (0-5). (Writing by Gene Cherry in Salvo, North Carolina; Editing by John O'Brien)