It was the Pistons' sixth straight win over the SuperSonics since December 5, 1997. The victory gives Detroit five wins in their last seven contests overall.
Atkins' five 3-pointers in the period were one short of the club record set by Allan Houston on March 10, 1995 against Denver.
 Detroit's Clifford Robinson gets a little push against the Sonics. Gregory Shamus NBAE/Getty Images |
The Pistons used an 8-1 run over the last 2:03 to seal the victory. Jerry Stackhouse, who had missed his first 10 shots from the arc, finally hit one to tie it, 90-90. Stackhouse played despite suffering a groin injury.
"I have a lot greater appreciation for Jerry after tonight," Pistons coach Rick Carlisle said. "I met with him earlier in the day and he said he was 85 percent at best and did what he could."
"Stackhouse is giving it up a little bit this year and he's making the other players better," Sonics guard Brent Barry said.
Detroit was just 9-of-32 from 3-point range, breaking the team record of 28 attempts, also set on March 10, 1995.
"Rick is a shooter's coach," Atkins said. "If you have an open shot, he expects you to take it."
Rookie Vladimir Radmanovic made 1-of-2 free throws with 1:01 to go to give Seattle a 91-90 lead. Corliss Williamson's layup -- overruled from a jump ball -- gave Detroit the lead for good and Atkins hit 1-of-2 free throws with 26 seconds left for a 93-91 edge.
"Hue (referee Hue Hollins) told me that the ball was released," Sonics coach Nate McMillan said. "In my judgment, it has to hit the floor. I never saw it hit the floor. When you come down with it, it has to be either a travel or a jump ball."
Williamson had 17 points, shooting 7-of-11 from the field and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line.
"Corliss has been something for us," Carlisle said.
Radmanovic drove awkwardly to the basket and his pass was not handled by Vin Baker. Stackhouse corraled the loose ball and was fouled, making two free throws with 2.4 seconds left.
Unhappily buried on the bench earlier this season, Atkins is averaging 21.6 points over his last five games.
"Chucky really helped us when we were dangling in the third quarter," Carlisle said. "He's got a lot more confidence in his shot. You can see that."
Gary Payton led the Sonics with his 13th career triple-double as he posted 21 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists. The rebounds were one short of his career high on December 20, 2000.
The Sonics were 11-of-20 from the line and have lost four of their last five games.
"We made a lot of mistakes," Payton said. "We missed free throws, we didn't execute down the stretch. It's just one of those things."
Barry chipped in 17 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including 4-of-6 from the arc.
"The free throws are what really hurt at the end," Payton added. "When you (are) 11-for-20, it hurts. If we make those free throws, we probably win the game."
Seattle led by as much 24-9 with 2:04 left in the first quarter on layup by Rashard Lewis, who scored 21 points.
But Detroit pulled within two at halftime before Atkins gave it its first lead, 52-51, on a 3-pointer 1:31 into the third.
Williamson gave the Pistons an 81-74 lead with 8:21 left before the Sonics went on a 9-2 run and tied the game on Barry's free throws.
Seattle committed 21 turnovers which led to 27 points for the Detroit.
"Missed free throws, 20 turnovers and that usually results in a loss," McMillan said. "We allowed them to stay around in the second half and eventually win the game."