"At this point, we have to keep fighting because it's coming down to the wire. We need to continue to just fight and win these games to be in the playoffs."

Detroit has another chance to improve its playoff position tonight against Houston, although it likely will have to come without Richard Hamilton who did not play Tuesday because of a left groin injury.

Coach Michael Curry and his players were pleased with the team's effort Tuesday, but a second consecutive defeat dropped the Pistons to 33-33 and seventh in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

"We have to do something," said Detroit's Arron Afflalo, who had 16 points while starting in place of Hamilton. "It was a good effort and everything, but ..."

It was still a loss, something this team can ill afford this late in the season.

The Pistons seemed on the verge of getting blown out early.

Dallas opened the game with an 8-2 run and led by as many as nine points in the first quarter. The Mavericks pulled ahead by as many as 17 points in the second quarter before settling on a 54-45 halftime lead.

Tayshaun Prince, who led all Detroit scorers with 28 points, had 15 in the first half.

Dallas' control never seemed in doubt until the Pistons mounted a furious fourth quarter rally with Will Bynum leading the way.

His layup with 18 seconds to play cut Dallas' lead to 98-95. Jason Terry, who had 18 points off the Dallas bench, made two free throws to push Dallas' lead to 100-95. Bynum scored on another layup to make it a one-possession game, only to have Dirk Nowitzki make one of two free throws for a 101-97 lead.

Detroit got within two points, but could not inch any closer as the Mavericks swept the regular season series.

"My confidence is getting better and better," said Bynum, who had a career-high 19 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter.