The essence of Isiah Thomas, permanent card-carrying member of anyone’s list of the greatest point guards ever, was on display when he erupted for 22 points in the third quarter – and 30 in the second half – to push the Pistons ahead. The last of Clyde Drexler’s 34 points brought Portland all the way back from 16 down, but it was Thomas, of course, who took control back – his jumper from deep in the corner gave the Pistons back the lead for good. But the outcome wasn’t determined until after the final buzzer, as Danny Young’s launch from inside half-court came a fraction late, as Detroit moved to within a game of back-to-back titles.