McDyess, who had surgery Saturday in Michigan, returned to contribute 10 points and four rebounds in the Pistons' 93-84 win in Game 4 last night. The veteran was especially effective in the first half, when he scored eight points.

"We got a guy, operated on yesterday . . . [who] was throwing up last night, has a broken nose, and was competing harder than anybody on the floor," Pistons coach Flip Saunders said. "That shows you how bad he really wants it."

McDyess played slightly more than 20 energy-filled minutes.

"I felt good, and I was surprised," McDyess said. "I don't know if I was playing off adrenaline because I didn't have any food in my system."

When McDyess entered the game wearing a protective mask with 2 minutes, 24 seconds left in the first quarter and the Sixers leading by 19-12, he was looking to make an immediate statement.

"I thought we weren't giving all we had, and I wanted to be more vocal and try to get them into it," McDyess said.

Simple explanation

"Our defense was there, but our offense, we beat ourselves tonight as far as unforced turnovers and giving them offensive rebounds," said Miller, who had 13 points and three assists.

The Sixers committed 19 turnovers and allowed 15 offensive rebounds.

Young grinds it out

During Friday's 95-75 win, Young received a firsthand lesson in physical play when he suffered a bloody nose on a foul by Jason Maxiell.

"It's still a little swollen, but I can play," Young said before last night's game.

The rookie forward led the Sixers with 15 points.

The next game

- Marc Narducci