San Antonio won the first two games of this series easily — 84-69 and 97-76 — then were routed on the road — 96-79 and 102-71 — before Sunday’s one-point thriller.

Lindsey Hunter said the Pistons simply have to play with more effort on their return trip to Texas.

“Play the way we played here — that’s the bottom line,” said Hunter, the last player to leave Detroit’s locker room.

Hamilton said the Pistons have to stay connected, like they have throughout their turbulent season.

“We win together and we lose together,” he said.

Win or lose, the Pistons might be playing for Brown for the last time this week.

Brown plans to check into a hospital shortly after the season to address a medical problem that developed after complications from hip surgery early in the season. If surgeons are not able to correct his problems, Brown plans to retire from coaching.

Slide show: The Week in Sports Pictures   Oct. 3 - 9 Images from the baseball playoffs, NFL, college football, and more.

“This is what I love,” said Brown, whose coaching career began with the ABA’s Carolina Cougars in 1972. “I’ve been stealing for so long. I haven’t gone to work since I’ve been doing this. This is so much fun and I appreciate that I’ve been able to do something that I’ve always wanted to do. It would be hard not teaching and coaching.”

If Brown can’t coach, he is expected to be an executive, perhaps with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“The only issue I’ve ever had is if I’m healthy enough to do this,” he insisted. “Mentally, I feel fine. Physically, the lifestyle is the one thing I’m concerned about.

“I never thought I would retire. If I’m healthy enough, I’m going to keep doing this until somebody says I can’t.”