AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Detroit Pistons center Ben Wallace left Saturday night's game against New Jersey at halftime after learning that his mother had been taken to an Alabama hospital, where she later died.

Pistons President Joe Dumars -- who was in contact with siblings of Wallace throughout the game -- said Wallace's mother, Sadie Wallace, passed away Saturday evening in Alabama.

Dumars said Wallace and his wife flew to Alabama on the team plane to be with his family.

Wallace, who will start for the East in the All-Star Game next week, tied a team record with seven blocks in the first half against the Nets. He also grabbed seven rebounds and scored two points.