The AP reports: The Detroit Pistons beat up Orlando physically and mentally. They shoved Dwight Howard out of his comfort zone and pushed the Magic’s buttons during heated exchanges, leading to Detroit’s 91-72 win Saturday night in Game 1 of their second-round series… The game got emotional at times, leading to technicals against Rasheed Wallace along with Orlando’s Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis… Howard had a relatively quiet night with 12 points, eight rebounds and three blocks after being the first player to score 20 points and grab 20 rebounds in three playoff games since Wilt Chamberlain did it in 1972… Detroit took control with a 19-3 run in the third quarter and after the Magic pulled within seven points, the Pistons put them away with a 17-4 burst to open the fourth quarter.
InsideHoops.com Stat Notes: Neither team shot particularly well, but the Pistons at least managed 3-of-8 three-pointers, while the Magic hit an awful 2-of-15. Free throw attempts were similar, but the Magic missed half, going just 10-of-20. The Pistons had more rebounds, more assists, and half the turnovers.
For the Pistons, Chauncey Billups had 19 points and 7 assists. Richard Hamilton had 17 points and 6 rebounds. Tayshaun Prince (just 6-of-16) had 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Jason Maxiell, who started in place of Antonio McDyess (10 points, 5 rebounds off bench) had 12 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks.
For the Magic, Rashard Lewis (20 shots, no free throws) had 18 points and 7 rebounds. Hedo Turkoglu (16 shots) had 18 points and 7 rebounds. Dwight Howard had just 12 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks. No other Magic players scored double-digits or did much of anything else.