Five Pistons Score in Double Figures As Detroit Takes a 2–0 Lead Over Magic
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Detroit’s balance was too much for Orlando’s two-player attack.
Richard Hamilton scored 22 points, one of four Pistons with at least 17, to lead Detroit to a 98–90 victory over the Magic on Monday night and a 2-0 lead in their first-round series.
Hedo Turkoglu scored 22 points and Grant Hill had 21 for Orlando to prevent it from being a rout, but their teammates — particularly Dwight Howard — didn’t do enough to give the Magic any shot at evening the best-of-seven series.
Howard was held to eight points and didn’t score in the second half until the final minute, when the game was essentially over.
Game 3 is Thursday night in Orlando.
The Pistons were in control for much of the game, but just like the opener, Orlando rallied late to make the final score look respectable.
Detroit led by 15 points early in the fourth quarter, but were ahead by just six with 1 1/2 minutes left.
On the ensuing possession, Billups ended Orlando’s comeback hopes with a three-point play.
The Pistons won Game 1 on Saturday night 100–92.
Each of Detroit’s starters scored at least 10 points and top reserve Antonio McDyess added nine points and 11 rebounds.
The Magic, meanwhile, didn’t have a third player in double figures until the final minute of the game when former Piston Darko Milicic scored his 10th point — all in the fourth quarter.
