Dwight Howard poured in 22 points, grabbed 12
rebounds, and blocked two shots to become Orlando's all-time leader in blocks,
as the Magic handled the Detroit Pistons, 110-103, at Amway Arena.
Howard surpassed Shaquille O'Neal to become the franchise leader in blocks.
O'Neal had 824 blocked shots during his four seasons in Orlando.
Matt Barnes had 18 points and nine rebounds for the Magic, who have won five
of their first six games to begin the season. Jameer Nelson added 18 points
and eight assists. J.J. Redick ended with 16 points, while Brandon Bass
chipped in with 13 points and six boards off the bench for the victors.
Charlie Villanueva finished with 28 points and five rebounds for the Pistons,
who have lost two in a row and four of five since a season-opening win against
Memphis. Rodney Stuckey added 20 points and five boards. Ben Gordon had 19
points and five assists in defeat.
The Magic came out of the gates firing, starting the game with an 18-3 run.
Ryan Anderson, who scored all 11 of his points during the first quarter, had
the last eight points of the spurt for Orlando.
A 12-4 flurry by the Magic to close out the first stanza put them ahead 40-23.
Orlando shot a sizzling 73.7 percent from the field in the frame.
The Magic scored just 18 points in the second quarter, but held a 58-43 margin
at the break.
A pair of Jonas Jerebko free throws brought the Pistons within 70-60 with 5:08
left in the third. That was as close as Detroit got in the period, as Orlando
took a comfortable 82-68 lead into the fourth stanza.
A Villanueva jumper cut the gap to 94-88 with 3:38 remaining. But that was as
close as the Pistons got the remainder of the way.
Game Notes
The Pistons were without guard Richard Hamilton (ankle) and forward Tayshaun
Prince (lower back). Hamilton hasn't played since the season opener, missing
five straight games, while Prince missed his third consecutive
contest...Orlando was without guard Vince Carter (ankle) for a second straight
game...The Magic suffered an 85-80 loss at Detroit on Tuesday. Detroit had won
four straight and 20 of the last 25 meetings with Orlando, which had lost four
of the last five as the host in this series...The Magic play at Oklahoma City
on Sunday, while the Pistons host Philadelphia on Sunday.
©2009 Sports Network. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
