Pistons Steal One From The Magic

Pistons impressive In Victory Over Magic

   Tracy McGrady sparked the Pistons with 17 1^st half points as Detroit won for the 5^th time in 7 games, defeating Orlando Monday night103-96.  Tayshaun Prince added 20 points as his buzzer beater towards the end of the 4^th, all but secured victory for Detroit.

  McGrady kept the Pistons close in the first quarter by scoring in a variety of ways. He had multiple drives to the lane, a couple mid-range jumpers, including a 20 footer to end the quarter. After clinging to a 1 point lead after 1, the Detroit bench came in and helped push the lead to 10 at the half. Ben Gordon and Austin Daye led the way for Detroit in the second quarter, combing for 19 points, as the Pistons lead 56-46 at the half.

  Dwight Howard led the Magic in scoring with 20 points and added 16 rebounds. Even after sitting for most of the 2^nd quarter. Orlando, who trailed by 10 at the end of the 3^rd quarter used the 3 ball to cut into the lead throughout the 4^th quarter. Ryan Anderson led the Magic with 12 of his 21 points in the final quarter, including a couple 3’s of his own.

   It wouldn’t be enough though, as the Pistons were able to fight off the Magic at the end, which has been a problem for the Pistons this season. Daye and Gordon connected on 3 consecutive triples early in the 4^th and combined for 17 points in the 4^th quarter. Rodney Stuckey ultimately finished off the Magic as he scored 7 points from the free throw line in the final 4:20. Stuckey, who replaced Rip Hamilton once again, had 16.

  Austin Daye played a career high 34 minutes Wednesday night and had a career high 20 points to go along with 7 boards and 4-4 from downtown. There is no denying the Piston are high on Daye, so it’s nice to see him play well and mature along with the other young talent on the roster. Actually, over the past 10 games, Greg Monroe has been averaging 10 points and 9 rebounds a game. We all know the Pistons probably won’t make the playoffs this year, but it should be interesting to see how these young players develop throughout the season.

   The Pistons go for their 3^rd victory in a row on Wednesday at the Palace against the Denver Nuggets and then will travel to Miami to face the Heat on Friday.