Detroit’s Jason Maxiell attempts to dunk over Orlando’s Andrew Nicholson in the second quarter of Tuesday night’s game. Detroit defeated the Magic 105-90
The Detroit Pistons (16-25) continued their hot streak as of late, taking off in the second half to crush the visiting Orlando Magic (14-27) and claim their ninth victory in 13 games.
Brandon Knight led the Pistons with 18 points, and Greg Monroe added 16. Both Andre Drummond and Jason Maxiell each had 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Orlando jumped to an early double-digit lead in the first quarter, but the Pistons, led by Brandon Knight and Jason Maxiell, charged back to end opening quarter with a 26-25 advantage. The teams traded baskets in the second quarter, and Detroit led 54-52 at the half.
The Pistons effectively put the game away near the end of the third quarter when Drummond ‘s steal from Magic guard E’Twaun Moore resulted in an easy dunk for the Pistons’ rookie. Drummond’s slam put Detroit up 82-66, and the Pistons never looked back.
“I thought Greg was very good,” said Pistons coach Lawrence Frank. “And we played very well defensively.”
J.J. Redick led the Magic with 26 points and Jameer Nelson added 14. Glen Davis had 11 points on 4-16 shooting, and leading scorer Aaron Afflalo was held scoreless for the first time all season. Davis took the loss especially hard, expressing frustration with his poor shooting performance.
“At the end of the day I put this loss on me,” he said. “I have to play better point blank, no excuses.”
Orlando has now lost three straight games, and 14 of their last 16. The win was Detroit’s first against Orlando in three games this season. The two teams will meet for the fourth and final time on Sunday in Orlando.
Before Sunday’s matchup, Detroit travels to Chicago to face the Bulls Wednesday and plays at Miami on Friday. Orlando hosts Toronto on Thursday and has two nights off before hosting the Pistons on Sunday.
