SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
Saddiq Bey fired 21 of his career-high 51 points in the first quarter, Marvin Bagley III contributed 20 points and 11 rebounds, and the Detroit Pistons ended a four-game losing streak with a 134-120 win over the host Orlando Magic on Thursday night, March 17 (Friday, March 18, Manila time).
Bey made 17-of-27 shots, including a career-best 10 three-pointers on 14 attempts, as coach Dwane Casey recorded his 100th career victory in three-plus seasons with Detroit. The 6-foot-7 forward totaled 30 points during the opening half as the Pistons made half of their 24 three-point shots en route to a 73-62 lead.
Bey, who hit two free throws with 8.2 seconds left to reach 51 points, also totaled 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.
Isaiah Stewart scored 16 points on 7-for-10 shooting to go with 10 rebounds, Cory Joseph notched 13 points with three triples, and Saben Lee had 12 points and 7 assists after being recalled from the G-League’s Motor City Cruise.
Bey’s 30 points and six triples in the first half made him the second Piston (Blake Griffin) in the last 25 seasons with as many points and threes in one half.
The 51 points were also the most scored by a Pistons player against Orlando, breaking Grant Hill’s previous record of 42 set in January 2000.
With Detroit leading 68-62 and time winding down in the second quarter, Bey scored 5 points in the final nine seconds to give the Pistons an 11-point halftime advantage.
The Pistons (20-for-43) and Magic (11-for-30) combined for 31 three-pointers on a night when both teams were missing key players.
Detroit played without its top two scorers, Jerami Grant (knee) and first overall pick Cade Cunningham (non-COVID illness).
The Pistons also had double-digit scorers Hamidou Diallo (finger) and Frank Jackson (back) out of the lineup, while starting guard Killian Hayes did not return after suffering a head contusion in the first half.
Wendell Carter Jr., who leads Orlando with 31 double-doubles, was sidelined with a sprained left ankle. Rookie Jalen Suggs (ankle) and Chuma Okeke (knee) also did not play for the Magic, who continue to be among the most injured teams in the NBA this season.
Franz Wagner scored 13 of his team-high 26 points in the third quarter as the Magic dropped to 1-3 on their current six-game homestand.
Terrence Ross added 17 points off the bench and Moe Wagner had 16 points in his first start of the season. Cole Anthony finished with 12 points and 7 assists, Markelle Fultz chipped in 11 points, and Mo Bamba posted a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. – Rappler.com
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.