The Detroit Pistons take an overtime victory over surging Magic

Both recent two-way signings Isaiah Whitehead and Kalin Lucas were both in attendance as the Detroit Pistons squared off against the Orlando Magic. The visitors coming off of big wins against the Rockets and the Celtics.

The Detroit Pistons could really use this 120-115 win after a lackluster road trip. On top of that, the Magic entered the game just a half game ahead in the Eastern Conference, giving Detroit sole possession of the ninth seed.

This game was the first win at Little Caesar’s Arena since December 26

First Quarter

Things started slow, as each team could not even hit the rim before the shot clock expired. Andre Drummond also started cold, missing his first two shots. The Magic were able to get out to a quick four point lead before Reggie Jackson hit a three to get the Pistons on the board.

Right away the difference in style between big men became obvious. Drummond could be seen bullying Nikola Vucevic down low. What could also was on display was Drummond being a little slow getting to the perimeter.

The quarter ended with the Magic shooting 75 percent from the flood, and an eight points lead over the Detroit Pistons.

Second Quarter

It became even more clear in the second quarter that Terrance Ross was the man to stop for the Magic. With more than six minutes left,  Dwane Casey’s former player ended the half with 15 points. Vucevic also totaled 15 points.

Pachulia’s return started well, with him dishing three assists and scoring two in his seven minutes. Despite the slow start, Langston Galloway, Blake Griffin, and Reggie Bullock each were in double digits. Griffin led the pack with 12 points.

The Detroit Pistons were able to tie the game up at 51 with just over three minutes left. Both teams were exchange punches for the next few minutes. After a slow start, the players went to locker room at halftime with Orlando winning 63-58.

Third Quarter

Griffin made his presence known immediately in the second half by making the first shot, then rejecting Vucevic at the other end. A few minutes later he took a charge from a driving Jonathan Isaac.

With just over four minutes left, Ish Smith nailed a three pointer to give Detroit their first lead of the game. When the Magic answered with a two, Bruce Brown hit from range to give the Pistons a 77-75 lead.

Despite finding himself on the bench following a coast to coast attempt that failed, Drummond became the fourth double digit scorer to go along with his 12 rebounds. Griffin exploded to get up to 21 points as the Detroit Pistons entered the final quarter leading 90-84.

Fourth Quarter

That six point lead was in jeopardy with just over three minutes left in the game when the Magic brought it to within one. Evan Fournier missed a three that would have tied the game, but with Griffin slow to get up on the other end, an Orlando offensive board led to a two.

With two minutes left, the Magic tied the game up, the D.J. Augustine hit a layup to give Orlando the lead. A Detroit shot clock violation was overturned, as Drummond tied the game up on a second chance bucket.

Both Griffin and Vucevic missed there chances to give their team the lead. Regulation ended with everybody tied at 109.

Overtime

Drummond, Jackson, and Griffin got the Pistons to 115 early, however Ross hit two threes so the game remained tied. Luke Kennard came out of the game in favor of Brown, who was being brought in to shut down Ross. For at least the next shot, it worked.

With a minute and a half left, the Detroit Pistons held a two points lead. It took another minute and 15 seconds for another basket. That came from Griffin, who pushed the lead to four with 14 seconds remaining. This resulted in free throws, and a 120-115 Pistons victory.

Thoughts

Early on, the Magic  seemed to be making baskets at will, shooting 68 percent from the field. That number dropped off 50.5 percent at the final buzzer. When it mattered down the stretch, it seemed the Pistons defense was just too much.

The overtime switch of Kennard and Brown to shut down Ross proved to be huge. Ross had the hot hand, and thanks to Brown’s defensive play, the Pistons were able to hold the lead down to the wire.

Griffin shined with 30 points in the game along with Drummond who came away with 22 rebounds and 14 points. Though it seemed that the rebounder largely disappeared late in the game.

Outside of the stars, the shooters did a good job capitalizing on screens and draining buckets. Kennard, Galloway, Jackson and Bullock each had double figures. The bench scored 42 points.

At the end of the day, the story of this game is playoff implications. On top of that, the Detroit Pistons move two games over .500 at home. If the Pistons can come away with wins in back to back games against the Heat and Kings, that number looks a lot better.