On Wednesday night, the Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic. After a gut-wrenching loss against the Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit snapped its six-game losing streak during an entertaining win at Little Caesars Arena.
Late in the first half, Detroit’s point guard Killian Hayes was pushed from behind by Orlando forward Moe Wagner during his pursuit of the ball on the sideline. After falling into his own bench, and Hamidou Diallo shoving Wagner in retaliation, Hayes struck Wagner in the head, and landed his first career ejection and knockout in the process.
Moe Wagner and Hamidou Diallo were also ejected, and double technicals were given out by the refs.
In 14 minutes, Diallo recorded 11 points and five rebounds, one of his better efforts of the season. The fight gave a jolt of life to both the team and the fanbase, which has been waiting for this team to show a pulse.
Detroit Pistons showing some signs of life
Although the Pistons held a 19-point lead at the time of the ejections, the dust-up was encouraging to see from a Pistons team that has looked lifeless at times during the season.
Individually, several players had impressive performances in Wednesday’s victory.
Alec Burks recorded a season-high 32 points, going 10-of-11 from the field, and drilling six of his seven three-point attempts.
Saddiq Bey tied his season-high for points, going for 28 off the bench, making it the third time this month Bey has eclipsed the 20-point threshold.
Additionally, Jalen Duren had one of his best rebounding performances of the season, grabbing 18 of Detroit’s 49 total boards in the game.
The rookie also snagged eight offensive rebounds, a career-high.
Against another youthful Eastern Conference team, Detroit held control for the majority of the game, even after Hayes and Diallo were ejected.
A much-needed win against the Magic provided a spark that reverberated through LCA, and could provide an extra jolt to head into the New Year.
The Detroit Pistons will close out 2022 with games against the Chicago Bulls, Friday at 8PM, and the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8PM on December 31st.
This little dust up could be the exact thing the Pistons need to get going, as they clearly needed a spark after the rough loss against the LA Clippers.