Monroe, Ga. 4/22/2007 11:19:11 AM
News / Sports

NBA Scores: Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton Lead Pistons Past Magic in Game One

Chauncey Billups scored 22 points and dished out 11 assists while Richard Hamilton added another 22 points to lead the Detroit Pistons past the Orlando Magic 100-92 in game one of their Eastern Conference playoff series.

Detroit took control of the game early in the first period when they opened with a 13-4 run and finished the quarter with a 28-16 lead. The Pistons were able to boost their advantage to 14 in the second quarter before the Magic were able to trim their deficit to 51-43 at the half.

The third quarter proved no easier for the Magic as Detroit kept a double digit lead for the majority of the period. Billups gave the Pistons a 16 point lead on a three-pointer with 3:03 left and by the end of the quarter Detroit held a comfortable 81-67 lead.

Orlando was able to get within three in the fourth when Dwight Howard scored with 53 seconds left in the game but Billups hit five free-throws over the final 25 seconds to seal the game for Detroit.

Howard led the Magic in his inaugural playoff game with 13 points and 19 rebounds.

The two teams will meet again on Monday for game two of their best of seven series.

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