McGrady’s 46 Points Put the Hurt on Pistons

Tracy McGrady’s back was in pain, but watching from the bench hurt the NBA’s leading scorer even more.

Shaking off a lower-back bruise that had sidelined him for the better part of a week, McGrady scored 46 points to lead the Orlando Magic over the Detroit Pistons, 104-99, Wednesday at Orlando, Fla.

“It’s frustrating sitting out. I hate sitting out,” said McGrady, who finished one point short of his season high and four shy of his career best. “I wasn’t 100%, but I felt good enough to go out there and play.”

McGrady was elbowed in the lower back by the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant on Dec. 15. Since then, he had played only 17 minutes in Orlando’s victory at Utah a week ago.

McGrady made 14 of 26 shots and 18 of 21 free throws against Detroit, despite pain making him wince and once forcing him to lie face down on the court during a timeout.

“Maybe this rest is a blessing in disguise,” Coach Doc Rivers said. “He got a chance to gather himself and maybe he can go and stay healthy through the All-Star break. That would be perfect.”

Mike Miller scored 15 points for Orlando, which won for the third time in four games.

Grant Hill was three for 17 from the field, but had 10 points and 15 rebounds for his fifth double-double this season.

“I kind of knew [McGrady] was going to play and play good,” said Hill, who tied his rebounding season high. “When the bright lights are on, national television, he definitely brings his ‘A’ game.”

Detroit, which lost its second in a row after a six-game winning streak, got 22 points from Richard Hamilton.

New Jersey 117, Boston 81 -- The Nets didn’t take a break from winning on their court, even while playing at home on Christmas for the first time.

The Nets, the NBA’s best home team, won their 11th consecutive game in New Jersey. New Jersey improved to 16-1 at home.

“The thing we want to do first and foremost is protect our home,” said Richard Jefferson, who scored 22 points. “That’s the key. We have to protect where we play.”

The Nets, who shot a season-best 55% from the field, had lost four in a row against the Celtics in the regular season. Jason Kidd had 11 assists for the Nets.