For starters, Pistons beat Magic, 91-72

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Hedo Turkoglu’s uncontested dunk early in the second half gave the Orlando Magic its first lead. Less than a minute later, the Detroit Pistons took over.

Chauncey Billups had 19 points, seven assists and played a key role in the decisive run of the game, leading Detroit to a 91-72 victory over Orlando on Saturday night in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

Dwight Howard had a relatively quiet game with 12 points, eight rebounds and three blocks after being the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to score 20 points and grab 20 rebounds in three playoff games since Wilt Chamberlain did it in 1972.

Howard played for much of the second half with blue tape wrapped around his left hand, seemingly to protect the thumb he injured after trying to grab a rebound.

After the Magic took its last lead with 10 minutes 8 seconds left in the third quarter, Billups’ layup capped an 8-0 run as the Pistons started a 21-3 run to take a 64-49 lead.

Orlando rallied to trail by only seven points entering the fourth quarter despite making only one of 10 three-point shots and seven of 16 free throws.

Jason Maxiell squashed any comeback hopes the Magic had.

Detroit’s power forward, starting again for Antonio McDyess, scored 10 of his 12 points in the fourth quarter with surprising touch on jumpers and free throws.

He helped the second-seeded team build an 18-point lead it didn’t have trouble maintaining with the starters resting on the bench.

Detroit’s backcourt also gave Orlando a lot of problems.

Billups blew past Magic players whenever he wanted and Richard Hamilton got open around screens to score 17 points.