Redick Shines in Orlando's Victory over Detroit
J.J. Redick top scored with 23 points as the Orlando Magic posted a 110-106 victory over the Detroit Pistons Friday night.
In a team effort, Arron Afflalo added 19 points, with Jameer Nelson chipping in with a double-double of 13 points and 10 assists. Glen Davis had 17 points and 13 rebounds while Nikola Vucevic scored 11 points for the Magic.
"This is great for our team," The Associated Press quoted Davis as saying. "Our young guys played really well, and Nik finished strong."
Orlando were trailing by six points at the end of the second quarter, but they were the better side in the second half, scoring 66 points in the last two quarters.
"That's a great team win," Orlando coach Jacque Vaughn said. "The key was making stops in the second half, because that was why we were able to get so many good looks at the offensive end."
"If you give up 39 points in a fourth quarter and 110 points in a game, you aren't going to win," Pistons coach Lawrence Frank added. "Our offense did enough to win -- you should win a game when you shoot 54 percent and score 106 points, but we didn't guard anyone."
For the Pistons, Greg Monroe scored 23 points, while Tayshaun Prince had 18 points. Kyle Singler scored 14 with Brandon Knight contributing with 10 points, 12 assists and six rebounds.
The Magic took an important four point lead in the final quarter and were poised for the win with the scored reading 101-97 with 1:25 remaining.
"As a leader, I knew I had to do more," Davis said. "In order to win, I had to get every rebound and be in every play. I did not want to lose this game."
In the last minute, Jason Maxiell hit a 3-pointer and took the score to 102-101 and then with two free throws Singler help Detroit take a one point lead 102-101. But then Redick shot a crucial three to turned the game back in Orlando's favor.
"I just misread the play," said Singler, who was guarding Redick on the play. "I knew that there was going to be a screen, but I thought he was going the other way. By the time I could react, I got hit with the screen."
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