Hot shooting, ball movement carry Magic past Pistons, 107-93

After a loss at the hands of the Washington Wizards on Saturday night, the Orlando Magic concluded their brief two game road trip with a stop in Detroit to take on the Pistons. Behind hot shooting and excellent ball movement, the Magic notched their fifth win of the season, taking down the Pistons 107-93.

The Magic, who are playing their fifth game in seven nights, started the game out flat, getting down 10-2 just three minutes into the game. Despite their slow start, the Magic were able to get things going, and tie the Pistons up heading into the second quarter. Brandon Jennings torched the Magic early, scoring 12 points and dishing out three assists in the opening quarter. Nikola Vucevic led the way for the Magic, posting seven points and four rebounds.

In the second quarter, Orlando's erratic play caught up to them. They were unable to control the Pistons on the boards, and unable to keep them off of the free throw line. The Pistons out rebounded the Magic 17-6, and knocked down 9-of-10 from the free throw line, while the Magic attempted none in the quarter. Orlando's ball movement was a plus, however, with them tallying 15 assists on 19 buckets, after after 14 assists on Saturday night total. Vucevic and Evan Fournier led the way for the Magic at the half with 11 each, with Jennings 12 still being the most for the Pistons.

Out of halftime, the Magic got things going offensively, going on a quick 10-0 run. Channing Frye knocked down three three-pointers in the quarter, with the team making four in the quarter. However, despite their strong quarter offensively, they were unable to pull away. Caron Butler caught fire, keeping the Pistons in the game with 13 points of his own in the quarter.

Much like the first three quarters, the Magic continued to shoot the three ball exceptionally well in the fourth quarter. Penetration from the likes of Luke Ridnour, Tobias Harris and Victor Oladipo continued to open things up for the Magic's offense, and allow for someone to be open on the perimeter. The Magic's hot shooting, coupled with the Pistons inability to knock down shots late gave the Magic their fifth win of the season.

The Magic's starters carried the load on Monday night, with all five finishing in double figures. Vucevic led all scorers, finishing with a game high 25 points and 13 rebounds. Harris had another big night, finishing with 24 points, five rebounds, a career high five steals and four assists. Fournier finished with 14 points and a career high eight assists, while Frye added 12, all coming in the second half. Oladipo brought up the rear, finishing with 11. The Magic distributed the ball exceptionally well, notching 33 assists on 41 mad buckets.

Detroit was led by Butler, who finished with a team high 20. After his big first quarter, Jennings cooled off, finishing with 18. Andre Drummond notched a double-double, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds, with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finishing with 10 of his own.