AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — The Detroit Pistons beat up Orlando physically and mentally.
They shoved Dwight Howard out of his comfort zone and pushed the Magic’s buttons during heated exchanges, leading to Detroit’s 91-72 win Saturday night in Game 1 of their second-round series.
“Mentally, we have to keep our heads,” Howard said. “Detroit is going to talk and push. We knew that coming in, but we got too frustrated.”
The game got heated at times, leading to technicals against Rasheed Wallace along with Orlando’s Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis.
Howard had a relatively quiet night with 12 points, eight rebounds and three blocks after being the first player to score 20 points and grab 20 rebounds in three playoff games since Wilt Chamberlain did it in 1972.
Howard injured his left thumb trying to get a rebound late in the third quarter and played with blue tape protecting it.
“It’s fine,” Howard said after getting an X-ray on his shooting hand.
Just when it seemed the third-seeded Magic had a chance to upset the second-seeded team in Game 1, the Pistons dominated them at both ends of the court.
Detroit took control with a 19-3 run in the third quarter and put away the Magic with a 17-4 burst to open the fourth quarter.
Chauncey Billups had 19 points and seven assists for the Pistons.
Hornets 101, Spurs 82
NEW ORLEANS — David West scored a career playoff-high 30 points to lead New Orleans to a victory over San Antonio in Game 1 of its second-round series.
Chris Paul added 17 points, 13 assists and four steals for New Orleans, which trailed by as much as 11 in the first half but stormed into the lead for good in the third quarter.
Tim Duncan had a rare terrible night, going 1-of-9 from the field for a career playoff-low five points and only three rebounds.
The Hornets swarmed Duncan with double teams throughout the game. The Spurs hit 12 3-pointers in the game, but also missed 19.
The Hornets dominated the inside, outrebounding San Antonio 50-34 and outscoring the Spurs 46-26 in the paint.
Tyson Chandler had 10 points and 15 rebounds for New Orleans.
Tony Parker led the Spurs with 23 points.
