The Orlando Magic entered Monday night's game against the Detroit Pistons having lost five of their past six games. Word also came down on Monday that All-Star center Dwight Howard would be held out again because of the persistent back problems he's been dealing with over the past few weeks. But that didn't slow down Stan Van Gundy's club against the lowly Pistons, as they jumped all over Detroit early and never let up in the second half to finish with a 119-89 win.
Without Howard, it was a total team effort by Orlando on the offensive end as all five starters scored in double figures. The Magic shot 53 percent from the floor and 54 percent from behind the arc in one of the most productive and efficient offensive performances of the season. Jason Richardson led with 22 points and was on fire from downtown, hitting six of seven attempts from three-point range. J.J. Redick hit four of seven from outside and added 20 points while Glen Davis picked up the slack on the interior, grabbing 16 rebounds and scoring 16 points.
It was a big win for the Magic without Howard, but they have little time to enjoy the blowout as they hop on a plane and will face the Wizards in Washington on Tuesday night.
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