Detroit Pistons Fail to Overcome First Quarter Deficit at Orlando

     The Detroit Pistons fell again last night to the Orlando Magic, 110-103. The Magic came out firing on all cylinders in the first quarter, hitting their first five triples. They rode that hot streak to a 40 point quarter and a 17 point lead over Detroit.

     Dwight Howard managed to stay on the floor much longer than his 17 minute stint on Tuesday, playing 38 minutes before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. He was also much more productive with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks.

     Charlie Villanueva had his breakout performance as a Piston, scoring 28 points, 22 of which came in the fourth, on 11-17 shooting. He looked unstoppable in the fourth, making highly contested shots, and drawing fouls when he missed, even drawing the sixth foul on Howard. His effort in the fourth is what kept the Pistons within fighting distance of Orlando. Every game Villanueva seems to get more and more comfortable, which is an excellent sign for the Pistons going forward.

     Ben Gordon struggled shooting for most of the game, at one point going 2-11 from the field. He did start to turn things around in the third quarter but never really got on track. He did get to the line more than any other Piston at 11 attempts.

     Missed free throws really hurt the Pistons in this one with the team total at 23-37. Those are points that you just can't leave on the court against a team as good as Orlando.

     Jonas Jerebko and Austin Daye again shared the vacancy that has been left with Tayshaun Prince and Richard Hamilton out. They both put in very promising games. Jerebko was active all night on the defensive end, getting in lanes for steals and causing headaches for Orlando shooters with two blocked shots.

     Daye had his best performance yet, with 11 points, five rebounds, one block, and one steal, in only 18 minutes. He showed poise taking shots when open and passing when covered. He flashed his great shooting touch draining a three as well as a long two. Most of his points though came in the first half in transition.

     Rodney Stuckey topped 20 points again but battled with foul trouble early, which kept him off the court longer than Kuester was probably happy with. He is still not getting the benefit of the doubt calls that stars get in the paint, only managing to get to the line once. For example on one play Stuckey took it to the paint and pulled up for a shot only to be swatted with both hands by Howard who clearly made contact with Rodney's arms. The longer he is in the league and the more he draws that contact, the more often calls will go his way.

     Chris Wilcox appears to be on a short leash after dismal performances in the past few games. He was only able to stay on the floor for nine minutes before racking up two quick fouls. It seems Kuester is more comfortable playing Jason Maxiell extended time, giving him 21 minutes which he turned into five points and four rebounds. He played most of those minutes at the center position alongside Jerebko at the four and Daye at the three.

     The last two games have seen the Pistons give up 40 points or more in a single quarter. If the Pistons hope to make the playoffs this year they are going to have to find a way to stay focused on the defensive end. This might get easier with the return of Hamilton and Prince to the starting line-up. They are expected to return for the Sunday matinée against Philadelphia.