Pistons-Magic: Detroit Wins 101-93

Dwight Howard may be the best center in the Eastern Conference, but he was no match for a over supportive Detroit Pistons cast, as the Pistons defeated the Magic 101-93.

Richard Hamilton seemed like he could do no wrong out on the court tonight, going 14-22 and finishing with 32 points.

Swingman Hedo Turkoglu led the Magic with 23 points. The Magic started the game off bad only managing to score 18 points in the first Quarter. The Magic's perimeter defense was nowhere to be found, allowing Detroit starters to go a combined 21-29 from the field.

Jameer Nelson, the Magic's usual point guard, missed his sixth straight because of a sprained ligament in his foot. They did ,although, receive help from his replacement Carlos Arroyo.

Arroyo, a former Piston himself (dating back to the 2004-05 season an the 05-06 season), scored 16 points and was one of three contributors tonight for the Magic.

Rashard Lewis,The Magic's usual top scoring option had a dismal shooting night going 3-16 from the field and collecting only 13 points.

Hamilton took the work load tonight, but Billups also played a key role in the victory, converting on all seven of his free throw attempts, finishing with 21 points. T

he story of the night was free throw shooting. The Pistons went the entire first half without missing a free throw, and went 14-17 from the line to end the game. The Magic, went 25-39 (FT) and a large part of their misses was thanks to star player Dwight Howard.

Speaking of Howard, it brings me to my next point: the dissection and breakdown of Dwight Howard.

Positive Things

1.Only player in the league this year to record nine 30 point-15 rebound games

2.First in NBA in rebounding (14.9 RPG), and a 3.56% FG Shooter

4.First in NBA double-doubles (38)

5.First in free throw attempts (521)

6.First in free throw attempts per 48 minutes (8.86)

7.Has played in every game of his three year NBA career

8. A career 70% FG shooter

Overall, Dwight ranks in the top five in 17 different categories in the NBA (Including the ones posted above).

Negative Things:

1.Only a career 60% FT shooter 2.

Only averages 1.5 APG in career

3.Only a 45.5% FT shooter in the playoffs

4.Averages 4.25 TPG (turnovers per game) in the playoffs

5.Points per game, rebounding, FT percentage, FG percentage all decrease in the playoffs. (FG% and FT% suffer the most drop by a combined 31%)

Overall, Dwight does not perform well in the playoffs, or not as good as he does in the regular season.

Now who does this sound like? MVP Dirk Nowitizki, that's who.

A great regular season player, but a mediocre one in the playoffs. But the key factor is that they are two different positions. One is a Center, one is a SF/PF.

With the numbers that Dwight is posting right now, Dwight Howard is a young Shaquille O'neal. Coincidences

1.Both started off their careers playing for the Magic

2.Both won Rookie of The Year

3.Both are bad FT Shooters

4.Both averaged a double-double their first five years in the league

5.Both have seen their FT percentage, rebounding per game ,and FG percentage decrease in their first playoff series.

Is it just a coincidence, or are we watching Shaq grow all over again?