Lewis hauls Orlando back into play-off race
Rashard Lewis scored 33 points as the Orlando Magic beat the Detroit Pistons 111-86 to haul themselves back into their play-off series. Lewis' haul cut the deficit to 2-1 in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semi-finals, while Detroit's All-Star guard, Chauncey Billups, suffered a hamstring strain that may keep him out Saturday's Game four.
Lewis was Orlando's big signing, and improved his previously woeful play-off form, especially from distance, and admitted that confidence had been a major factor.
"I made my first couple and really felt like I was going to have it going tonight," said Lewis, who came to the Magic from Seattle SuperSonics last July.
"I know my 3 ball hasn't been falling this whole series.
"Detroit's obviously been a team that's been beating us the past couple of years.
"The main focus is we don't want to dig ourselves too deep of a hole. We want to try to win our home games, take the series back to Detroit 2-2."
Detroit, for whom Richard Hamilton top-scored with 24 points, were also concerned about Billups' injury, the guard hurting himself in the first quarter and not reappearing.
"I'm concerned because (Billups is) our quarterback; he runs our team," admitted Pistons coach Flip Saunders.
"You saw our first two games. He's been a huge part of why we've been successful - that matchup has been huge for us."
Game four will be held in Orlando.
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