NBA: Detroit 91, Orlando 72

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 3 (UPI) -- Chauncey Billups scored 19 points and Detroit had a strong third quarter-run Saturday in a 91-72 win over Orlando in Game 1 of their Eastern semifinals.

Richard Hamilton added 17 points, Jason Maxiell had 12 points and nine rebounds and Tayshaun Prince had 12 points and eight rebounds for the Pistons, who are trying to make it to the conference finals for a sixth consecutive year.

The Pistons beat the Magic for the eighth straight time in post-season play.

Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu each had 18 points for the Magic. Dwight Howard had 12 points and eight rebounds, but by the end of the game was on the bench with an apparent left hand injury.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven set is scheduled for Monday.