Pistons dominate paint, handle Magic

1/23/2013

AUBURN HILS, Mich. — Jason Maxiell, Andre Drummond, and Greg Monroe combined for 38 points and 28 rebounds, and the Detroit Pistons eventually pulled away to beat the undersized Orlando Magic 105-90 on Tuesday night.

Brandon Knight led Detroit with 18 points, while Monroe scored 16 and Drummond and Maxiell each had 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The Pistons also finished with a 16-6 edge in offensive rebounds against the Magic, who had their size issues magnified when Glen Davis was benched for much of the second half after taking 15 first-half shots and grabbing just three rebounds. He attempted just one shot the rest of the way and finished with 11 points.

J.J. Redick was Orlando's biggest threat, scoring 26 points on 9-for-10 shooting — including 5 for 6 on 3-pointers. Jameer Nelson added 14 points and nine rebounds.

MAYOR WANTS TO KEEP KINGS: Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson had a stern warning for Seattle SuperSonics fans who are excited about the prospect of the NBA returning to the Puget Sound next season.

"Don't celebrate too early," he said.

In front of a cheering City Hall crowd filled with fans and public officials Tuesday, Johnson introduced the first part of his four-step plan to keep the Sacramento Kings in California's capital city.

The three-time NBA All-Star-turned-mayor unveiled 20 local investors who have pledged at least $1 million each to be part of a group that would buy the team.

Johnson said the major partner he hopes will anchor the last-ditch deal to keep the Kings from moving to Seattle will be revealed as soon as this week.