The Detroit Pistons took care of the basketball better than anyone in NBA playoff history -- only three turnovers - while eliminating the Orlando Magic from the Eastern Conference semifinals with a 91-86 Game 5 victory Tuesday night.
Richard Hamilton scored 31 points, made victory-sealing free throws late in the game and Tayshaun Prince had a key block to help Detroit KO Orlando.
The Pistons are the first franchise to play in six conference finals in a row since the Los Angeles Lakers went to eight straight in the 1980s.
"Now we expect to do this," Hamilton said. "We're supposed to be here."
Detroit overcame an awful shooting night by making free throws, taking care of the ball and pestering the Magic. The Pistons were 28-of-32 at the line and didn't turn the ball over once after the first quarter even though Rodney Stuckey was filling in for Billups.
Orlando made just 16 of 28 free throws and had a playoff-high 21 turnovers, which turned into 34 points for Detroit.
The Pistons won thanks to Hamilton's six free throws and Prince's block of Turkoglu's dunk attempt in the last 20 seconds. Antonio McDyess had 17 points and 11 rebounds, Rasheed Wallace scored 14 and Prince added 10 points for the Pistons.
Hedo Turkoglu had 18 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for the Magic. Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson each had 14 points.
Source: Xinhua/Agencies
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