AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Detroit’s balance was too much for Orlando’s two-player attack.

Richard Hamilton scored 22 points, one of four Pistons with at least 17, to lead Detroit to a 98-90 victory over the Magic on Monday night and a 2-0 lead in their first-round series.

Hedo Turkoglu scored 22 points and Grant Hill had 21 for Orlando to prevent it from being a rout, but their teammates – particularly Dwight Howard – didn’t do enough to give the Magic any shot at evening the best-of-seven series.

Howard was held to eight points and didn’t score in the second half until the final minute, when the game was essentially over.

The Pistons were in control for much of the game, but just like the opener, Orlando rallied late to make the final score look respectable.

Detroit led by 15 points early in the fourth quarter, but was ahead by just six with 1minutes left.

On the ensuing possession, Billups ended Orlando’s comeback hopes with a three-point play.

Each of Detroit’s starters scored at least 10 points and top reserve Antonio McDyess added nine points and 11 rebounds.

The Magic, meanwhile, didn’t have a third player in double figures until the final minute of the game when former Piston Darko Milicic scored his 10th point – all in the fourth quarter.

Detroit point guard Chauncey Billups had 21 points, eight assists and only one turnover. Tayshaun Prince scored 18 points, while Rasheed Wallace had 17 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. Chris Webber added 10 points and nine rebounds.

Wallace helped the Pistons get off to a good start.

He blocked Howard’s shot and made a 3-pointer on the first two possessions of the game.

Rockets 98, Jazz 90

HOUSTON – Tracy McGrady scored 31 points and the Houston Rockets had an exceptional night at the free throw line to overcome Carlos Boozer’s huge game.

The Rockets went 34-for-38 from the line in a 98-90 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night and took a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Boozer matched a career high with 41 points, tossing in jumpers from all angles over 7-foot-6 Yao Ming. He finished 17-of-30 from the field and had 12 rebounds and six assists.

But Boozer dribbled the ball off his foot with 20 seconds to play and Yao finished off the Jazz with two more free throws with 12 seconds remaining.

Yao had 27 points and hit all nine of his free throws. McGrady went 12-for-14 from the line.

Chuck Hayes, whose wife gave birth on Saturday, had 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Rockets.

, who have won seven of eight playoff series when they led 2-0.

Game 3 is Thursday night in Salt Lake City.

Since 2001, only six teams have rallied from an 0-2 deficit to win a series. The Rockets were one of the teams that blew a 2-0 lead, losing four of five to Dallas in 2005.

The Jazz have never come back from an 0-2 deficit to win a playoff series. They have lost 16 of their last 17 road playoff games.