The Orlando Magic thrashed the Detroit Pistons 111-86 to cut the deficit in their Eastern Conference semi-final playoff series to 2-1.

Forward Rashard Lewis led the way with 33 points and centre Dwight Howard contributed 20 points and 12 rebounds in the Game Three rout in Orlando.

The Magic roared into a 20-6 lead and Detroit looked in trouble when guard Chauncey Billups was forced to the locker room with a strained hamstring.

"I thought getting off to that start gave us confidence, got the crowd into the game and more importantly gave us a cushion we really needed," Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy said.

"He's their leader, he runs everything," Van Gundy said of Billups, who scored 28 points in Detroit's Game Two victory.

"It definitely had a huge effect on the game."

Orlando led 54-42 at the intermission but Detroit clawed their way back.

The Pistons used a 12-2 run late in the third quarter to move within four points at 73-69 heading into the fourth when an 11-0 burst by the Magic put them in front to stay.

Richard Hamilton led Detroit with 24 points and Tayshaun Prince added 22.

About halfway through the first quarter, Billups slipped as he made a move toward the hoop and went into a near split. He limped off the court and did not return.

"I think we're shooting for him to play on Saturday," Detroit coach Flip Saunders said. "He's sore right now. We won't know for another 24 hours or so."

"I'm concerned because he's our quarterback and runs our team. He's been a huge part of why we've been successful."

Rookie Rodney Stuckey filled in for Billups, scoring 19 points.

Detroit made a determined push in the third quarter, stepping up the defensive pressure and forcing the Magic into mistakes as they outscored Orlando 27-19.

The comeback seemed to drain the Pistons, however, and the Magic re-established their big lead behind the all-around play of Lewis and Howard.

"Rashard is a tough guy to guard out in the perimeter," Van Gundy said about Lewis, who made 5-of-6 three-pointers. "Then you get up on him and he drives the ball. He was terrific."

"We're still down 2-1 in the series," cautioned Van Gundy.

"Game Four is obviously a very, very big game for us on Saturday."

Game Four is on Saturday in Orlando.

Reuters