Andrea Bargnani, Chris Bosh Lead Raptors Past Pistons

TORONTO — Andrea Bargnani had 22 points and 12 rebounds for his first double-double of the season, Chris Bosh scored 25 points and the Toronto Raptors beat the Detroit Pistons 110-99 on Wednesday night.

Hedo Turkoglu added 16 points and Antoine Wright had 12 for the Raptors, who had lost seven of their previous eight games against the Pistons.

Toronto became the first team this season to score more than 100 points against Detroit, which came in second in the league behind Boston in points allowed at 85.3.

Ben Gordon
had a season-high 30 points, former Raptors player Charlie Villanueva and Will Bynum each scored 16 for the Pistons, who have lost three of four. Rodney Stuckey added 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Ahead 85-77 to start the fourth, Toronto couldn't hold the lead. Detroit rookie Austin Daye opened the quarter with a 3-pointer, sparking a 14-3 run. Bynum capped it with a 3 followed by a reverse layup as the Pistons took the lead for the first time since the second quarter, 91-90, with 7:46 remaining.

The Pistons weren't in front for long. After Jason Maxiell missed two free throws, Jose Calderon restored Toronto's lead with a 3-pointer. Bynum tied it again with a layup but Bosh made a hook shot, Bargnani hit four straight free throws and Turkoglu drained a jumper to give the Raptors a 101-93 lead with 3:45 to go.

For the second straight game, Detroit played without guard Richard Hamilton (right ankle) and forward Tayshaun Prince (sore lower back), both of whom are day-to-day. Prince, whose streak of 496 consecutive games ended in Tuesday's home victory over Orlando, did not accompany the team to Toronto.

Gordon went 4 for 5 from the floor in the first as Detroit built a nine-point lead before Toronto closed the quarter with an 8-3 run, pulling to 28-24.

What do you think?  Leave a comment.

The Raptors made seven of their first eight shots in the second and 10 of their first 12. Bosh scored nine points and Jarrett Jack had seven to overcome another nine points from Gordon and give Toronto a 68-56 edge at the half.

Jack made the highlight play of the second, using a nifty dribble to split two defenders and get into the lane, then firing an over-the-shoulder pass to Bargnani for a running dunk that gave Toronto a 43-33 lead with 8:13 left.

Notes
Detroit rookie Jonas Jerebko made his second straight start. … Former Raptors forward Charles Oakley attended the game and was honored after the first quarter as part of the team's 15th anniversary celebrations. … Toronto plays seven of its next eight on the road.