"Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard posed an interesting test for a Pistons team that has struggled mightily against big men so far this season.

But what's probable isn't always impossible, and the Pistons (2-3) contained Howard and the Magic to the tune of an 89-78 win Monday at the Palace, their second straight win.

Pistons guard Ben Gordon led with 26 points and six assists, continuing his efficient play. But it was the Pistons defense that did the job, a sticking point for Pistons coach Lawrence Frank.

They held the Magic (4-2) to 32 second-half points and took control in the third quarter after trailing by two headed into halftime, a bugaboo in recent games."