Orlando — The NBA has had two 60-point games this week.
Pistons forward Saddiq Bey is halfway to a third. Bey had a scintillating first half on Thursday night against the Orlando Magic, finishing with 30 points, including six 3-pointers.
Bey had a hot start, with 21 points in the first quarter, before taking his customary rest and returning early int eh second quarter. He hit a 3-pointer and followed with one of two free throws midway through the period. Bey finished the half with a jumper with 8.7 seconds left — as the shot clock was expiring — for a 70-62 Pistons lead.
After Bey knocked the ensuing inbounds pass away, Cory Joseph got the ball back to Bey, who hit a 3-pointer with 3.9 seconds remaining.
Bey became the second Pistons player in the last 25 seasons with 30 points and 3-pointers made in a half, since Blake Griffin’s 50-point game agianst the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019.
The Pistons led the Magic at halftime, 73-62.
Bey’s career high is 34 points, set on Jan. 3 at Milwaukee.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns and the Brooklyn Nets’ Kyrie Irving both posted 60-point games this week.
Rod.Beard@detroitnews.com
Twitter.com: @detnewsRodBeard