Malone, Jazz Pound Pistons

Karl Malone scored 31 points, including 14 in the third quarter, as the Utah Jazz routed the Detroit Pistons 107-94 Wednesday night.

Malone, who left the game for good with the Jazz ahead by 18 in the opening seconds of the fourth, added 13 rebounds and six assists.

Grant Hill led Detroit with 26 on 7-for-18 shooting, and Jerry Stackhouse added 17.

The Jazz led 33-32 after one quarter, then held Detroit scoreless for the first 5:24 of the second period. That let them build a 45-32 edge, and they still led 60-48 at the half. Malone had 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the half.

Detroit had several chances to get close in the third, but didn't help matters by missing five of eight free throws in one stretch. Utah took advantage with an 9-2 run that put them ahead 80-63 late in the quarter. Stockton and Malone scored all nine points.

Detroit didn't get closer than 17 until the last minute of the game.

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