The Orlando Magic took a 2-1 series lead over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday with a thrilling 113-105 victory at home.
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Neither team was hot from beyond the arc in the first quarter, but the Magic built a small lead that would foreshadow a larger scoring run. After 12 minutes, it was tied at 26.
The second quarter was when the Magic truly gained momentum. It was a slow open to the frame, but strong on-ball defense allowed Jalen Suggs to help Orlando build a seven-point lead by halftime.
While the Pistons made a few runs in the third quarter, the Magic responded swiftly every time. After a fairly even third quarter, Orlando put together another scoring run.
The Magic jumped out to 9-0 fourth quarter start before Tobias Harris and Cade Cunningham helped the Pistons get back in it.
In clutch time, Detroit went on a stunning 13-3 run to tie the game with three minutes to play. Franz Wagner then put together a personal 5-0 run to make it a two-possession game.
Wendell Carter Jr. went 1-of-2 at the line and the Magic remained ahead by five with one minute to go. That’s when Paolo Banchero stole a bad pass from Cunningham before knocking down a huge three to go up by eight.
The Pistons missed two three-point looks down the stretch and the Magic held on.
Banchero led the way with 25 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists while Desmond Bane also had 25 points to go along with seven rebounds.
For Detroit, Cunningham finished with 27 points, five rebounds and nine assists while Harris finished with 23 points and seven rebounds.
James Parker contributed to this story.
