Magic top Pistons 113-105, take 2-1 series lead

The Orlando Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons 113-105 on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Kia Center, with Paolo Banchero leading the way in a near triple-double performance. Banchero finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and three steals as Orlando took a 2-1 lead in the first-round NBA playoff series.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

Detroit and Orlando opened on even terms, finishing the first quarter tied 26-26. Cade Cunningham helped set the pace for the Pistons early, while the Magic matched that production with balanced scoring and steady work on the glass.

Second Quarter

The game shifted in the second. Orlando outscored Detroit 35-28 in the quarter to take a 61-54 lead into halftime. That seven-point swing proved decisive, as the Magic found success from three-point range and generated extra chances by controlling the boards.

Third Quarter

Both teams traded productive stretches after halftime, but Orlando maintained control by edging Detroit 26-25 in the third. The Pistons stayed within reach behind Cunningham’s playmaking, yet the Magic continued to get timely offense from Banchero and strong interior work from Wendell Carter Jr.

Fourth Quarter

The final period ended 26-26, which allowed Orlando to protect its lead the rest of the way. Detroit had opportunities to tighten the margin, but the Magic stayed composed, converted enough free throws and kept their spacing intact to close out the eight-point win.

Key Performers

Paolo Banchero, Magic: 25 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals. Banchero set the tone as Orlando’s top all-around contributor and came close to a triple-double in a high-leverage playoff game.

Wendell Carter Jr., Magic: 17 rebounds. Carter’s work on the glass was central to Orlando’s edge in second-chance opportunities and overall control of the interior.

Cade Cunningham, Pistons: 27 points, 9 assists. Cunningham led all scorers and kept Detroit competitive with his shot creation and distribution.

Ausar Thompson, Pistons: 17 points, 8 rebounds, 5 blocks. Thompson delivered one of Detroit’s most impactful two-way performances, especially as a rim protector.

NerdSports Stat: Orlando won by eight despite shooting just 40.4% from the field because the Magic made four more threes, six more free throws and finished plus-six on the glass, turning efficiency gaps into a playoff win.

Game Analysis

This result came down to Orlando’s combination of perimeter accuracy, rebounding and second-quarter control. The Magic shot 45.5% from three-point range, making 15 of 33 attempts, while Detroit finished at 34.4% from deep on 11 makes. That 12-point gap from beyond the arc helped offset the Pistons’ better overall field-goal percentage.

Orlando also held a 48-42 edge in rebounds, with Carter and Banchero leading that effort. Even though Detroit moved the ball well and finished with 23 assists, the Magic answered with enough half-court execution and got to the foul line 33 times, converting 26 free throws.

The Pistons remained within striking distance throughout the second half, but they never fully erased the halftime deficit. Orlando’s ability to avoid a late scoring dip was important, particularly in a game where every quarter after the second was separated by only a point or ended level.

For Detroit, the encouraging sign was Cunningham’s command of the offense and Thompson’s versatile defensive impact. Still, the Pistons needed more consistent three-point production and a stronger rebounding finish to even the series on the road.

Closing Context

With the victory, Orlando now leads the best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series 2-1. The Magic also improved their overall record to 45-37 after protecting home court in Game 3, while Detroit, which finished the regular season at 60-22, now faces added pressure heading into Game 4.

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