The Orlando Magic (24-23) defeated the Detroit Pistons (23-22) 121-113 in the Kia Center on Saturday night. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner both dropped 32 points, while Cade Cunningham scored a game-high 35. This is only the second time Banchero and Wagner have dropped 30+ in the same game in their careers.
“I feel like this was a must-win game,” Banchero said. “Everybody in the locker room understood that. I told coach that I was feeling good.”
This game marked the first time Banchero, Wagner, and Jalen Suggs played together since Oct. 30 against the Bulls. It is only the sixth time they have played together this year, being 4-2 in those games.
“It was really good for almost everybody to play together,” Wagner said. “It’s been tough on us this year. It’s hard to find a rhythm when you don’t play together. It’s just good to get that first one under our belt since October. Hopefully we can get in the rhythm together and close the season out the right way.”

The contest was physical from the jump, with former Magic player Tobias Harris committing a technical foul on Suggs three minutes into the first quarter. Suggs’ intensity bled over into his teammates, allowing for the Magic’s tough brand of defense to return.
“His ability to set the tone early with his love of physicality, intensity, and getting the crowd involved were a big part of this group continuing to fight,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said.
Suggs got into foul trouble early, committing four fouls in a nine-minute span. This made him miss most of the second quarter, with Cole Anthony making his return from illness in his place. In total, there were 48 fouls in the game, with six being technical fouls.

After the Pistons led by 12 in the first quarter, the Magic clawed their way back in with a 36 point second quarter to Detroit’s 23. This allowed for Orlando to take a one point lead into the half.
In the third quarter, the teams matched blows. Rookie Ron Holland and Cunningham led the charge for the Pistons, while Banchero and Jonathan Isaac did for the Magic. Holland hit a three at the end of the period, giving Detroit a one point lead heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter was defined by the play of one man: Franz Wagner. In three quarters, Wagner only scored seven points on 1/12 shooting. Wagner shook off the rust and was able to score 25 points in the fourth quarter. This tied Magic-great Tracy McGrady for the most points in a quarter in team history.
“It’s always TMac,” Wagner said. “It’s obviously really cool, especially cool for me after a tough start. I always stay confident and keep playing my game. There have been games in the past where I didn’t do that, so it’s cool for me.”

Halfway through the fourth quarter, Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff was ejected on back-to-back technical fouls. This was the spark that led to Detroit to fight their way back into the game, going on a 15-5 run. This brought the game to within four points with just three minutes left in the game.
“We just all had each other’s back,” Pistons forward Ausar Thompson said. “It was heated out there, so we just wanted to show Coach and all my teammates that we all had each other’s backs.”
Wagner quickly put their comeback attempt to rest, knocking down two straight threes to put the contest out of reach. This made the crowd erupt, with Wagner and Suggs promoting the uproar. The attendance on the night was 19,489, the second most in team history.
“Our fans were absolutely phenomenal tonight in getting us going when we went on that run,” Mosley said. “I look up one time after we go on the run and I see Jalen going to the crowd as if it were a WWE match.”

On the night, the Magic shot 45.5% from three, the best percentage in a game for the team all season. Wagner’s four makes led the team, with Banchero shortly behind with three.
Orlando was also able to get to the free throw line at will, having 38 attempts to Detroit’s 28. The Magic were unable to capitalize on their advantage, making only 68.4% of them.
“We shot 38 free throws, they shot 28 free throws, we can’t be complaining,” Coach Mosley said. “So at the end of the day, the whistle actually looked like it was in our way.”
Next up
The Magic begin their six game road trip in Miami against the rival Heat Monday night. The teams have each blown large fourth quarter leads to each other this season. The Magic notched the largest comeback in team history against Miami earlier this season.
Tip-off against the Heat is at 7:30 on Jan. 27.