Paolo Banchero clinched a thrilling win for the Orlando Magic with a decisive three-point play in the dying moments against the Detroit Pistons, leading to a 112-109 victory during Saturday’s NBA action. Banchero, who ended the game with 15 points, executed a crucial 18-foot jumper and a subsequent free throw with just 0.8 seconds left on the clock, breaking a late tie and securing the win.
Banchero’s heroics came after a tense final minute where he initially missed two free throws, leaving the door open for Detroit. However, he redeemed himself with the game-winning play, demonstrating why he’s considered a key player for Orlando.
“We wanted to get the last shot,” Banchero said. “When I got the ball, I was looking at the clock and wanted to get it down to the last possible second.”
Cade Cunningham nearly pushed the game into overtime, tying the score with a layup before his last-second long-range shot hit the rim as the buzzer sounded.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons Updates
Pistons coach Monty Williams commended his team’s resilience, especially their defensive effort in the second half, which he viewed as a model for future performances.
“I was proud of the way we hung in there,” Williams said. “Our defense in the second half is a benchmark of how we want to play, (giving up) 47 points to a team that was having their way in the first half, that says a lot about what we can do.”
Orlando, competing with the Miami Heat for the Southeast Division title, is on a winning streak, having secured three consecutive and eight wins in their last ten games. The collective effort from the Magic’s starters, all scoring in double digits, and significant contributions from the bench underscored the team’s depth and teamwork.
“These are the types of games you have to win down the stretch,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons Updates
Despite the loss, Cunningham led the Pistons with 26 points. Detroit, struggling with a five-game losing streak and a poor home and away record, remains determined, with Coach Mosley acknowledging their competitive spirit regardless of their standings.
Playing at Little Caesars Arena for the first time since early February, the Pistons featured contributions from new acquisitions Simone Fontecchio and Evan Fournier, who are gradually adjusting to the team’s dynamics.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons Updates
Detroit was without Isaiah Stewart, serving a suspension for a recent altercation, highlighting the team’s challenges as they navigate through the season.
Looking ahead, the Magic are set to face the Atlanta Hawks, while the Pistons will meet the New York Knicks in their upcoming fixtures, as both teams continue their campaigns in the NBA season.
