The Orlando Magic snapped a five-game losing streak Saturday night with a 121-113 win over the Detroit Pistons, fueled by explosive performances from Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero.
Wagner erupted for 32 points, with 25 coming in a dominant fourth quarter that turned the game around. He ignited a decisive 20-4 run with back-to-back threes, scoring 12 points during the stretch as the Magic flipped a two-point deficit into a 14-point lead. Banchero matched Wagner’s output with 32 points of his own, adding nine rebounds and seven assists to anchor Orlando’s balanced attack.
The Magic welcomed back Jalen Suggs after a 10-game absence due to a strained back. In 16 minutes, he contributed eight points and drilled a key three-pointer during Orlando’s late surge. Wendell Carter added 11 points and 11 rebounds as the team’s starting lineup took the floor together for the first time since October.
Cade Cunningham paced Detroit with 35 points and 11 assists, while Malik Beasley added 18. But foul trouble plagued the Pistons, who saw three players finish with five fouls apiece. The Magic capitalized, attempting 38 free throws on the night. Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff was ejected in the fourth quarter after back-to-back technicals.
The key stat came in crunch time: after shooting just 38.5% through three quarters, the Magic caught fire in the fourth, hitting 15 of 18 shots and six of seven from deep while dropping 42 points.
Next up, Orlando begins a six-game road trip Monday in Miami.
