Sunday evening, the Orlando Magic (34-44) continued their push for the final play-in spot as they dominated the Detroit Pistons, winning 128-102 (16-62). Despite being without Kevon Harris (left elbow) and Jonathan Isaac (left adductor surgery), the Magic put on an impressive display and outclassed their opponents from start to finish.
The first quarter was a relatively close contest, with the Magic leading 34-29, thanks to Paolo Banchero’s 10 points. However, in the second quarter, the Magic steamrolled past the Pistons, outscoring them 29-15 and stemming from a 23-7 scoring run. The Magic’s elite defense held the Pistons to just 18% shooting from the field, and they continued to dominate throughout the rest of the game.
The Magic finished the game shooting an impressive 57% from the field and 51% from three-point range, while the Pistons struggled to make shots, shooting only 41% from the field and 27% from three. The Magic tied their franchise record for the 14th time with eight players scoring over double digits. Jalen Suggs led the team with 18 points, followed closely by Cole Anthony with 17 points and 6 rebounds, and Franz Wagner with 16 points and 8 assists. Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. both contributed 14 points and 9 rebounds.
The Pistons received major contributions from Killian Hayes with 20 points and 7 assists, Eugene Omoruyi with 19 points, and Jaden Ivey with 14 points and 6 assists. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome the dominant performance from the Magic.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, the Magic face a tough challenge in a two-game series against Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers (49-30). The Cavaliers are currently positioned to finish as the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference and have the league’s best defense, allowing only 107 points per game while offensively they average 112.3 points per game. The Magic will need to bring their A-game if they hope to come out on top.
Despite the Magic’s impressive win, their chances of making the playoffs this season remain slim. While they are not mathematically eliminated from the play-in, they will need to win all their remaining games and hope for the Chicago Bulls to lose in order to secure the final play-in spot.
Full Game Highlights
For more sports coverage from MLB, NBA, NFL, to NCAA contact Julian Ojeda: Call 786-501-9082 | Email: julianojeda@wepa.fm
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