NBA Playoffs: Magic Regains the Lead at the Buzzer in Game 3 Against the Pistons

The Magic took a major step forward in their first-round NBA Playoffs series against the Pistons, winning 113-105 in Game 3. The home victory allows the No. 8 seed to take a 2-1 lead over the Eastern Conference’s top seed, moving closer to a potential upset.

Paolo Banchero narrowly missed a triple-double with 25 points (including 11 in the fourth quarter), 12 rebounds and 9 assists, despite some shooting struggles (6-of-17 from the field). Desmond Bane finished with 25 points on 7-of-9 from three-point range, while Franz Wagner added 17 points and Wendell Carter Jr. posted a big double-double in the paint (14 points and 17 rebounds).

NBA

– Round 1

Orlando Magic 113

Detroit Pistons 105

The Magic Withstand the Pistons’ Comeback

The game was marked by great physical intensity and tension, with several incidents involving the ever-controversial Isaiah Stewart. The Magic controlled the game for most of the night, leading by 7 at halftime (61-54) before stretching their advantage to 17 points (96-79) with eight minutes remaining.

That’s when Cade Cunningham and the Pistons fought back. The All-Star guard, who finished with 27 points despite nine turnovers, led an incredible 26-8 run in six minutes, aided by Tobias Harris (23 points, including 10 in the final quarter), to give Detroit a 105-104 lead with under three minutes to play.

PAOLO BANCHERO’S THREE BOUNCES ABOVE THE SHOT CLOCK AND FALLS IN. 😱 pic.twitter.com/OvAqDBJ8X1

— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) April 25, 2026

But the Magic rose to the occasion in the clutch moments. Franz Wagner sparked the response, capped by a lucky but decisive three-pointer from Paolo Banchero that extinguished Detroit’s last hopes with 39 seconds left. « The basketball gods don’t reward hesitation, » Banchero said after the shot, which was eerily reminiscent of Tyrese Haliburton’s shot in Game 1 of the 2025 conference finals against the Knicks.

Orlando Two Wins Away from a Historic Feat

This victory puts the Magic in position to pull off the upset in what appeared to be a lopsided series on paper. Highlighting the remarkable achievement by Jamahl Mosley’s squad, Orlando became just the 13th No. 8 seed since 1984 to take a 2-1 lead over a conference’s top seed in the first round.

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Of the previous 12 instances, only five franchises managed to win the series: Miami in 2023, Philadelphia in 2012, Memphis in 2011, Golden State in 2007 and New York in 1999.

« We did a good job staying composed… without panicking, » Banchero said after the game. « The team stayed together to get the job done. »

Detroit and Jalen Duren, who was again limited to just 8 points and 9 rebounds on 3-of-10 shooting, will absolutely need to bounce back in Game 4 on Monday, still in Florida.