NBA Playoffs: Magic Take a Commanding Lead Over the Pistons!
Apr 27, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) shoots a three point basket against Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) during the second half during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
The Magic took a decisive step forward by winning 94-88 against the Pistons in Game 4, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in this first-round series. The Florida squad is now one win away from pulling off the biggest upset of this NBA Playoffs.
In a game defined by defensive intensity and offensive struggles on both sides, Orlando made the difference thanks to Desmond Bane (22 points) and an efficient Franz Wagner (19 points) before he left with a right calf injury late in the third quarter.
Jamal Cain Sets the Kia Center Ablaze with a Legendary Poster
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the spectacular dunk by Jamal Cain on Jalen Duren in the fourth quarter. The Magic guard, who started the season on a two-way contract, electrified the crowd by charging to the rim and throwing down a devastating tomahawk dunk over the Pistons center.
This iconic play, already a top candidate for best dunk of the playoffs, perfectly captures the fighting spirit of an Orlando team that refuses to give up. Cain, who averaged just 5.4 points per game this season, also added a clutch put-back to push the score to 87-85 with under five minutes to play.
JAMAL CAIN JUST THREW DOWN A LEGENDARY POSTER ON JALEN DUREN pic.twitter.com/jAfiobX4Oq
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 28, 2026
The true hero of the night remains Desmond Bane, who hit the go-ahead three-pointer off the backboard with 1 minute and 16 seconds left. The former Grizzly, cheered on by his former teammates Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr sitting courtside, said after the game: « It’s special. These are guys I spent five years with, who were there at the start of my career, with whom I made so many memories. I’m very grateful they came out to support me. »
Ja Morant & Jaren Jackson Jr. in attendance for the Magic vs. Pistons. 🔥
(h/t @ClutchPoints) pic.twitter.com/a9dawiVdqC
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 28, 2026
Detroit on the Brink Despite Cunningham
The Eastern Conference leaders with 60 regular-season wins are watching their season spiral toward a nightmare scenario. Cade Cunningham tried his best to keep his team afloat with 25 points, but his 8 turnovers and 7-of-23 shooting tell the story of Detroit’s offensive woes.
The Michigan squad committed 20 total turnovers, allowing the Magic to score 19 points off those miscues compared to just 3 for the Pistons. Tobias Harris added 20 points but went 0-for-5 from three, while Jalen Duren continues to struggle with 12 points and limited impact.
Paolo Banchero also had a rough night (4-of-18 shooting), as did Jalen Suggs (1-of-13, including 1-of-11 from three), but Mosley’s squad made up for it with their defense and ball security, committing only 12 turnovers.
Game 5 will be held Wednesday in Detroit, where the home team must win to avoid a crushing elimination. Orlando, which hasn’t won a playoff series since 2010, could become just the seventh 8th-seeded team to eliminate a No. 1 seed in NBA history.
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