Orlando Magic regain control, beat Pistons 113-105 to take 2–1 playoff lead
Orlando Magic edge Detroit 113-105 in Game 3 as Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner close the contest; Cade Cunningham’s late surge comes up short.
Magic reclaim series lead in Game 3
The Orlando Magic regained control of their first‑round series with a 113-105 victory over the Detroit Pistons in Game 3 on April 25, 2026, taking a 2‑1 lead. The win came after a turbulent fourth quarter in which Detroit erased a 17‑point deficit but Orlando finished the game on a decisive run to retake the advantage. (nba.com)
Orlando built a sizeable lead through the third quarter and looked in command before the Pistons staged a fierce comeback late. The Magic steadied themselves when it mattered most, converting stops and timely baskets down the stretch to secure the home‑court result. (washingtonpost.com)
Banchero and Wagner close out the finish
Paolo Banchero led Orlando’s balanced attack and flirted with a triple‑double, finishing with 25 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists as he repeatedly found mismatches in the lane. Franz Wagner provided the late scoring punch, knocking down two critical baskets in the final three minutes that swung momentum back to the Magic. (sofascore.com)
Role players also contributed in crucial moments: Wendell Carter Jr. battled for boards and drew a late turnover, and the supporting rotation helped Orlando absorb Detroit’s run and then respond with composure. The collective effort underscored a developing late‑game formula for the Magic in the series. (nba.com)
Cunningham sparks Detroit rally but rimless finish costs Pistons
Detroit’s Cade Cunningham was the engine of the Pistons’ comeback, scoring in bursts and converting a tying sequence that gave Detroit its first lead of the half with just under three minutes remaining. Cunningham finished with a high scoring night but also struggled with shot efficiency and turnovers at key moments. (sports.yahoo.com)
Despite Cunningham’s push, Detroit could not sustain a scoring answer in the final minute; the Pistons’ final point came with 2:52 left, and they were held scoreless thereafter as Orlando closed out the game. Defensive pressure and a missed late opportunity left Detroit searching for answers after a rally that ultimately fell short. (nba.com)
The decisive sequence: nine straight points to finish
The game’s turning point arrived in the last two minutes when the Magic mounted a 9‑0 run that erased Detroit’s momentum and secured the outcome. Franz Wagner’s jumper at 2:30 and a later 27‑footer shifted momentum, then Paolo Banchero’s three with 38 seconds left pushed the lead into an insurmountable margin. (nba.com)
That sequence featured a mix of clutch shooting, defensive stops and a crucial turnover that swung possession and energy back to Orlando. The Pistons’ inability to convert free throws or generate a reliable shot in the closing possessions allowed the Magic to close the door. (deadspin.com)
Rotation choices and matchup questions for both teams
Orlando’s rotation showed signs of settling into a workable pattern, with bench minutes bought by players who answered the call in pressure situations. The Magic have alternated lineups and minutes throughout the season, but the Game 3 finish suggested a clearer late‑game identity centered on Banchero and Wagner. (nba.com)
For Detroit, the game raised questions about supporting casts and the balance around Cunningham. J.B. Bickerstaff will likely examine lineup adjustments and defensive schemes to prevent long scoring droughts and limit late turnovers if the Pistons are to reclaim home‑court advantage. Individual performances — and rotation stability — appear likely to shape the series as it moves back to Detroit. (nba.com)
Looking ahead, Orlando will travel to Little Caesars Arena with the series advantage and the opportunity to push Detroit into a must‑win scenario for Game 4. Detroit must respond quickly, shore up late‑game execution and find avenues to ease the scoring burden on Cunningham if they hope to flip the series back in their favour. (nba.com)
Orlando’s victory showcased timely execution, late‑game poise from its core players and a stretch of play that reminded both teams of how quickly momentum can shift in a playoff series.
