In a thrilling match on Saturday night, the Orlando Magic triumphed over the Detroit Pistons with a score of 121-113, thanks in large part to an explosive performance from Franz Wagner, who scored 25 of his total 32 points in the pivotal fourth quarter. Paolo Banchero also made a significant impact, finishing the game with 32 points, along with nine rebounds and seven assists, showcasing his versatility and skill on the court.

Jalen Suggs returned to action after missing ten games due to a back strain, contributing eight points in 16 minutes of play. Wendell Carter reinforced the team’s efforts with a double-double, posting 11 points and the same number of rebounds.

On the opposing side, Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with a stellar performance, netting 35 points and dishing out 11 assists, while Malik Beasley added 18 points to the team’s total. However, the night was marred for Detroit as coach J.B. Bickerstaff was ejected with 6:01 remaining in the fourth quarter after receiving two consecutive technical fouls.

The Pistons, who had only lost once in nine previous road games, started strong by limiting the Magic to just 18 points in the first quarter. However, foul trouble began to hinder them as the game progressed, resulting in Orlando attempting 23 free throws in the first half and a total of 38 by the game’s end. Consequently, three Pistons players finished the match with five fouls.

For the Magic, this victory marked the end of a five-game losing streak, coming at a time when their starting lineup was finally intact for the first time since October.

A significant turning point occurred when Wagner knocked down two 3-pointers and scored 12 points during a 20-4 run that flipped a two-point deficit into a 14-point lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Banchero and Suggs also contributed with successful 3-point shots during this crucial stretch.

Highlighting a key stat from the game, after a lackluster shooting performance of 38.5% in the first three quarters and missing ten free throws, the Magic surged with an impressive 42-point fourth quarter. They made 15 of 18 shots, including hitting six out of seven attempts from beyond the arc.

Looking ahead, the Pistons will face off against Cleveland on Monday night, continuing their five-game road trip, while the Magic are set to begin their own six-game road trip against Miami the same night.