Photo: Rick Osentoski ~ Imagn Images
ORLANDO, Fla. ~ The Detroit Pistons let momentum slip away Saturday afternoon, falling 113–105 to the Orlando Magic in Game 3 of their first‑round playoff series at the Kia Center. With the series tied entering the contest, Orlando took advantage of its home court to grab a 2–1 lead despite a late Detroit surge that briefly put the Pistons in control.
Foward Paolo Banchero and guard Desmond Bane scored 25 points apiece to lead the Magic. Banchero added 12 rebounds and nine assists, narrowly missing a triple‑double, as Orlando built a double‑digit lead in the second half and appeared firmly in control. Detroit responded with a spirited comeback, highlighted by strong play on both ends in the fourth quarter.
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(CONTINUED) Guard Cade Cunningham fueled the rally, finishing with 27 points and nine assists while helping the Pistons erase a 17‑point deficit in the final period. His free throw with just under three minutes remaining gave Detroit its first lead of the second half. The advantage was short‑lived, however, as Orlando answered with a decisive 9–0 run to close the game.
Foward Tobias Harris scored 23 points for Detroit, but turnovers and missed opportunities down the stretch prevented the Pistons from reclaiming home‑court advantage. While Detroit showed resilience, the loss increases the pressure heading into Game 4, with the Magic holding control of the series as it remains in Orlando.
