By Eurohoops / info@eurohoops.net
The Orlando Magic nearly let a commanding victory slip away but regrouped in the closing minutes to secure a 113–105 win over the Detroit Pistons in Game 3 on Saturday night. Despite surrendering a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter, Orlando delivered a composed finish to move ahead 2–1 in the series, with Game 4 set for Monday in Orlando.
Paolo Banchero led the charge for the Magic with 25 points, delivering a crucial three-pointer with just under 39 seconds remaining to push the lead back to six. He narrowly missed a triple-double, adding 12 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks in a dominant all-around performance.
Detroit was paced by Cade Cunningham, who posted 27 points and nine assists, while Tobias Harris contributed 23 points. Ausar Thompson stood out with an impressive stat line of 17 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks in one of his most complete outings of the season.
The Pistons battled adversity throughout the contest, including controversial officiating decisions and costly mistakes on defense. One key issue was their inability to contain Orlando’s perimeter shooting. Desmond Bane found his rhythm in Game 3, erupting for 25 points and knocking down 7 of 9 attempts from beyond the arc. After struggling in the first two games of the series, Bane’s breakout performance fueled Orlando’s offense, which shot 45 percent from three-point range and connected on 15 shots from deep. Jalen Suggs also contributed from long distance, finishing with 15 points and three made threes.
Orlando built much of its early advantage in the second quarter, where Bane scored 12 points. The Magic matched their highest-scoring quarter of the series with 35 points, capitalizing on lapses in Detroit’s defense to create separation.
Although the Pistons mounted a strong comeback late, Orlando’s resilience in the final minutes proved decisive, allowing them to reclaim control and close out the game.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 1-2 (101-112, 98-83, 105-113)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 2-0 (126-113, 115-105)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 1-1 (113-102, 106-107)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 1-1 (123-91, 97-111)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 2-0 (119-84, 120-107)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 2-0 (107-98, 101-94)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-1 (126-115, 114-119)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 1-1 (111-98, 103-106)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions