A 15-0 run in the fourth quarter helped the Orlando Magic defeat the Detroit Pistons 111-100 on Saturday, marking their eighth win in the last nine games.
The Magic, still unbeaten at home this season, led for most of the game but faced a tight match as they entered the fourth quarter. A layup by Isaiah Stewart to start the final period brought the Pistons within seven points.
From there, Orlando’s defense took over, showing the same intensity that has helped them hold opponents to the lowest scoring average in the NBA. The Magic didn’t allow Detroit to score for the next 5:31 and used the opportunity to build their offensive lead.
Detroit shot 46.7 percent from the field, but Orlando forced 17 turnovers, which they turned into 29 points.
Goga Bitadze and Jonathan Isaac were key in defending the paint for Orlando, with each blocking three shots. Isaac also added two steals and 12 rebounds off the bench.
Gary Harris made a big impact off the bench with three steals for the Magic.
The Pistons ended Orlando’s streak of five straight games holding opponents under 100 points when Alondes Williams scored a layup in the final seconds.
Franz Wagner led Orlando with 30 points, marking the 11th time in 12 games he’s been the team’s top scorer. He also grabbed nine rebounds and dished out eight assists. Moritz Wagner contributed 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists off the bench, while Anthony Black and Jett Howard added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Jaden Ivey led Detroit with 19 points, as the Pistons struggled without Cade Cunningham, who was out with an ankle injury. Malik Beasley scored 18 points and Marcus Sasser added 13 points off the bench.
