Magic Win Again at Home, One Win Away from 8th-Seed Legend
The Orlando Magic defeated the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 94-88 today, taking a 3-2 lead in the series. They are now just one victory away from becoming only the 7th team in NBA history to complete an 8th-seed upset.
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- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 13:45
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Orlando, April 27 (CNA/AFP) — The Orlando Magic dominated their home court again today, led by Desmond Bane's 22 points, to defeat the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 94-88. The 8th-seeded Magic have now secured three wins in the series, leaving them just one step away from a historic '8th-seed legend' upset.
Only six teams in NBA history have defeated a number one seed as an 8th seed in the first round. Since the 7-game format was adopted in 2003, this has only occurred four times. The Magic are now on the verge of joining this elite group.
Boosted by enthusiastic home fans, the Magic opened with a 19-7 run, but the Pistons responded with a 20-5 counter-attack after several missed shots. The teams traded leads in the first half, with the Magic entering the third quarter with a slim 54-52 lead.
Magic's Franz Wagner left the game with 1:34 remaining in the third quarter due to right calf discomfort after contributing 19 points. Backup Jamal Cain stepped up to score 8 points. Desmond Bane, watched by former Grizzlies teammates Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., hit a crucial bank three-pointer with 1:16 left to extend the lead to 92-86.
Other Magic players included Paolo Banchero with 18 points (though shooting 4-for-18) and Jalen Suggs with only 1 point from 13 attempts. The team's overall field goal percentage was only 32.6%. Despite the poor shooting, the Magic overcame their struggles by limiting turnovers to just 12, compared to the Pistons' 20.
For the Pistons, Cade Cunningham led with 25 points and Tobias Harris added 20. The Magic, who won 45 games in the regular season, have not won a playoff series since 2010. The 37-year-old franchise has never won an NBA championship. Meanwhile, the 60-win Pistons have not advanced to the second round since 2008.
The Magic improved their home playoff record to 8-1 over the past three seasons, including a crucial home win in this year's play-in tournament. Game 5 will be held in Detroit on the night of the 29th.
Only six teams in NBA history have defeated a number one seed as an 8th seed in the first round. Since the 7-game format was adopted in 2003, this has only occurred four times. The Magic are now on the verge of joining this elite group.
Boosted by enthusiastic home fans, the Magic opened with a 19-7 run, but the Pistons responded with a 20-5 counter-attack after several missed shots. The teams traded leads in the first half, with the Magic entering the third quarter with a slim 54-52 lead.
Magic's Franz Wagner left the game with 1:34 remaining in the third quarter due to right calf discomfort after contributing 19 points. Backup Jamal Cain stepped up to score 8 points. Desmond Bane, watched by former Grizzlies teammates Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., hit a crucial bank three-pointer with 1:16 left to extend the lead to 92-86.
Other Magic players included Paolo Banchero with 18 points (though shooting 4-for-18) and Jalen Suggs with only 1 point from 13 attempts. The team's overall field goal percentage was only 32.6%. Despite the poor shooting, the Magic overcame their struggles by limiting turnovers to just 12, compared to the Pistons' 20.
For the Pistons, Cade Cunningham led with 25 points and Tobias Harris added 20. The Magic, who won 45 games in the regular season, have not won a playoff series since 2010. The 37-year-old franchise has never won an NBA championship. Meanwhile, the 60-win Pistons have not advanced to the second round since 2008.
The Magic improved their home playoff record to 8-1 over the past three seasons, including a crucial home win in this year's play-in tournament. Game 5 will be held in Detroit on the night of the 29th.