NBA: Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero lift Magic over Pistons
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) is fouled by Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart, left, while going up to dunk during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
ORLANDO, Florida — Franz Wagner scored 25 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter, Paolo Banchero had 32 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and the Orlando Magic beat the Detroit Pistons 121-113 on Saturday night in the NBA.
Jalen Suggs contributed eight points in 16 minutes in his first game back after missing 10 games with a strained back. Wendell Carter finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds for Orlando.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 35 points and 11 assists. Malik Beasley added 18 points for Detroit.
READ: NBA: Franz Wagner returns but Trail Blazers stymie Magic
A FRANZ TAKEOVER 😤
Franz Wagner went off for 25 in the 4th quarter on 9-10 shooting 🔥
32p, 7a, 4 3PM in the @OrlandoMagic W. pic.twitter.com/JJcibdXHrw
— NBA (@NBA) January 26, 2025
Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff was ejected with 6:01 left in the fourth quarter after getting two straight technicals.
Takeaways
Pistons: Losing for only the second time in their last nine road games, the Pistons held the Magic to 18 points in the first quarter before fouls took their toll. The Magic shot 23 free throws in the first half, 38 in the game, and three Pistons finished the game with five fouls each.
Magic: With their starting lineup intact for the first time since October, the Magic broke a five-game losing streak.
READ: NBA: Raptors erase 21-point deficit, defeat slumping Magic
Key moment
Wagner hit two 3-pointers and scored 12 points in a 20-4 run, turning a two-point Orlando deficit into a 14-point lead at the outset of the fourth quarter. Banchero and Suggs also hit 3-pointers in the four-minute stretch.
Key stat
After shooting 38.5% and missing 10 free throws in the first three quarters, the Magic made 15 of 18 shots, including six of seven 3-pointers, in a 42-point fourth quarter.
Up next
Pistons: Play at Cleveland on Monday night in the fourth game of a five-game road trip.
Magic: Open a six-game road trip at Miami on Monday night.
