Magic surprise Pistons with 112-101 Game 1 win behind Banchero’s 23 points
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The Orlando Magic opened the first round of the playoffs with a 112-101 upset of the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, a result that caught outsiders off guard but not the Magic themselves.
“I think everybody knows we have a really talented team,” forward Franz Wagner said after the victory. “Obviously, we didn’t have the regular season that we wanted, but that’s how it goes sometimes. One game doesn’t win the series. That’s got to be our mindset going forward.”
Play-in rhythm vs. week off
Head coach Jamahl Mosley credited the team’s two play-in games last week for keeping Orlando sharp while Detroit had been idle. “They’ve been off. We found a little bit of rhythm playing so many games,” Mosley said. “I’m just happy our guys came out and defended the right way and were intentional with our offense.”
Banchero leads balanced attack
Rookie standout Paolo Banchero paced Orlando with 23 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Mosley praised his floor leadership: “His voice, his command on the floor, his court presence was special.” Banchero said the Magic have moved past an uneven regular season. “At the end of the day, we’re here in the playoffs,” he noted. “We’re fully healthy right now, and we feel like we’re clicking as a group.”
Suggs everywhere, despite late foul-out
Guard Jalen Suggs filled the box score with 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals before fouling out late. He was seen favoring his left knee at times but reported feeling fine afterward.
Additional notes
• Wagner emphasized that consistency is key as the series continues.
• Desmond Bane logged 35 minutes for Detroit despite battling an illness, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
The Magic will try to carry their momentum into Game 2 as they seek to build on their early series lead.
Source: Hoops Rumors
