Bane’s Corner Three Beats Buzzer for Magic; Cunningham Explodes for 40-Point Triple-Double; Krejci Carries Hawks on Road
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Orlando, Fla. — Desmond Bane, mired in a 26 percent start from long range and 0-for-5 on the night, drilled a twisting corner three over Toumani Camara as time expired to push the Orlando Magic past the Portland Trail Blazers, 115-112, on Monday at Kia Center.
The shot marked the first game-winning buzzer-beater of Bane’s career. “It was probably the best game winner I’ve seen here in the Kia Center,” Paolo Banchero said afterward.
Bane closed with 22 points and hopes the moment helps him settle into his first season in Orlando. The Magic acquired the guard last summer in a win-now move, sending four unprotected first-round picks, a pick swap, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony to complete the deal. Orlando improved to 5-6 after nearly squandering a 13-point fourth-quarter lead.
Pistons
Detroit — Cade Cunningham fired up 45 shots, scored 46 points and still had enough left for a 40-point triple-double as the Detroit Pistons edged the Washington Wizards, 137-135, in overtime. Cunningham’s 31 missed field goals were the most in a single game by any player since the 1960s. He added 12 rebounds, 11 assists and five steals, guiding Detroit to its seventh straight victory and a 9-2 record.
Jalen Duren contributed 19 points and 14 rebounds, while Daniss Jenkins scored 24. CJ McCollum poured in 42 for Washington, which slipped to 1-10 with its ninth consecutive loss.
Hawks
Los Angeles — The Atlanta Hawks began a four-game West Coast swing with a 105-102 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, sparked by a career-best 28 points from reserve Vit Krejci. The guard sank eight three-pointers, including the one that pushed the lead to 105-98 with 36 seconds remaining.
James Harden answered with 35 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, but it was not enough to prevent the Clippers’ fifth straight defeat. Kristaps Porzingis added 20 for Atlanta, and Jalen Johnson supplied 16 points and 10 rebounds. Trae Young (knee) remained sidelined.
Source: Hoops Wire
