The Orlando Magic secured a place in the NBA In-Season Tournament knockout round after defeating the Eastern Conference–leading Detroit Pistons on Friday, capping a dramatic reversal from a sluggish opening to the season.
Orlando opened the year 4-6 despite having surrendered four first-round draft picks for a player who has yet to earn an All-Star selection. The team’s fortunes shifted in Game 11, when Desmond Bane’s last-second jumper handed the Magic a loss that, by their own admission, sharpened their focus.
Since that defeat, Orlando has compiled an 8-2 record, pairing a top-10 offense with a top-10 defense during the 10-game span. The run included Friday’s victory over Detroit, a win that locked up first place in the club’s tournament group and punched a ticket to the quarterfinals in Las Vegas.
The Magic will now prepare for their first knockout-stage appearance, aiming to extend the momentum that has propelled them back into the Eastern Conference conversation.
Source: Hoops Wire
