Orlando Magic puts Detroit Pistons against the ropes (3-1)

Orlando is one step away from one of the biggest surprises in recent years in the NBA. The Orlando Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons 94-88 in the fourth game of the series, taking an unexpected 3-1 lead and leaving the top Eastern team on the brink of elimination.

The fifth encounter will take place in Detroit, where the Pistons are compelled to win to avoid a historic outcome.

Orlando's victory was not built on accuracy but on control. Despite shooting a poor 32.6% from the field, the home team managed to minimize errors and protect the ball, with only 12 turnovers compared to Detroit's 20.

Desmond Bane led the scoring with 22 points, while Franz Wagner contributed 19 in just three quarters before leaving the game due to discomfort in his right calf. The German will undergo an MRI but remains hopeful of participating in the fifth match.

Paolo Banchero also added 18 points despite notable inaccuracy (4 of 18 shooting). The night was particularly tough for Jalen Suggs, who finished with 1 of 13 in field goals, although his only three-pointer came at a crucial moment in the final quarter.

Detroit, against the ropes

On the visitor's side, Cade Cunningham was the leading scorer with 25 points, supported by Tobias Harris' 20 points. However, the Pistons failed to assert their status as the top seed or their 60-win regular season record.

The game had constant momentum swings. Orlando started strong (19-7), but Detroit responded with a 20-5 run to take the lead. The visitors even reached a 40-30 advantage in the second quarter, but the half ended with a tight 54-52 score in favor of the home team.

Cain and Bane make the difference

The final stretch featured unexpected heroes. Jamal Cain, filling in for Wagner, electrified the arena with a dunk over Caris LeVert and a put-back basket that brought the score to 87-85.

Shortly after, following Ausar Thompson's tie, Bane reappeared to seal the deal with a three-pointer—bank shot included—with 1:16 remaining, securing the 92-86 win.

On the verge of history

Orlando, the eighth seed in the East with 45 victories, is just one win away from becoming the seventh team in history to eliminate a number one seed in a playoff series, and only the fourth since all rounds switched to a best-of-seven format in 2003.

The franchise has not won a series since 2010 and has never won the NBA title. In contrast, Detroit has not reached the second round since 2008 and now sees a season that seemed destined for more in jeopardy.

The Amway Center once again proved to be a stronghold: the Magic boast an 8-1 record at home in the playoffs over the last three seasons. This factor has been crucial in pushing the top Eastern team to the brink.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Orlando Magic deja a Detroit Pistons contra las cuerdas (3-1)