Magic takes over qualification from Detroit

They say the best teams never lose twice. THE Clips they were eager to prove it after ending their 13-game winning streak. Even more so in the high-stakes meeting he faces Magicwhich would qualify the winner for the quarterfinals NBA Cup.

at home, Detroit he was, however, surprised Orlando. Despite his “triple-double” (39 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, but 8 turnovers), Cade Cunningham finally had to admit defeat to Desmond Bane (37 points, 8 rebounds) i Franz Wagner (21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals).

If the Pistons get off to the best start (27-13), using their physical density in the paint, led by Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, the Magic answer the dice. The infectious activity of Desmond Bain and Anthony Black awakens the whole group, Wendell Carter Jr. moves inside and the advantage changes sides, for Orlando (38-33).

Mistakes, numerous on both sides – but even more so on Detroit’s side when it comes to taking care of the ball – mar the performance, while uncertainty is complete, with the deficit no longer exceeding two possessions (59-58). On the other hand, we appreciate the very nice duel between Desmond Bain and Cade Cunningham, the authors of 21 and 18 points respectively at the break.

“Demon” Bane

Despite Cade Cunningham, omnipresent in the attack, but also frustrated by the opponent’s defense, the Pistons cannot break away, due to turnovers. They even suffered a new “surge” by Magic (10-2), which returned the advantage to the guests, which was still carried by Desmond Bain, this time with the support of a more aggressive Franz Wagner in the round (89-84).

Long on the brink, unable to score, Detroit’s players eventually reignited the machine with the outside skill of Duncan Robinson and Tobias Harris. Kept alive by Orlando’s 3-point miss, they went on a 10-0 run that restarted everything and offered money-time.

Cade Cunningham confirms his triple-double by dispatching Jaylen Duren with an alley-oop, except the Bain/Wagner duo doesn’t give up anything up front. None more so than the interior of Florida, who in the last minute grabbed four (!) offensive rebounds, to finally place Jalen Sag on free throws (112-109). Then achieve the necessary “stop”, thanks to Anthony Black’s counter, synonymous with victory and qualification!

TO BE REMEMBERED

– We’re going to the quarterfinals for Orlando. Even limited to an ugly 5 of 30 three-pointers, the Magic came through in Michigan. Burdened by a poor start, Jamal Mosley’s men relied on the super ‘Demon’ Bane for a good part of the match, before Franz Wagner got the momentum going after the break. Desperate in the final quarter, while appearing to be in control at +10, they held on against Cade Cunningham &co, securing their spot for the knockout stages.

– Detroit loses all the way again. Just like two days ago in Boston, the Pistons lost a game that came down to details. So we could recall the four offensive rebounds that the Magic grabbed in the final minute, but before that Jay-Bickerstaff’s players could especially lament their inability to take care of the ball (24 turnovers, resulting in 29 points conceded) or their inability to lock down the paint (62 points conceded). Certainly heroic, Cade Cunningham will undoubtedly repeat his turnovers or missed free throws in the final moments.

– Derby in the next round. There will be not one, but two Florida teams in the next round, and the Magic, undefeated in this tournament (4-0), will host the Heat (3-1) in the quarterfinals. The winner will then, in Las Vegas, meet the winner of the duel between the Knicks and the Raptors.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.