Orlando Magic beat Detroit Pistons to take 2-1 playoff series lead
Eighth-seeded Orlando Magic survived a dramatic fourth-quarter collapse to defeat the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 113-105 and take a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series.
Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane scored 25 points apiece as the Florida franchise nearly squandered a 17-point advantage.
The hosts appeared comfortable when leading 96-79 with just eight minutes remaining in the contest.
Late Detroit resurgence falls short
Cade Cunningham spearheaded a sensational 26-8 run for the visitors, scoring a game-high 27 points.
The former number one overall pick sank a clutch free throw with under three minutes remaining to give the Michigan side their first lead of the second half.
However, the Magic immediately responded by shutting out their opponents 9-0 during the final sequences to seal a vital victory.
Physical battle produces costly fouls
The tense playoff atmosphere boiled over repeatedly during a highly physical encounter marred by multiple infractions.
Detroit centre Isaiah Stewart was involved in several altercations, receiving a double technical foul alongside Goga Bitadze before committing a flagrant foul on Jalen Suggs.
Those disciplinary lapses ultimately proved decisive, gifting the hosts crucial points in a tightly contested finish.
Magic chase historic playoff upset
This marks only the 13th time since the current 16-team format began in 1984 that an eighth seed has secured a 2-1 first-round advantage over a top seed.
The play-in tournament survivors are now aiming to become just the sixth eighth-seeded roster in NBA history to successfully complete such an unlikely upset.
Game four of the best-of-seven series will take place in Orlando on Monday night.
