Franz Wagner delivered a stellar performance with 30 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, leading the Orlando Magic to a 111-100 win over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.
This marked Orlando’s eighth victory in their last nine games, solidifying their unbeaten record at home this season.
Wagner’s scoring spree included nine consecutive points during a third-quarter run that put the Magic in control.
Despite missing the fourth quarter, his impact was undeniable, with the Magic bench extending the lead to 22 points midway through the final frame.
Mo Wagner added 18 points and seven rebounds off the bench, while Jonathan Isaac contributed with a strong defensive effort, recording 12 rebounds and three blocks.
The Magic overcame the absence of key players Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr., as well as losing Jalen Suggs to a hamstring injury early in the game.
Detroit, missing its leading scorer Cade Cunningham due to a hip injury, struggled to find offensive rhythm. Jaden Ivey led the Pistons with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Malik Beasley chipped in 18 points as a starter.
The Pistons committed 17 turnovers, which the Magic converted into 29 points.
Franz Wagner has been a consistent force for Orlando, averaging 27.7 points over the last 11 games in the absence of Banchero. His performance on Saturday marked his fifth 30-point game in the past seven outings.
Detroit’s struggles were compounded by poor ball security and defensive lapses. Tobias Harris, starting at forward, contributed just eight points on 3-for-9 shooting.
The Pistons shot 46.7% from the field but could not match Orlando’s efficiency and depth.
Orlando’s bench outscored Detroit’s reserves, with contributions from players like Gary Harris, Jett Howard, and Cole Anthony.
The team also capitalized on their 17 offensive rebounds, creating second-chance opportunities that further widened the gap.
The Magic’s defense held the Pistons to 39.4% shooting from beyond the arc while recording nine steals and blocking eight shots. Isaac’s presence in the paint disrupted Detroit’s attempts to attack the basket, forcing them into difficult shots and turnovers.
The Pistons, now 7-11, will look to regroup as they await the return of Cunningham. Meanwhile, the Magic, improving to 11-7, continue to assert themselves as a formidable team, especially at home, where they remain undefeated.
