Desmond Bane delivered his most impactful performance of the season as the Orlando Magic edged the Detroit Pistons 112-109 on Friday night at Little Caesars Arena.
The result moved Orlando to 12-8 and secured a 4-0 finish in East Group B, sending the Magic into the NBA Cup knockout round.
Bane scored 37 points on 13-for-25 shooting and converted 11 free throws, providing consistent offense and grabbing two decisive offensive rebounds in the final minute.
Franz Wagner added 21 points, including a late layup that extended Orlando’s lead to two possessions during the closing stretch.
Detroit dropped to 15-4 and fell to 2-2 in group play despite a triple-double from Cade Cunningham, who posted 39 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists.
Cunningham committed eight turnovers, including a costly giveaway with 1:03 remaining that halted Detroit’s momentum.
Orlando built its lead with a 15-5 run late in the third quarter, turning a small deficit into an 89-84 advantage behind improved half-court execution and defensive pressure.
The Magic pushed the margin to 95-85 early in the fourth as Detroit opened the period 0-for-6 from the field.
Duncan Robinson finally broke the drought with a three-pointer at the 7:23 mark, sparking a rally that pulled the Pistons even at 100-100.
Bane responded with a three-point play with 2:11 remaining, giving Orlando a 108-106 lead after attacking downhill off a high screen.
Wagner added a driving finish on the next possession as Orlando maintained its two-point cushion entering the final minute.
Tobias Harris, who scored 18 points, connected on a three-pointer to trim the lead to 110-109 before Detroit forced a stop.
Cunningham’s turnover prevented the Pistons from taking the lead, and Orlando extended the possession with three consecutive offensive rebounds—two by Bane and one by Wendell Carter Jr.
Jalen Suggs made two free throws with 6.3 seconds left to put Orlando ahead by three, finishing a 14-point outing marked by aggressive on-ball defense.
Orlando intentionally fouled Cunningham with 4.7 seconds left, and he missed the first free throw before intentionally missing the second.
Cunningham secured the rebound and found Robinson in the corner, but Anthony Black blocked the tying attempt to seal the win.
Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 11 rebounds, and Orlando totaled 14 offensive boards to overcome 5-for-30 three-point shooting.
Detroit received a strong interior performance from Jalen Duren, who had 16 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks, while Ausar Thompson added eight points and seven rebounds.
Orlando shot 40-for-97 from the field and held a 112-109 advantage in a matchup featuring 13 ties and 12 lead changes.
Detroit shot 37-for-84 overall and 11-for-28 from deep but committed 24 turnovers, which led to 25 Orlando points.
Orlando returns home to face Chicago on Monday as NBA Cup knockout play awaits.
Detroit heads to Miami on Saturday looking to end its two-game slide.
