The Orlando Magic took a 2-1 series lead with a 113-105 win over the Detroit Pistons, and head coach Jamahl Mosley pointed to composure as the deciding factor late.
“The composure, they tie it up and we didn’t rattle with three something minutes to go,” Mosley said. “Our ability to stay the course, execute.”
Orlando closed the final minutes on a 9-0 run after surrendering a 17-point fourth-quarter lead, leaning on defensive execution to regain control.
“It was more about the stops that last two minutes after I think Cade hit his free throw,” Mosley said. “You held him at 105 and it was our defense, our composure, our communication.”
The Magic forced key misses and limited clean looks, holding Detroit to 44% shooting and just enough late possessions to swing momentum.
“I think it’s very important,” Mosley said of team chemistry. “These guys have been talking about it all year and it builds over time.”
He pointed to in-game communication as a difference-maker, especially during late substitutions.
“Desmond cramps up a little bit. Jalen saying, get AB, we got to get AB in the game,” Mosley said. “I just think that it’s the trust that they have in each other.”
Desmond Bane responded with 25 points and seven three-pointers, tying a franchise playoff record after recent struggles.
“I could go on and on about Desmond Bane,” Mosley said. “He’s such a professional, because he doesn’t rattle, because he stays the course and he just works every single day.”
Mosley emphasized process over results despite the shooting performance.
“For this one game, it was really good,” Mosley said. “It’s the one game that we all did it the right way and there’s a lot to clean up as well.”
Paolo Banchero added 25 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists, controlling tempo and drawing defensive attention.
“He’s not afraid of the moment,” Mosley said. “His ability to communicate… recognize and read how they were playing him.”
Franz Wagner contributed 17 points, including a late basket that helped stabilize the offense.
“He has such a level of determination and focus,” Mosley said. “He’s never going to lose that competitive edge.”
Wendell Carter Jr. anchored the interior with 14 points and 17 rebounds, while Jalen Suggs added 15 points and defensive pressure.
“Wendell was great. Big possessions down the stretch,” Mosley said. “When each person contributes… that’s what’s the most important piece.”
Orlando’s defensive versatility also stood out, with multiple players switching assignments and contesting drives.
“Being able to throw multiple bodies at different guys,” Mosley said. “Each guy is accepting their role.”
The physical tone of the series remained evident, with several flagrant fouls and technicals issued throughout the game.
“That’s what this series is going to be about,” Mosley said. “It’s going to be a physical battle back and forth.”
The Magic also fed off the home crowd during key stretches at Kia Center.
“We have the best fans in the NBA, the building was loud,” Mosley said. “That energy that they bring is so important.”
Despite the series lead, Mosley maintained a narrow focus heading into Game 4.
“What am I going to say? One game at a time,” Mosley said. “You handle that the right way and that’s all you can do.”
