Magic vs Pistons Recap: Pistons Taskmaster Cade Sparks Detroit

Cade Cunningham controlled the game from start to finish, leading Detroit to a dominant 98-83 victory. The star point forward scored 27 points while dishing out 11 assists, showcasing why he belongs in the MVP conversation. When Orlando kept pace early, matching the Pistons 46-46 at halftime, nobody expected what came next. Detroit exploded in the third quarter, outscoring the Magic 38-16 during that stretch alone. Cunningham's playmaking and scoring made life impossible for Orlando's defense. By the time the fourth quarter arrived, the game was essentially decided. His resilience and basketball intelligence separated him from other talented young players in the league.

Orlando's high-scoring threats suddenly looked ordinary when facing Detroit's elite defense. Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, and Paolo Banchero combined for just 42 points on poor shooting percentages. Bane especially struggled, managing only 12 points on 18.2 percent shooting despite being brought in to provide firepower. His impact was nearly invisible while defending against Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren's length and athleticism. Wagner added 12 points but committed turnovers that hurt the Magic's rhythm. Banchero did everything he could with 18 points and eight assists, yet even his playmaking couldn't generate enough offense. When your three best players can't score efficiently, winning becomes nearly impossible against a team this talented defensively.

Jalen Suggs was Orlando's brightest spot, scoring 19 points and keeping the Magic competitive through two quarters. His long-range shooting kept them close when others faltered, including a 27-foot three-pointer that nearly sparked a run. However, even Suggs couldn't overcome Detroit's second-half onslaught. Anthony Black showed promise as a rising star, adding steady playmaking throughout the game. Jonathan Isaac remained sidelined with injury, limiting Orlando's defensive versatility when they needed it most. Looking ahead, the Magic face uncomfortable truths after acquiring Bane for four first-round picks. If this core can't generate consistent offense against top-tier defenses, management may need to reconsider their roster composition moving forward.