The Detroit Pistons lost 128-102 to the Orlando Magic leaving some fans frustrated with the effort. Especially against a team some thought they’d be better than. But now the Magic has their eyes set on the Play-In Tournament after winning 6 of their last 8 games.

Paolo Banchero scored 14 points and grabbed nine rebounds as he continues to make his case for Rookie of the year. Coach Dwane Casey spoke glowingly about the awards front runner just prior to the game being played. He also gave some love to the rookies on his team as well — Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren.

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“I think Jaden is one of the top rookies in our league, but I think Paolo has separated himself because he’s been so consistent from day one,” Casey said. “I will put our rookies right there behind him in the rookie race, but Paolo is a few years ahead of himself.”

Jalen Suggs led the Magic in scoring with 18 points off the bench aided by a game high four made threes.

Killian Hayes scored 20 points and Eugene Omoruyi 19 to lead the Pistons in scoring. But scoring was tough as they shot 9 of 33 from three point range, and 41% from the field.

How It Went Down

The Pistons played a competitive first quarter that ended with the Magic up 34-29. But the Pistons went cold from offense, while the Magic turned up the physicality on defense. The combination forced the Pistons into a cold shooting fifteen point second quarter.

They also had a difficult time on the defensive end of the floor trying to balance 2-Big lineups and new players acquired within the last couple months.

The Pistons played a more competitive second half, but the damage had been done. And the losing is not lost on the players, Killian Hayes shared his frustration after the game.

“Obviously losing 20 of 21 games, mentally, can be tough,” Hayes said. “But we’ve still got four games left. Tonight was a bad presentation of the Pistons losing by 30. The Magic aren’t 30 points better than us.”

The game got chippy with multiple players from each team receiving flagrant and technical fouls. Jalen Duren and Goga Bitadze got tangled up on one play that saw each player receive techs.