Paolo Banchero’s back-breaking 3-pointer lifts Magic to 113-105 win over Pistons and 2-1 lead in the first round series [VIDEO]
Orlando used a late game surge to take control of the series against the top‑seeded Pistons.
Paolo Banchero provided the dagger. With 38.8 seconds remaining in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first‑round playoffs, the Orlando Magic forward stepped beyond the arc and buried a three‑pointer that extended the lead to 113-105. The shot came as part of a 9‑0 Orlando run over the final 2:52, during which Detroit did not score. The Magic won 113-105 and took a 2-1 series lead over the top‑seeded Pistons.
A 19‑second highlight clip posted by @bleachereport on X, captured the sequence. The video shows Banchero receiving a pass, rising over a defender, and releasing a shot that bounced high off the rim before dropping through. Immediately after, the Kia Center crowd erupted, and Magic players and staff celebrated on the sideline.
Banchero finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, falling one assist short of a triple‑double. Desmond Bane tied a Magic franchise playoff record with seven three‑pointers and also scored 25 points.
The Dagger Three From Paolo Banchero
The highlight opens with a wide overhead view of the court. The scoreboard shows Detroit 105, Orlando 110, with 45.5 seconds remaining. Banchero, wearing jersey No. 5, sets up beyond the arc. The ball swings to him. He rises and releases a three‑pointer. The shot hits the rim, bounces upward – described by the broadcaster, Michael Grady, as “off the heel” – and then falls cleanly through the net.
The scoreboard updates to 105‑113, and the crowd immediately stands and cheers. The clip cuts to the Magic bench. There, players and staff raise their arms, clap, and jump. Finally, the camera focuses on a group huddle centered on Banchero, surrounded by teammates including Franz Wagner. The celebration is animated with high‑fives and hugs.
The shot came after Detroit had narrowed a larger Orlando lead. Thus, making the three a momentum‑sealing play. The Pistons had cut the deficit to three points with 2:52 remaining before Orlando’s defense shut them down. Banchero’s three effectively ended any hope of a comeback.
Magic Close Game on 9‑0 Run
The Pistons entered the fourth quarter within striking distance. With 2:52 remaining, Detroit had cut the lead to three points. From that point forward, Orlando’s defense held the Pistons scoreless. The Magic scored the final nine points of the game. Banchero’s three‑pointer was the centerpiece.
The victory provided Orlando with a win in their first home game in the series. In addition, it gave them a 2‑1 lead heading into Game 4. The Magic, the No. 8 seed, had already stolen Game 1 in Detroit before dropping Game 2. The 9‑0 closing run demonstrated resilience and defensive execution against a Pistons team that had the Eastern Conference’s best regular‑season record. Overall, the Pistons had the league’s third-best record.
Detroit struggled to generate offense in the final minutes. Players like Cade Cunningham, who had been the Pistons’ primary scorer in the series, could not find quality looks as Orlando’s defense tightened. The scoring run included Banchero’s three. Additionally, it included a pair of free throws, and a transition layup.
Paolo’s Near Triple‑Double and Bane’s Record Night
Banchero played 38 minutes and posted 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists. He added three steals and two blocks. Thus, contributing on both ends of the floor. His efficiency was not perfect, as he shot 6‑of‑17 from the field. However, he made 11‑of‑14 free throws and found ways to impact the game when his jumper was off.
Desmond Bane was the co‑leading scorer with 25 points. He connected on seven three‑pointers, tying a Magic franchise playoff record. His shooting stretched the Pistons’ defense and created space for Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. to operate inside. Carter Jr. recorded 14 points and 17 rebounds, dominating the glass.
The balanced scoring and the late defensive stand were hallmarks of Orlando’s Game 3 win. The Magic shot 44% from the field and held Detroit to 40% shooting. They also forced 14 turnovers, converting them into transition points. The victory was a complete team effort.
Series Shifts as Magic Take 2-1 Lead
Game 1 had been a road upset for Orlando (112-101). However, Game 2 was a blowout loss (83-98) as Detroit evened the series. Game 3 marked the first home playoff game for the Magic in the series, and they delivered. The 113-105 victory gave them a 2-1 advantage heading into Game 4, also at the Amway Center.
The Pistons entered the playoffs as the top seed after a 60‑win regular season. They were expected to handle an eighth‑seeded opponent. Instead, Orlando has demonstrated that the series will be competitive. The Magic have won two of three games. Their only loss came in Game 2 when they were held to a season‑low point total.
Game 4 is scheduled for April 27, 2026, in Orlando. A Magic win would put the Pistons on the brink of elimination. A Pistons victory would tie the series and send it back to Detroit for Game 5. The momentum has clearly shifted toward the eighth seed.
Banchero’s Clutch Shot Is Met With High Praise and Frustration
The video amassed over 11,000 likes and thousands of views within hours on X. Users praised Banchero for delivering in a high‑pressure moment. One comment noted the high bounce off the rim. Thus, calling it a “lucky but beautiful shot.” Others highlighted Banchero’s near triple‑double, with some calling him the “future of the East.”
Pistons fans expressed frustration at Detroit’s late‑game collapse. Several replies pointed to the team’s inability to score in the final 2:52, questioning the coaching decisions down the stretch. A few users referenced specific defensive lapses, including leaving Banchero open beyond the arc.
Memes and GIFs of the celebration spread quickly. Magic fans posted videos of the crowd reaction. Meanwhile, neutral observers noted that the series had become unexpectedly competitive. No major controversies or officiating complaints dominated the discussion. So, the focus remained on Banchero’s shot and Orlando’s 2‑1 series lead.
Conclusion
Paolo Banchero caught the ball, rose up, and sent a three‑pointer off the rim and through the net. The shot made the score 113‑105 with 38.8 seconds left, and the Magic held on to win Game 3. Orlando now leads the series 2‑1, putting the top‑seeded Pistons on notice.
Banchero flirted with a triple‑double. Desmond Bane tied a franchise record with seven threes. And the Magic’s defense locked down Detroit in the final minutes. The eighth seed has stolen momentum.
Game 4 is back in Orlando, and the Pistons are running out of time.