Orlando Magic Star Shows Emotion After Game-Winner vs. Pistons

Coming off of a blowout loss against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night, the Detroit Pistons put together a valiant effort against the Orlando Magic at home.

Returning from the road after spending the last five games away, including having a break for a week, the Pistons were motivated to collect their first win since February 8.

With a little over ten seconds to go in the fourth quarter on Saturday, the game was tied at 109. Orlando had a final offensive possession and could put the game away by letting the clock run down and getting a successful final shot off.

To no surprise, the Magic put the ball in the hands of their young star, Paolo Banchero.

Pistons forward Jalen Duren took on the assignment to guard Banchero on the final play. While he defended the former first-overall pick as well as anybody could, the Magic forward was able to draw the foul on his step-back shot.

While he was getting a trip to the charity stripe for two shots anyway, it wouldn’t matter because Banchero’s shot ended up falling successfully with less than a second left on the clock.

PAOLO BANCHERO FOR THE WIN 🍿 pic.twitter.com/rhadvKOX3F
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 25, 2024

With that make, the Magic picked up a two-point lead before Banchero put the icing on the cake with a successful free throw to lead his team to a three-point win. After the game, Banchero showed a lot of emotion as he recalled the moment.

“It was a hard game. I’ve been sick … It’s just been tough, I’ve been feeling terrible,” he told Bally Sports Florida. “I played terrible, and I just give credit to my teammates, man. They lifted me up the whole game. I don’t know why I’m crying right now. It was a hard game and I’m proud of my team, for sure.”

Throughout February, Banchero averaged 23 points, six rebounds, and seven assists while shooting 41 percent from beyond the arc. In the two games since the break, including Saturday, Banchero’s production dropped to 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists while shooting just 28 percent from the field.

Admittedly down on his own performance, Banchero’s last-second shot in Detroit was just what the young star needed to feel a boost following the break.

The Magic improved to 32-25 after that victory, giving them their third straight as they attempt to continue climbing the Eastern Conference standings.

Meanwhile, the Pistons dropped to 8-48, collecting their fifth loss in a row.