Franz Wagner delivered a near-triple-double, tallying 30 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists to lead the Orlando Magic to a commanding 111-100 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night.
The win marks Orlando’s eighth in their last nine games, solidifying their hot start to the season.
Wagner has been in exceptional form, notching 30 or more points in five of his last seven outings. Despite his dominant performance, he got to rest the entire fourth quarter as Orlando’s deep bench extended the lead to 22 points with just over seven minutes left.
Bench Depth Powers Magic
Orlando’s reserves played a significant role in securing the victory. Mo Wagner came off the bench with an impressive 18 points and seven rebounds, providing the energy and scoring punch needed in crucial stretches. Jonathan Isaac, meanwhile, made his presence felt with 12 rebounds and three blocks, anchoring the defense and securing extra possessions for the Magic.
The Magic’s ability to thrive despite injuries to key players, including Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr., and Jalen Suggs, highlights their depth and resilience. Suggs exited the game in the first half with a sore hamstring, yet the team didn’t miss a beat, remaining unbeaten at home with an 8-0 record.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
Pistons Struggle Without Cunningham
For the Pistons, Jaden Ivey led the way with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Malik Beasley, filling in for the injured Cade Cunningham, contributed 18 points. However, the absence of Cunningham—Detroit’s leading scorer and a key playmaker—proved too much to overcome.
The Pistons turned the ball over 17 times, leading to 29 Magic points. This lack of ball security, coupled with their inability to contain Franz Wagner, left Detroit playing from behind for most of the night.
Franz Wagner Ignites Key Run
The game’s momentum shifted early in the second half. After Malik Beasley hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 56, Franz Wagner immediately responded with a triple of his own, sparking a 20-9 Magic run. Wagner scored nine straight points during this stretch, creating separation that the Pistons couldn’t recover from.
This decisive run showcased Wagner’s versatility as both a scorer and playmaker, further cementing his role as Orlando’s offensive leader.
Magic Overcome Adversity
Despite missing their star forward Paolo Banchero, who remains sidelined with a torn oblique, the Magic have leaned on Franz Wagner’s elevated play. Over the last 11 games, Wagner has averaged an impressive 27.7 points, demonstrating his ability to carry the offensive load in Banchero’s absence.
Orlando’s defense also stood out, holding the Pistons to just 100 points and capitalizing on turnovers. Jonathan Isaac’s rebounding and rim protection were particularly crucial in limiting Detroit’s second-chance opportunities.
Takeaways
For the Magic, this win underscores their depth and resilience. Even with multiple key players out, they continue to dominate at home and maintain their strong early-season form. Meanwhile, the Pistons face challenges adjusting without Cunningham, whose absence exposes gaps in their playmaking and defensive structure.
Key Stats and What’s Next
Franz Wagner’s stellar run continued as he added another 30-point game to his growing resume, while the Pistons’ 17 turnovers loomed large in their defeat.
Up next, the Pistons will look to rebound when they host the Toronto Raptors on Monday. The Magic, riding high on their momentum, will hit the road to face the Charlotte Hornets that same evening.
As Orlando’s star continues to rise, Franz Wagner’s leadership and versatility will remain pivotal in their pursuit of a breakout season.
