Paolo Banchero Despondent After Magic Blow 3-1 Lead to Pistons
The Orlando Magic blew a 3-1 series lead to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA playoffs, ultimately losing Game 7 by 22 points. Despite early success, the Magic struggled offensively and lost key player Franz Wagner to injury in Game 4. Paolo Banchero expressed disappointment and questioned the team's culture and ability to advance beyond the first round.
- ▪The Orlando Magic held a 3-1 lead over the Detroit Pistons before losing three straight games.
- ▪Franz Wagner missed the final three games due to a calf strain sustained in Game 4.
- ▪Orlando shot 4-of-37 in the second half of Game 6, scoring only 19 points.
- ▪The Pistons forced a Game 7 with a 24-point comeback victory in Game 6.
- ▪Paolo Banchero criticized the team's culture and questioned whether the Magic are capable of reaching the NBA Finals.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
By Megan ArmstrongShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The Orlando Magic had the Detroit Pistons on the ropes.The Pistons are the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference for these NBA playoffs, while the Magic needed the Play-In Tournament to sneak in the back door as the No. 8 seed. Over in the Western Conference, the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder swept the eighth-seeded Phoenix Suns, and the Pistons were expected to enjoy a similarly easy opening series.Instead, the Magic took a 3-1 series lead and were the darlings of the first round.
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