ORLANDO — The Orlando Magic put themselves on the cusp of upsetting the top-seeded Detroit Pistons by taking a 3-1 series lead with a 94-88 win on Monday in Game 4. 

It took a complete effort by the Magic, below are the key moments and performances from their pivotal win.

With another game inside the Kia Center and a 2-1 lead in tow entering Monday night, the Magic faithful were out in full force, and their team rewarded them with an aggressive start.

Orlando put pressure on the Pistons immediately by jumping out to an 8-0 lead with ear-splitting applause from a sold out crowd uplifting their run. Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane and Wendell Carter Jr. took the reins and combined for their team’s first 21 points. 

The Magic led by as many 12 points in the first quarter, then, the Pistons fired back by mounting a 16-3 run over the course of five minutes to take a 23-22 lead. In that same span, Orlando’s offense went cold and had nothing to show for 13 shot attempts. 

It was not until three seconds remained in the third quarter when Goga Bitadze converted a cutting layup to end the Magic’s drought. Yet the Pistons maintained the advantage at 27-26.

The Magic’s offense would continue to struggle well into the second quarter, and their woes allowed Detroit to lead by as many as 10 points. 

However, their defense continued to make things difficult on Cade Cunningham and Co. by continuing to force turnovers.

Their defensive effort eventually began leading to offensive production, and by the end of the first half, the Magic held a 54-52 lead and had earned 19 points off Detroit’s turnovers, which is the most in any half of a playoff game during the play-by-play era began in 1997-98, per ESPN Insights.

Orlando’s defensive presence would continue throughout the rest of the evening, and it would hold the Pistons to 36 points through the third and fourth quarter.

“I mean, I think it was huge,” Desmond Bane said after scoring a team-high 25 points. “You look at it, I mean, in the second half, they only scored 36 points. That's hard to do. You know, that's a team that won 60 games this year. So, credit to everybody up and down the list. Thought we were physical.

“If we wouldn't have gotten that early foul trouble, I think we could have held them to some less points.”

The Magic also forced Cunningham to commit eight turnovers and held him to 7-23 shooting. Over the last three games of the series, Cunningham has committed 24 turnovers, the most in a three-game span since turnovers were officially tracked in 1977-78.

“Listen, you can't guard Cade Cunningham one-on-one,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said after the game. It takes by committee with him. I mean, I say it over and over again. There is a reason why he is in the MVP candidate running race, but because he's just a tough guard.

“He plays big. He plays with poise. And you've got to figure out a way to get into the ball without fouling him.”

With 01:34 left on the game clock in the third quarter, the Magic were presented with a grim situation when forward Franz Wagner exited the game due to right calf tightness. His absence compelled the Magic to turn to Jamal Cain, and he answered the moment. 

Cain finished the game with eight points and nine rebounds, three of which came on the offensive end. His night was highlighted with an emphatic slam that sent Pistons center Jalen Duren to the floor, and his impact earned the praise of his coach and teammates.

“I've said it about him before. The way he appreciates his opportunity, the chance that he gets to do this, not as it being a right,” Mosley said. “And so, his ability to go out there and play all out every single night, doing all the little things because he knows he can't take that for granted. 

“He's been on other teams, different situations before. And so, his ability to recognize that and play that way night in and night out says something about the care factor that he has for him, the work he's put in, but also what he has for this team.”

The Magic may own a commanding 3-1 lead, but the series is not over, and Mosley and his players understand that.

When asked what Monday’s game meant, Mosley’s answer was simple and direct

“Nothing,” he said. “Nothing. We've put ourselves in position to try to get four. But right now, it means nothing. We have the advantage, and now we've just got to make sure we try to keep that advantage.”

The Magic will try to close the series out when they return to Detroit for Game 5 on Wednesday.

Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!

For additional coverage, subscribe to our Full Court Magic Podcast!