The Orlando Magic experienced a dramatic collapse against the Detroit Pistons. What started as a promising lead disintegrated into a crushing defeat, setting the stage for a decisive Game 7.
Halftime Lead Vanishes
The Magic held a commanding 60-38 lead at halftime. However, they were then outscored 55-19 in the second half. The final score was a 93-79 loss.
The Magic’s struggles were particularly pronounced in the second half. At one point, they missed a playoff-record number of consecutive field goals. It marked a significant turning point in the game.
Offensive Woes
The Magic struggled immensely on the offensive end. They scored just 19 points in 24 minutes of basketball. This poor performance occurred at home with a chance to reach the Eastern Conference semifinals on the line.
Key Numbers from the Collapse
- The Magic missed consecutive field goals, a playoff record in the play-by-play era.
- The Magic’s largest lead of the game was , early in the third quarter; they ended up losing by .
- It took the Pistons of game time to tie the game after halftime.
- The Magic shot overall in the second half, with three of those makes coming in the first eight minutes of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, they were .
Fourth-Quarter Struggles
The Magic’s struggles were epitomised in the fourth quarter. They made just one field goal in the entire quarter. That one make was a Paolo Banchero dunk, meaning they did not make a single jump shot in the fourth quarter. They were 1-of-20 in the fourth.
Despite their shooting woes, the Magic committed the fewest turnovers in a game this series. The Magic now have roughly to recover before Game 7.