The Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons clashed in a matchup of future Playoff contenders where the Magic eked out a 121-113 win over the Pistons to keep their top-six hopes alive, currently tied with Detroit for the seed.
Paolo Banchero had a heated moment with his primary defender Isaiah Stewart, as Banchero finished through some physical defense for a tough bucket. He was also rewarded with the foul, which led to him looking at Stewart and aiming some choice words for the temperamental big man.
“And-one… Sorry a** n****.”
LEAKED Audio Of Paolo Banchero Trash Talking Isaiah Stewartđź‘€:
“And-one… sorry a** n****” pic.twitter.com/zagT7NIJET
— LegendZ (@legendz_prod) January 26, 2025
Banchero had a phenomenal night, putting up 32 points (11-22 FG), nine rebounds, and seven assists in the win while Isaiah Stewart put up four points (2-3 FG) and three blocks in only 16 minutes of action.
This was a crucial standings matchup between the franchises. The win improved the Magic’s record to 24-23 while the Pistons’ worsened to 23-22. They’re neck-and-neck in the standings, but Orlando will like their chances at surpassing the Pistons now that they have their stars Banchero and Franz Wagner healthy after long-term injury absences.
Banchero is averaging 24.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists this season, playing in only 13 games after missing 34 straight games over an elbow injury. He’s looked good since returning, averaging 21.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in eight games, but there’s more production that could come from him.
The Magic will need him to have big games more often to remain in an increasingly competitive Playoff hunt in the East.
Stewart is averaging 5.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks this season. The big man is known to have outbursts on the court but he was pretty reserved during this change with Banchero. A few seasons ago, this provocation might have led to a cuddle but Stewart is embracing his role as the Pistons’ enforcer with greater maturity.
Despite any potential trade rumors, Stewart is considered a key piece for Detroit with long-term upside as a potential multi-positional big who can block shots and make jump shots. He’s a few rungs below the former No. 1 overall pick Banchero, but he did have some great defensive moments on the forward.
These teams could be Playoff rivals going forward as they’re both rising young teams. The Magic already got a taste of the Playoffs last season while Detroit is hoping to end a six-year drought this season. A potential win-now trade could launch them into being a lot more competitive, a situation that would worry teams like the Magic.
We have a fascinating second half of the season ahead of us and both these teams will play a crucial role in building the narrative of what will be the Eastern Conference Playoff race.
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