Magic push Pistons to brink, eye rare No. 8 over No. 1 upset

This is starting to feel like more than a nice story.

The Magic are one win away from something that almost never happens — and they didn’t even need to shoot well to get there.

Orlando knocked off the Pistons, 94-88, in Game 4 to take a 3-1 series lead, putting the East’s top seed on the ropes heading back to Detroit for Game 5.

It wasn’t pretty. It didn’t need to be.

Desmond Bane led the way with 22 points, while Franz Wagner added 19 before exiting in the third quarter with right calf soreness. Paolo Banchero chipped in 18, though it came on a rough 4-of-18 shooting night.

That pretty much summed up Orlando’s offense. The Magic shot just 32.6% from the field. Jalen Suggs went 1-of-13. Normally, that’s a loss. Not this time.

Orlando took care of the ball, committing just 12 turnovers compared to 20 for Detroit. That was the difference. Extra chances, fewer mistakes, just enough shot-making late.

Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham scored 25 points for Detroit, with Tobias Harris adding 20. It wasn’t enough, and now the margin for error is gone.

The moment? It felt like it came in waves.

A burst from Orlando early. A Detroit response. Then chaos late. A corner three from Suggs. A quick answer. Energy plays (including a massive dunk over Jalen Duren) from Jamal Cain. And finally, a banked-in three from Bane that gave the Magic just enough breathing room in the final minute.

Now here they are. The No. 8 seed. One win from knocking out a 60-win team. One win from ending a drought that dates back to 2010 — which is the last time the Magic got out of the first round.

Meanwhile, only seven times has No. 8 knocked off No. 1. The last was when the Heat bounced the Bucks in 2023.

It doesn’t happen often. Everyone knows that. But right now, it’s right there for Orlando.