Imagine a basketball game so intense that it keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last second. That’s exactly what happened when the Orlando Magic faced the Detroit Pistons on November 28, 2025, in a thrilling 112-109 showdown. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it Desmond Bane’s heroics or Cade Cunningham’s triple-double that defined the game? Let’s dive in.
In a nail-biting clash, Desmond Bane stole the spotlight with a career-high 37 points and two game-changing offensive rebounds, propelling the Orlando Magic to victory and securing their spot in the NBA Cup knockout round. The Magic finished undefeated in East Group B with a 4-0 record, leaving fans and critics alike wondering if this team is a legitimate contender. And this is the part most people miss: It wasn’t just Bane’s scoring—his ability to grab crucial rebounds in the final minutes kept the Pistons at bay.
Meanwhile, Detroit’s Cade Cunningham put on a masterclass with a 39-point triple-double (12 rebounds, 11 assists), but his eight turnovers—including a critical one with just over a minute left—left fans questioning whether he could’ve done more. Bold question: Did Cunningham’s turnovers cost the Pistons the game, or was it Orlando’s resilience that sealed the deal?
Franz Wagner chipped in 21 points for the Magic, proving once again why he’s a cornerstone of this young squad. On the Pistons’ side, Tobias Harris (18 points) and Jalen Duren (16 points, 12 rebounds) fought hard, but it wasn’t enough to extend their 13-game winning streak, which has now ended with two straight losses. Detroit’s 2-2 record in the NBA Cup means they’re heading home early—a tough pill to swallow for a team with playoff aspirations.
The game’s turning point came with 2:11 left when Bane’s three-point play gave Orlando a 108-106 lead. Wagner’s layup extended it to four, but Harris’s clutch 3-pointer kept Detroit in it. Controversial interpretation: Was Harris’s late heroics a sign of Pistons’ fight or a reminder of their inconsistency this season?
In the final seconds, Jalen Suggs’ free throws made it 112-109, and Cunningham’s missed free throw—followed by Duncan Robinson’s blocked 3-point attempt—sealed Detroit’s fate. Thought-provoking question: Should Robinson have been the one taking that final shot, or was there a better option?
Orlando’s 15-5 run in the third quarter set the stage for their victory, and their ability to hold off Detroit’s fourth-quarter rally showcased their mental toughness. The Pistons, meanwhile, struggled early in the fourth, missing their first six shots, but their late comeback proved they’re never out of the fight.
Looking ahead, the Magic host the Chicago Bulls on Monday, while the Pistons visit the Miami Heat on Saturday. Final question for you: Is Orlando a dark horse in this year’s NBA Cup, or is Detroit’s early exit a sign of deeper issues? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!