Detroit Pistons’ big comeback at Orlando thwarted in overtime as Magic win 116-112
ORLANDO, Fla. — Aaron Gordon and Markelle Fultz saved the Orlando Magic from going into the All-Star break with an embarrassing loss.
Gordon scored 25 points and
The Pistons came back from a 22-point deficit before losing their fourth straight.
Gordon, who also had nine rebounds and nine assists, hit two 3-point shots, the second of which tied the game 103-all with 1:03 left after Detroit had taken a seven-point lead.
“The last seven games I think he’s averaging about 20 (actually 19.6). I think it’s his best stretch, and his defense has been good. It’s a good sign,” Magic coach Steve Clifford said.
The Magic (24-31) stand eighth in the Eastern Conference at the All-Star break.
Fultz had 10 assists and two steals and scored the Magic’s first and last points in overtime.
Christian Wood had 26 points and 12 rebounds for the Pistons, who shot themselves back into the game but shriveled in OT.
“Turnovers,” said coach Dwane Casey. “We were fighting the shot clock instead of attacking with pace. They made simple plays down the stretch and we tried to make things too complicated.”
A 3-pointer by Nikola Vucevic gave Orlando a three-point lead with 5.5 seconds left before Detroit’s Reggie Jackson hit a 3-pointer with 1.4 seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime.
The Pistons fell behind 47-25 after committing nine turnovers in the first quarter.