Paolo Banchero’s Last-Second Heroics Lifts Orlando Magic Over Detroit Pistons, 112-109

Paolo Banchero had only scored 12 points through the first 47 minutes and 59.2 seconds of the game. But with 0.8 seconds remaining and the score tied at 109-109, he hit a step-back 18-foot jumper from the left wing and was fouled by Detroit Pistons’ starting center Jalen Duren. The bucket and the subsequent free throw from Banchero sealed the game for the Orlando Magic as they knocked off the Detroit Pistons 112-109 in the Pistons’ first game at Little Caesars Arena in nearly three weeks. The loss drops the Pistons to 8-48 on the season, while the Magic push their record to 32-25. It was Detroit’s second consecutive home loss to Orlando, as Detroit’s last home game prior to the All-Star break was a 111-99 loss to the Magic on Feb. 4. Banchero’s game-winner came on a controversial call. As the reigning rookie of the year inbounded the ball and Duren got switched onto him for the defensive assignment. Banchero got a one-on-one clear out. He drove left, away from the Pistons creeping defenders. With a step back, he was able to create space from Duren, but he appeared to shuffle his feet and got Duren to leave his...