Magic's Banchero Laments Turnovers in Loss to Pistons

Orlando star commits 9 turnovers as team struggles with consistency this season

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero was critical of his own performance after the team's 106-92 loss to the Detroit Pistons, citing his 9 turnovers as a key factor in the defeat. Banchero acknowledged his mistakes, saying he had "too many turnovers" and that it was a "pretty frustrating" night for him and the team.

Why it matters

The Magic have been battling inconsistency all season and currently sit on the outside of the playoff picture, fighting for a spot in the play-in tournament. Banchero's play is crucial to the team's success, so his ability to limit turnovers and make better decisions will be key as they push for a postseason berth.

The details

Despite scoring 24 points on just 10 field-goal attempts, Banchero turned the ball over 9 times against the physical Pistons defense. He took responsibility for the miscues, saying he made "a couple bad passes" and had a "travel" and "over-and-back call" that contributed to the team's 19 total turnovers.

  • The Magic lost to the Pistons on Sunday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Paolo Banchero

The Orlando Magic's star forward who had 24 points but committed 9 turnovers in the loss to the Pistons.

Detroit Pistons

The Eastern Conference-leading team that physically overwhelmed the Magic and forced 19 turnovers in their victory.

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What they’re saying

“I thought we had too many turnovers. You know, I had too many turnovers. Yeah, we just gave them too many opportunities. I think it was a couple bad passes. Trying to give it up to my teammates when maybe I should have just shot it.”

— Paolo Banchero, Magic Forward (Orlando Sentinel)

“Last game, I had no turnovers. This game, I had nine. So, pretty frustrating.”

— Paolo Banchero, Magic Forward (Orlando Sentinel)

What’s next

The Magic will look to bounce back in their next game as they continue to fight for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

Banchero's turnovers were a major factor in the Magic's loss to the Pistons, highlighting the team's ongoing struggles with consistency this season. As their star player, Banchero's ability to limit mistakes and make better decisions will be crucial if the Magic hope to secure a postseason berth.