Amelia Walmsley of the Pulse during the ANZ Premiership match against the Magic. Photo: Photosport
Silver Ferns Maddy Gordon and Amelia Walmsley both returned from lenghty injury spells to help the Pulse conjure a fighting 53-48 win over the Magic in Hamilton.
The Pulse reclaimed top spot on the standings with two rounds remaining, their third win in a row lifting them a point clear of the Tactix.
The Magic snaffled a bonus point to remain fourth, one point behind the Mystics, with both teams set to fight it out over the closing weeks for the third and final playoffs berth.
It was a heartbreaking outcome for the Magic, who led through each of the first three quarters but lost the final stanza 13-6, with their passing lines into the circle effectively cut off by the Pulse defence.
Magic shooters Saviour Tui (25/29) and Ameliaranne Ekenasio (23/30) were also wayward in the final stanza, while Walmsley found her range to finish with 16 goals from 18 shots.
Maddy Gordon of the Pulse during the ANZ Premiership match against the Magic. Photo: Photosport
Towering goal shoot Walmsley has been recovering from a knee injury since round five, while midcourter Gordon's ankle injury stretched her time on the medical table back to round three.
Both players were introduced midway through the third quarter and their impact sparked a turnaround.
The result avenged the 58-41 hammering the Pulse took from the Magic in Tauranga in round seven.