On defence for the Magic, Holly Fowler and Georgia Tong were quick to nab loose ball and the home side built a four-goal lead, which they held at the first break, 13-9.
The Steel attack was more assertive at the start of the second quarter, Shannon Saunders and Gina Crampton bringing more order and vision as they closed to within one.
But a few errors in feeds swung the momentum back the Magic's way, and a run of five goals put them back in control.
There was no lack of passion from either side. An impressive block from Erena Mikaere (the eventual MVP) at one end was followed by a trademark Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit intercept at the other - proving both teams were determined to score a win.
Abby Erwood came into the Steel defence, joining Selby-Rickit, and immediately helping to stem the Magic flow. This time the Magic's six-goal lead was scythed back to one, 21-20, at halftime.
The Steel's speedy goal attack Kalifa McCollin took on the weight of the shooting and had missed only one of her 16 in the first half. On the other side, McPhee hadn't missed a shot for the Magic, but she was missing from the court at the start of the third quarter, replaced by Abigail Latu-Meafou.
The change in personnel had an immediate effect on the Magic as the communication between shooters and midcourters stuttered. The Steel capitalised and took a two-goal lead.
Kate Heffernan's doggedness at wing defence helped the Steel hold their advantage. And even a change in the shooting circle, Kiana Pelasio coming on for McCollin, didn't impact on their momentum.
Down 32-28 going into the final 12 minutes, the Magic brought McPhee back into their shooting circle. But it took two-and-a-half minutes before either side scored, such was the pressure and desperation from both.
Two crucial intercepts by Winders put the Magic back in the reckoning, fighting to be within one, but some errant shooting meant they couldn't reclaim the lead.
Two clutch shots from Latu-Meafou tied up the scores with just over two minutes on the clock, and in the dying seconds, a steal from Souness was also converted by Latu-Meafou and the long-awaited win was in their hands.