Pistons erase 3–1 hole, eliminate Magic in Game 7 for first playoff series win in 18 years
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The Detroit Pistons ended an 18-year postseason drought on Sunday, defeating the Orlando Magic 116-94 in Game 7 to capture their first playoff series since 2008.
Cade Cunningham led the way with 32 points and 12 assists, while Tobias Harris supplied 30 points. Cunningham averaged 32.4 points across the seven games.
The victory made Detroit just the 15th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit and the second in as many nights, following Philadelphia’s comeback against Boston. The Pistons will meet the winner of Sunday night’s Cavaliers–Raptors Game 7, with Game 1 scheduled for Tuesday at Little Caesars Arena.
Key runs decide the finale
Harris scored 17 points in the second quarter as Detroit closed the half on a 9-2 burst to take a 60-49 advantage. The hosts opened the third period on an 11-2 spurt—nine of those points coming from Cunningham and Harris—to stretch the cushion to 20. A buzzer-beating three-pointer by Daniss Jenkins pushed the lead to 83-64 entering the fourth, and Orlando never threatened again.
Limited help for Banchero
Paolo Banchero poured in 38 points for the Magic, but only one teammate reached double figures through three quarters. Over the final six quarters of the series, Orlando managed just 113 total points.
Inside presence emerges
Jalen Duren added 15 points and 15 rebounds for Detroit, posting his first double-double of the matchup after being outplayed by Wendell Carter Jr. in the opening six games.
The Pistons’ rally began in Game 6, when they erased a 24-point deficit to force the deciding contest. Two nights later, they completed the turnaround and moved on to the second round for the first time in nearly two decades.
Source: Hoops Wire
