Detroit erases 24-point deficit, sends series back to Detroit for decisive Game 7
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ORLANDO, Fla., May 1, 2026 — The top-seeded Detroit Pistons survived elimination with a stunning 93-79 comeback over the Orlando Magic on Friday night, wiping out a 24-point third-quarter hole to even their first-round series at three games apiece.
Orlando led 67-43 with 11:11 left in the third period and appeared poised to complete a 3-1 upset. Instead, the Magic endured a historic scoring drought, missing a playoff-record 23 straight shots during a span of more than 12 minutes. They finished the second half 4-for-37 from the field — the worst percentage in any half (minimum 35 attempts) since detailed play-by-play tracking began in 1997-98 — and went 1-for-20 in the fourth quarter.
Detroit capitalized with a 42-10 surge that produced an 80-72 advantage with 5:14 remaining. Cade Cunningham powered the rally, tallying 32 points, 10 rebounds and four steals. The All-Star guard scored 24 after intermission and single-handedly outpaced Orlando 19-9 in the final period.
“Until it’s over for us, it ain’t over,” head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “You’re going to have to choke the life out of us.”
Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs combined to shoot 2-for-26 in the second half and 0-for-13 from beyond the arc. Bane, acquired for four first-round picks and a swap, misfired on three consecutive three-pointers — the last a 29-footer with 6:14 left that drew groans from the Kia Center crowd.
The Magic again played without forward Franz Wagner, sidelined for a second straight game by a right calf strain and seen in a walking boot on the bench. His status for Game 7 remains doubtful.
Detroit, which recorded a 30-3 run in its Game 2 win, will host the winner-take-all contest Sunday. Orlando is trying to avoid becoming the first team since 2003 to lose a series after leading a No. 1 seed 3-1.
Source: ESPN
