Detroit Pistons Overcome Orlando Magic to Win NBA Playoff Series
The Detroit Pistons secured their first NBA playoff series win in 18 years by defeating the Orlando Magic 116-94 in Game 7. The victory marked a significant milestone for the Pistons, who last won a postseason series in 2008 against the same opponent.
Key Performances Lead Pistons to Victory
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with an impressive 32 points and 12 assists in the decisive game. Over the course of the series, Cunningham averaged 32.4 points, demonstrating his critical role in Detroit’s success. Tobias Harris also made a major contribution, scoring 30 points. This marked the first time since April 1977 that two Pistons teammates each scored 30 points in the same playoff game.
All-Star center Jalen Duren added to the team’s strong performance with a double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds. Duren had been outplayed in earlier games but stepped up in Game 7 to help secure the win.
Series Comeback and Game Highlights
The Pistons became the 15th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in a playoff series and the second team in two nights to do so, following the Philadelphia 76ers. Detroit, the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, rallied after trailing by 24 points in Game 6 to win the series at home.
Orlando struggled offensively in the final stages of the series, scoring only 113 points in the last six quarters, averaging 18.8 points per period. Paolo Banchero was the top scorer for the Magic with 38 points, but the team lacked additional scoring support after Franz Wagner’s injury in Game 4.
In Game 7, Tobias Harris provided the necessary second scoring option for Detroit, while Orlando had limited contributions beyond Banchero. Desmond Bane was the only other Magic player to reach double figures in the first three quarters, scoring 10 points.
The Pistons took control in the second quarter with a 9-2 run, ending the half with a 60-49 lead. They extended their advantage early in the third quarter with an 11-2 run, highlighted by Cunningham and Harris. The Magic’s offense faltered, scoring just 15 points in the third quarter.
Daniss Jenkins capped the third quarter with a buzzer-beating three-pointer, giving Detroit an 83-64 lead going into the final period. The Magic were unable to mount a comeback, and the Pistons maintained their lead to close out the series.