Key Takeaways:
- Detroit overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat Orlando 116-94 on Sunday in Game 7, claiming their first playoff series win in 18 years
- Cade Cunningham registered 32 points and 12 assists, while Tobias Harris added 30 points as both reached 30-point marks in the decisive victory
- The Pistons will face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the next round
Historic Comeback for Detroit
The Detroit Pistons clinched a memorable 116-94 triumph over the Orlando Magic in Game 7 on Sunday, marking their first postseason series victory since eliminating Orlando in the second round in 2008. Cade Cunningham delivered a commanding performance, matching his series average of 32.4 points, and added 12 assists to ensure passage to the next round of the playoffs, where Detroit awaits the Cleveland Cavaliers.
NEVER. SAY. DIE. pic.twitter.com/SQ5UwhFf42
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) May 3, 2026
Pivotal Performances and Statistical Highlights
Cunningham, supported significantly by Tobias Harris’s 30 points, became part of a Pistons duo to both record 30 points in a playoff match for the first time since Bob Lanier (33 points) and Howard Porter (30 points) achieved the feat against the Golden State Warriors on 17 April 1977. Detroit managed to turn the tide after trailing by 24 points in Game 6 in Orlando and became only the 15th team in NBA history – and the second in as many nights following Philadelphia’s success over Boston – to overcome a 3-1 series deficit.
Orlando’s Paolo Banchero responded with a game-high 38 points, but struggled to find consistent offensive support, with Desmond Bane contributing 16 points as the only other Magic player in double figures during the first three quarters. Franz Wagner remained sidelined following an injury in Game 4, compounding the Magic’s offensive woes as they averaged just 18.8 points per quarter over the series’ final six periods.
| Player | Team | Points | Assists | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cade Cunningham | Detroit Pistons | 32 | 12 | 1 |
| Tobias Harris | Detroit Pistons | 30 | 2 | 9 |
| Jalen Duren | Detroit Pistons | 15 | 3 | 15 |
| Paolo Banchero | Orlando Magic | 38 | 6 | 9 |
| Desmond Bane | Orlando Magic | 16 | 3 | 3 |
Game Analysis and Turning Points
Detroit’s momentum grew steadily, particularly from the second quarter onward, as Harris tallied 17 points to help close the half with a 9-2 run, earning a 60-49 advantage. After the interval, the Pistons extended their lead with an 11-2 spurt at the start of the third, with nine points coming from Cunningham and Harris. The Magic managed only 15 points in the third quarter, the third instance within five periods they failed to break the 20-point threshold.
Jalen Duren, who had been overshadowed by Wendell Carter Jr. earlier in the series, produced his first double-double of the matchup with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Daniss Jenkins capped the third quarter with a buzzer-beating three-pointer, allowing Detroit to enter the final period up 83-64. Orlando never threatened to close the gap, and the Pistons sealed a comprehensive victory in front of their home supporters.
Coaches and Players Reflect
“We were pushed to the limit,” Cunningham said. “And it made us really reflect on how we were playing, what got us to this position and what made us win as many games as we won in the regular season. And it got us back to playing the basketball that we knew we were capable of.”
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff remarked on the team’s resilience: “I mean, it’s expected,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said of his team’s resiliency. “And that’s the amount of belief that we have in this group. This is a special group. And you can’t count us out. No matter the circumstances, no matter the situation, I like our chances to fight our way back.”
“We just couldn’t find the basket,” coach Jamahl Mosley said. “We were playing well on defense, but we couldn’t put the ball in the hole.” Mosley concluded, “They fought and battled the whole way,” Mosley said. “We just didn’t get the job done.”
