Pistons Overcome 3-1 Deficit to Secure First Playoff Series Win Since 2008
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic 116-94 in Game 7, marking their first playoff series victory in 18 years.
The Detroit Pistons clinched their first playoff series victory since 2008 by defeating the Orlando Magic 116-94 in Game 7 on Sunday. Cade Cunningham led the team with 32 points and 12 assists, while Tobias Harris contributed 30 points. This win marks the Pistons' first postseason series triumph since overcoming Orlando in the second round 18 years ago.
The Pistons became the 15th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit, following the Philadelphia 76ers' similar comeback against Boston the previous night.
Cunningham reflected on the team's resilience, stating, "We were pushed to the limit. 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."
The Pistons will advance to face the Cleveland Cavaliers, who defeated the Toronto Raptors 114-102 on Sunday night. Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday at Little Caesars Arena.
Orlando's Paolo Banchero scored 38 points in the loss. The Magic struggled offensively, averaging 18.8 points per quarter over the final six quarters of the series.
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised his team's determination, saying, "I mean, it's expected. 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."
The Pistons' victory was bolstered by All-Star center Jalen Duren, who recorded his first double-double of the series with 15 points and 15 rebounds.
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley acknowledged his team's offensive struggles, stating, "We just couldn’t find the basket. We were playing well on defense, but we couldn’t put the ball in the hole."
The Pistons' decisive performance in Game 7 secured their advancement to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they will face the Cleveland Cavaliers.