DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons are celebrating a big win! They defeated the Orlando Magic 116-94 in Game 7, marking their first playoff series victory in 18 years. Cade Cunningham led the charge with 32 points and 12 assists, and Tobias Harris contributed 30 points.
This win is significant. The last time the Pistons won a postseason series was back in 2008 when they beat the Magic in the second round. Now, they’ll face either the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Toronto Raptors, who played their own Game 7 that night.
Cunningham shared, “We were pushed to the limit. We reflected on our game and found what made us successful.” His performance was stellar, averaging 32.4 points throughout the series.
In a remarkable comeback, the Pistons became just the 15th team in NBA history to rebound from a 3-1 series deficit. “This is a special group. You can’t count us out,” said Coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
The Pistons faced a 24-point deficit in Game 6 but managed to flip the script to claim the series at home. Orlando struggled offensively, averaging just 18.8 points in the final six quarters of the series.
While Orlando’s Paolo Banchero shone with 38 points, he lacked support due to Franz Wagner’s injury. Coach Jamahl Mosley noted, “We played well on defense, but we couldn’t find the basket.”
Detroit’s Jalen Duren also had a standout game with 15 points and 15 rebounds, showcasing growth after being outplayed early in the series. Harris was pivotal in the second quarter, scoring 17 points and helping the team build a solid lead.
Throughout the game, the Pistons’ strategy shone. They started the third quarter strong, pushing their lead further ahead. The Magic struggled in scoring, failing to hit 20 points in three of the last five quarters.
This victory reminds fans of the Pistons’ historical successes, like their back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990. The current team’s determination is infectious, and fans are excited about their potential.
As the NBA playoffs continue, the Pistons have rekindled hope in their loyal supporters. Winning again after so long is a cause for celebration, and it’s clear they believe this season could be special.
For more NBA news, visit AP Sports.
