Detroit Pistons Stage Historic Comeback Against Orlando Magic to Force Game 7 (93-79) [3-3]

ORLANDO. The Detroit Pistons orchestrated one of the most impactful comebacks of the 2026 NBA playoffs, defeating the Orlando Magic 93-79 at the Kia Center to force a decisive Game 7 in the Eastern Conference first round. Led by a spectacular Cade Cunningham, who scored 32 points, the Pistons overcame a 24-point deficit after Orlando's offensive collapse in the second half.

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The game began with maximum parity, with both teams trading blows from beyond the arc and in transition. Detroit managed to close the first quarter with a minimal lead (26-25), maintaining emotional control on a court completely engaged with a Magic team that had the opportunity to clinch the series in front of their home crowd.

However, everything changed in the second quarter. Orlando delivered devastating minutes on both ends of the floor and ran over Detroit with a 35-12 run. The Magic dominated from three-point range and the free throw line, while the Pistons struggled enormously to find offensive rhythm. The Florida team held Detroit to 2 of 11 from the field for much of the quarter and went into halftime with a solid 60-38 advantage.

With the score at 62-38 early in the third quarter, it appeared the series was completely decided. The Orlando Magic were one step away from becoming the seventh eighth seed capable of eliminating a number one seed in the first round of the NBA playoffs. But then came the collapse.

The Detroit Pistons reacted from the defensive end, elevating intensity possession after possession and punishing every lapse in confidence from Orlando. The team directed by J.B. Bickerstaff found energy in every rebound, every defensive assist, and every fast break. Gradually, the deficit began to shrink while the Magic entered a complete offensive shutdown.

Orlando strung together 23 consecutive missed field goals, a demolishing drought that completely changed the game. Detroit capitalized on the moment with a brutal 35-5 run that transformed a certain defeat into an unforgettable victory. The third quarter ended with a 24-11 advantage for the Pistons and left the outcome completely wide open.

That's when Cade Cunningham emerged. The All-Star point guard assumed all offensive responsibility in the decisive stretch and led the comeback with 32 crucial points to keep Detroit alive in these NBA playoffs. Alongside him, Tobias Harris contributed 22 points of tremendous value, while Duncan Robinson helped sustain the competitive energy of the team during the visiting comeback.

In Orlando, Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane finished with 17 points each, although the Magic came up short once again in an opportunity to clinch the series. The team continued to feel the absence of Franz Wagner due to injury, sidelined again in a game that became a historic nightmare for the franchise.

The loss leaves Orlando with a concerning 0-2 record in series-clinching games within this series, while Detroit keeps hope alive to confirm their status as the number one seed in the Eastern Conference.

Game 7 will be played Sunday in Detroit, where the Pistons will attempt to complete a series comeback that seemed impossible after being against the ropes for much of the night in Orlando.