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Pistons rally from 3-1 deficit to beat Magic, set sights on Cavs

BBC Sport •
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Detroit snapped a 17‑year playoff drought by overturning a 3‑1 deficit against Orlando. In Game 7, the Pistons poured 116‑94 points, shutting down the Magic. Cade Cunningham led the charge with 32 points and 12 assists, while Tobias Harris added 30. The win marks Detroit’s first postseason series triumph since 2008.

Cunningham’s 32 points and 12 assists were the highest in the series, while Harris’s 30 helped keep the team balanced. Detroit’s regular‑season record of 53‑29 gave them home‑court advantage, a factor that proved decisive when the Magic faltered in the final quarter. Their 15‑point margin in the last quarter underscored the defense’s tightening, a shift from the Magic’s earlier dominance.

The victory propels Detroit into the Eastern Conference semi‑finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, a series that will start on May 5. Facing a Cavaliers squad that finished third in the East, the Pistons will need to sustain their momentum and depth to challenge for a berth in the NBA Finals. Their playoff resilience hints at a culture shift.

116‑94 win confirms that a resilient, high‑energy offense can overturn long‑standing doubts, making the Pistons a team to watch as the playoffs progress. Their performance showcases a roster that can outpace veteran teams, positioning Detroit as a serious contender in an East crowded with talent.