Pistons dispel Magic in Game 7, win first playoff series since 2008

DETROIT - After nearly 20 years, the Detroit Pistons have successfully advanced past the first round of the NBA playoffs. They achieved the milestone with a 116-94 victory in Game 7 against the Orlando Magic on Sunday at Little Caesars Arena.

The victory marked the Pistons' first playoff series win since 2008. However, it wasn't without its challenges, as the team had to overcome a 3-1 deficit for the second time in franchise history and first time since 2003. Notably, both of those playoff accomplishments came against the Magic.

The Pistons move on to the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they will host the winner of the Cleveland Cavaliers-Toronto Raptors at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday. Game 1 of the second-round series will be broadcast on Peacock/NBCSN.

Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 32 points on 10 of 18 shooting and 12 assists. Tobias Harris made the biggest difference by adding 30 points on 11 of 18 shooting with five made 3-pointers and nine rebounds. Harris scored 17 points in the second quarter, which was enough to give the Pistons the momentum they needed.

Both Jalen Duren and Daniss Jenkins had their best performances in the win-or-go-home game after struggling throughout the series. Duren helped the Pistons win the rebounding battle with a double-double of 15 rebounds and 15 points. Jenkins added 16 points off the bench on 4-for-5 shooting from behind the arc.

After scoring 23 in the first half, Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 38 points. Desmond Bane contributed with 16.

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This story was originally published May 3, 2026 at 8:01 PM.