The Detroit Pistons took down the Orlando Magic 116-94 in Game 7 on Sunday, completing a 3-1 comeback and advancing to the second round.
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The opening quarter was the most competitive period of the game. Both squads came out playing tough defense as they fought for their seasons.
Paolo Banchero got going early, but neither team gained much momentum and Orlando led 22-20 after 12 minutes. The next two quarters were different as the Pistons took the wheel on both ends of the floor.
Detroit came alive on offense, sinking 13-of-23 field goal attempts and 5-of-10 three-point attempts in the second frame. Tobias Harris led the way with 17 points in the second quarter alone.
While the Magic still put up 27 points, their defense had no answer for the Pistons. By halftime, Detroit led by 11.
The second half saw the Pistons come back down to earth, but the Magic went ice-cold at the same time. Orlando sank just five of 18 shot attempts in the third and none of their five long-range heaves.
After three quarters, Detroit’s advantage had increased to 19.
That lead increased to 25 points with eight minutes left to play, but that’s when the Magic worked hard to trim down the deficit. After a few defensive stops and timely buckets, the Pistons led by 16 with four minutes to play.
Harris continued to have a career night down the stretch, knocking down a huge three with to push the lead back to 19 and dissolved Orlando’s momentum.
After a huge defensive stop, Duncan Robinson knocked down a three of his own to effectively seal the victory.
Cade Cunningham finished the game with 32 points and 12 assists on 10-of-18 shooting while Harris put up 30 points and nine rebounds on 11-of-18 shooting.
For Orlando, Banchero led the way with 38 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
The Pistons will now face the winner of Sunday’s other Game 7 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
