DETROIT (AP) —
Paolo Banchero delivered a standout performance, scoring 23 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out four assists to lead the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic to an 112-101 victory over the top-seeded Detroit Pistons on Sunday night. This win marked the first game of their first-round playoff series and extended the Pistons’ longest home playoff losing streak in NBA history.
The Pistons have now lost 11 consecutive home playoff games, a streak that began in 2008. Despite this, they will have another opportunity to turn things around when they face the Magic again on Wednesday night for Game 2.
Detroit’s Cade Cunningham put up a playoff career-high 39 points, while Tobias Harris contributed 17 points. However, the rest of the team struggled offensively, failing to provide consistent support.
Franz Wagner played a crucial role in securing the win for the Magic, scoring 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter. His efforts helped seal the victory, as the Magic never trailed throughout the game. Desmond Bane and Wendell Carter each scored 17 points, while Jalen Suggs added 16 points for Orlando.
Both teams have faced challenges in advancing past the first round in recent years. The Pistons have not made it beyond the first round in the postseason for 18 years, while the Magic haven’t done so since 2010.
From the start, the Magic appeared more prepared, while the Pistons looked sluggish. Orlando, coming off a dominant win over Charlotte in a play-in game on Friday, took control early, leading 18-5 midway through the first quarter. They held the Pistons to just 1-of-6 shooting and forced four turnovers in their first game in a week.
Detroit managed to rally and cut the deficit to two points before the Magic closed the first half with six straight points, taking a 35-27 lead. Banchero and Suggs combined for 20 points during that stretch.
The Magic maintained their lead heading into halftime, holding a 55-51 advantage. However, the Pistons came out flat in the second half, allowing Orlando to take control once again. The Magic scored eight of the first nine points, prompting Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff to call a timeout.
Detroit responded with a 10-point run, and then scored 13 of 15 points to tie the game at 65-65 on a three-pointer by Cunningham. Banchero quickly answered with a long jumper over Jalen Duren, and Bane followed with a three-pointer over Cunningham, helping the Magic regain a double-digit lead. Orlando entered the fourth quarter with an 81-74 advantage.
The Magic’s strong performance in the first half and their ability to respond to Detroit’s surges proved to be the difference in the game. With Game 2 approaching, both teams will look to adjust and find ways to gain an edge in the series.
