Pistons rally from 24-point deficit vs. Magic to force Game 7

Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News on May 1, 2026

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

ORLANDO, Fla. — Desmond Bane scored on an up-and-under layup to open the third quarter. His basket gave the Orlando Magic a 24-point lead (62-38). At the time, it appeared the Magic were on the trajectory of a blowout victory, but the Detroit Pistons refused to surrender.

They picked up their production on both ends to open the third quarter. On the defensive end, they held Orlando to 1-of-8 shooting. On the offensive end, the Pistons capitalized on their defensive stops with a 16-4 run through the first six minutes of the second half.

The momentum Detroit established in its second-half rally was enough for the Pistons to come within two points with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. Tobias Harris gave the Pistons a 74-72 lead after connecting on a pair of foul shots. It became a lead the Pistons did not relinquish.

As a result, for the second consecutive game, the Pistons have staved off elimination. This time, it came during the 93-79 Game 6 win on Friday night inside Kia Center. The Pistons have forced a Game 7 with the series tied at 3-3.

"Never say die," Cade Cunningham said after the victory. "It’s as simple as that."

The Pistons would go on to outscore Orlando 31-8 in the period. Their defense held the Magic to 4-of-37 shooting in the second half, 1-of-20 shooting in the fourth quarter.

Cunningham led the Pistons with 32 points, 10 rebounds and four steals. He scored 24 points in the second half. Harris added 22 points and nine rebounds. Paul Reed made a significant impact by playing 10 minutes off the bench, finishing with six points, six rebounds and two blocks.

Bane and Paolo Banchero each scored 17 points for the Magic.