Pistons Bounce Back to Level Playoff Series

April 23, 2026

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 22: Javonte Green #31 and Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons high five during the game against the Orlando Magic during Round One Game Two of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Brian Sevald / NBAE / Getty Images / Getty Images via AFP)

The Detroit Pistons dominated defensively and exploded in the third quarter to secure a 98-83 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, tying their NBA Eastern Conference playoff series at 1-1.

Cade Cunningham led the charge for the Pistons, scoring 27 points and dishing out 11 assists, while Tobias Harris contributed with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

After being stunned by the Magic in game one, Detroit came out with a renewed sense of urgency. Their defence was the highlight early on, with seven of their 11 blocks coming in the first quarter. Despite the Pistons’ defensive efforts, the game was tied 46-46 at halftime.

Tobias Harris #12 of the Detroit Pistons looks to pass the ball as Desmond Bane #3 of the Orlando Magic plays defence during the game during Round One Game Two of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2026, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan Copyright 2026 NBAE Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Chris Schwegler / NBAE / Getty Images / Getty Images via AFP)

It was in the third quarter that Detroit turned the tide. The Pistons launched an 11-0 scoring run to open the period, seizing control and finishing with a dominant 38-16 scoreline in the third.

“We just played defence,” said Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “It’s that simple. When we play defence at the level we’re capable of, it triggers everything for us.”

This win also marked a significant milestone for Detroit, as they snapped an 11-game home playoff losing streak, dating back to May 2008.

The Pistons had six players in double figures, and while Orlando had strong performances from Jalen Suggs (19 points) and Paolo Banchero (18 points), the Magic struggled offensively, posting their lowest point total of the season.

With the series now tied, the action shifts to Orlando, where the teams will face off in game three on Saturday and game four on Monday.

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