Pistons stage thrilling comeback to force Game 7 in Eastern Conference series 2026

Detroit Pistons mount an incredible rally to force a Game 7 in their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Orlando Magic.

Cunningham's 32 points lead Pistons' comeback Cade Cunningham scored 32 points, leading the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in a stunning rally, as they erased a 24-point deficit and defeated the Orlando Magic 93-79 to force a Game 7 in their Eastern Conference first-round series. The Pistons trailed by 22 at the half and Orlando's lead went to 62-38 early in the third quarter. The Magic seemed poised to eliminate the Pistons, but everything went wrong for Orlando. ## Magic's collapse in the third quarter The Magic became the first team since the 1996-97 season to lose at home after leading by at least 24 points with a chance to win a series. They missed 23 consecutive shots from the field, and the Pistons went on a 35-5 run, changing the story of the game and possibly the series. The Magic shot 11% (4 of 37) from the field in the second half, the worst field-goal percentage by any team in a regular season or playoff half since 1997-98. ## Tobias Harris and Paolo Banchero's performances Tobias Harris scored 22 points for the Pistons, while Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane each scored 17 for the Magic. The Magic were 0-2 in closeout opportunities in the series, and the Pistons will host Game 7 on Sunday. ## First quarter and halftime lead The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with the Pistons leading 26-25 after 12 minutes. Orlando outscored the Pistons 17-0 from 3-point range and the free-throw line in the first quarter, taking a 60-38 lead into the half. The 22-point halftime lead was the fourth-largest by a No. 8 seed over a No. 1 seed in this format. ## Third quarter and Detroit's comeback In the third quarter, the Pistons came storming back, outscoring the Magic 24-11. The tone was set for a comeback, and when the night ended, those who remained in Orlando's Kia Center booed as they departed for possibly the final time this season.