Detroit Pistons Complete Historic Comeback, Advance to Eastern Conference Semifinals

Key facts

• Detroit Pistons defeated Orlando Magic 116-94 in Game 7 to win series 4-3.
• Pistons trailed 3-1 in the series and were down 24 points in Game 6 before rallying.
• Cade Cunningham scored 32 points and 12 assists in Game 7.
• Tobias Harris added 30 points, nine rebounds, and three steals.
• Cunningham and Harris combined to shoot 9-of-13 from three-point range.
• Pistons outscored Magic 63-42 over the second and third quarters.
• Detroit will face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
• Cavaliers defeated Toronto Raptors 114-102 in Game 7 to advance.

Pistons Rally from Brink of Elimination

The top-seeded Detroit Pistons, once down three games to one against the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic and trailing by 24 points in Game 6, completed a remarkable comeback with a 116-94 victory in Game 7 on Sunday afternoon. The win propels Detroit into the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they will face the fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pistons scored 40 points in the second quarter alone, erasing the deficit and seizing control. Over the second and third quarters, Detroit outscored Orlando 63-42, turning a tight contest into a rout.

Cunningham and Harris Lead the Charge

Cade Cunningham delivered a masterful performance with 32 points and 12 assists, while Tobias Harris contributed 30 points, nine rebounds, and three steals. The duo combined to shoot 9-of-13 from three-point range, providing the offensive firepower needed to overcome the Magic's early series dominance. Their efficiency from beyond the arc was a key factor in Detroit's ability to stretch the floor and create scoring opportunities, particularly during the pivotal second-quarter surge.

Cavaliers Also Survive Game 7 Thriller

The Cleveland Cavaliers secured their spot in the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a 114-102 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening. The Cavaliers, seeded fourth, will now travel to Detroit for the first game of the second-round series. Both Game 7s on Sunday showcased the intensity of the playoffs, with lower seeds pushing their higher-seeded opponents to the limit before falling short.

Second-Round Matchups Set

The NBA playoffs have now moved to the conference semifinals, with four series scheduled to begin. In the Eastern Conference, the seventh-seeded Philadelphia 76ers will face the second-seeded New York Knicks at 8 p.m. ET, while the Cavaliers visit the Pistons at 7 p.m. ET. In the Western Conference, the seventh-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves take on the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs at 9:30 p.m. ET, and the fourth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers travel to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder at 8:30 p.m. ET.

New Broadcast Era for the Playoffs

This postseason marks a significant shift in how fans watch the games, as a landmark media rights deal has introduced a three-pronged distribution model. Games are broadcast across ESPN/ABC, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video, with the Play-In Tournament airing exclusively on Prime Video. The NBA Finals remain the exclusive property of ABC, but earlier rounds are split among the platforms. Fans can also access games via DIRECTV Stream, which carries all broadcasts on ABC, ESPN, and NBC.

Pistons' Resilience Defines Their Postseason Run

Detroit's ability to rally from a 3-1 series deficit and a 24-point hole in Game 6 underscores the team's resilience and depth. The Pistons, who secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference, have shown they can withstand adversity and execute under pressure. As they prepare to face the Cavaliers, the Pistons will look to carry that momentum forward. The series promises to be a clash of styles, with Detroit's high-powered offense meeting Cleveland's balanced attack.

The bottom line

• The Detroit Pistons completed a historic comeback from a 3-1 series deficit and a 24-point Game 6 deficit to defeat the Orlando Magic in Game 7.
• Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris combined for 62 points and shot 9-of-13 from three-point range in the decisive game.
• The Cleveland Cavaliers also won their Game 7 against the Toronto Raptors, setting up a second-round matchup with the Pistons.
• The 2026 NBA playoffs feature a new broadcast distribution model with games on ESPN/ABC, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video.
• The NBA Finals remain on ABC, while the Play-In Tournament moved exclusively to Prime Video.
• Second-round series include 76ers vs. Knicks, Cavaliers vs. Pistons, Timberwolves vs. Spurs, and Lakers vs. Thunder.