Pistons Rally from 24 Down to Force Game 7 Against Magic After Orlando Sets Record for Worst Shooting Half in Playoff History

Key facts

• Pistons trailed by 24 points before rallying to win 93-79.
• Magic scored only 19 points in the second half, an NBA playoff record for lowest-scoring half this century.
• Orlando went 45 minutes between made shots, the longest drought in NBA playoff history this century.
• Cade Cunningham outscored the entire Magic team in the second half.
• Game 7 between Pistons and Magic is scheduled to determine who advances.
• Raptors forced Game 7 against Cavaliers with an overtime win, aided by a miraculous bounce on an RJ Barrett game-winning shot.
• Sabres beat Bruins 4-1 in Game 6 to reach second round for first time since 2007.
• Lightning beat Canadiens in overtime to force Game 7.

Historic Collapse in Orlando

The Orlando Magic endured one of the most catastrophic offensive performances in NBA playoff history on Thursday night, scoring just 19 points in the entire second half of a 93-79 loss to the Detroit Pistons. The collapse — which saw a 24-point lead evaporate — forced a decisive Game 7 in the first-round series. The Magic went 45 minutes between made field goals, the longest such drought in the playoffs this century, according to league data. The 19-point half is the lowest-scoring half in any NBA playoff game since at least 2000, surpassing previous records for offensive futility in the postseason.

Cade Cunningham Outshines Orlando's Offense

Pistons guard Cade Cunningham single-handedly outscored the entire Magic roster in the second half, a staggering statistical anomaly that underscored Detroit's defensive intensity and Orlando's sudden inability to generate quality looks. Cunningham finished with a game-high 31 points, with 22 coming after halftime. Detroit's rally began with a 14-0 run late in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to single digits. The Pistons then opened the fourth quarter with a 12-2 spurt to take their first lead since the opening minutes. Orlando managed just five field goals in the entire second half, shooting 5-for-32 from the floor.

Game 7 Stakes for Both Franchises

The winner of Sunday's Game 7 in Orlando will advance to face the top-seeded Boston Celtics in the second round. For the Pistons, a victory would mark their first playoff series win since 2008. For the Magic, a loss would represent one of the most ignominious collapses in franchise history. Detroit's comeback was the largest in a playoff game this season and the biggest in Pistons postseason history. The series has been defined by dramatic swings: Orlando won Games 1 and 2 by double digits, Detroit took Games 3 and 4, and the Magic reclaimed momentum with a Game 5 victory before Thursday's meltdown.

Other Playoff Dramas: Raptors, Sabres, Lightning Force Game 7s

Elsewhere in the NBA, the Toronto Raptors forced a Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers with an overtime victory, thanks to a game-winning shot by RJ Barrett that took a fortuitous bounce. The Raptors and Cavaliers will decide their series in Cleveland. In the NHL, the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Boston Bruins 4-1 in Game 6 to clinch their first second-round berth since 2007, ending a 19-year drought. The Tampa Bay Lightning also forced a Game 7 against the Montreal Canadiens after a late goal by Goncalves in overtime. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights eliminated the Colorado Mammoth with a Game 6 win powered by two goals from Mitch Marner.

Kentucky Derby: Wide-Open Field and Historic Jockey Opportunity

The 152nd Kentucky Derby, set for Saturday at Churchill Downs, features a 20-horse field with no clear favorite, making it one of the most unpredictable editions in recent memory. Trainer Bob Baffert, a perennial powerhouse, is not represented this year due to ongoing suspension, but the 'super trainer' advantage remains a topic of debate. Jockey Mike Smith, aboard So Happy, has a chance to make history: a win would give him a record fifth Kentucky Derby victory, surpassing the legendary Eddie Arcaro. Smith, 60, would become the oldest jockey to win the Derby. The weather is expected to be dry, eliminating the variable of a wet track.

NFL and Off-Field Developments

Quarterback Russell Wilson is reportedly considering a transition to broadcast television after his playing career, a move that would follow recent trends of star players moving to the booth. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers' recovery from a torn Achilles tendon has set a new standard for athletes, with analysis suggesting his rehabilitation protocols could influence future treatment. In other NFL news, the New York Jets' $110 million in cap space positions them as a premier destination for young quarterbacks, and the New York Giants were lauded as winners in the 2026 NFL Draft for selecting linebacker Arvell Reese. The Big Ten conference is entering what analysts call a 'golden era' for producing NFL quarterbacks.

What Comes Next: Game 7s and Championship Aspirations

The NBA and NHL playoffs continue with multiple Game 7s that will reshape the postseason landscape. The Pistons-Magic winner faces the Celtics, while the Raptors-Cavaliers winner will meet the winner of the Knicks-Hawks series, after New York routed Atlanta 140-89 in Game 6 — the largest margin of victory in the series. The Sabres' deep run has validated their storybook regular season, and Stanley Cup dreams are now realistic. The Lightning, having forced a Game 7, aim to continue their recent playoff success. In horse racing, the Derby will set the stage for the Triple Crown chase, while Formula 1's Miami Grand Prix this weekend adds another layer of international sports interest.

The bottom line

• The Magic's 19-point second half is the lowest-scoring half in NBA playoff history this century, and their 45-minute field-goal drought is a record for futility.
• Cade Cunningham outscored Orlando's entire team in the second half, a rare individual feat that powered Detroit's historic 24-point comeback.
• Game 7 between the Pistons and Magic will determine who faces the top-seeded Celtics in the second round.
• The Raptors, Sabres, and Lightning all forced Game 7s in their respective series, adding to a dramatic postseason across sports.
• The 152nd Kentucky Derby has no clear favorite, and jockey Mike Smith could become the oldest and most decorated Derby winner with a fifth victory.
• Russell Wilson's potential move to broadcasting and Aaron Rodgers' record-setting Achilles recovery highlight off-field stories in the NFL.