Pistons Rally from 3-1 Deficit to Beat Magic, Advance to Face Cavaliers

Key facts

• Detroit Pistons defeated Orlando Magic 116-94 in Game 7 to win first-round series 4-3.
• Pistons overcome 3-1 series deficit, becoming 15th team in NBA history to do so.
• Cade Cunningham scored 32 points and 12 assists; Tobias Harris added 30 points.
• Pistons will face Cleveland Cavaliers in Eastern Conference semifinals starting May 5.
• Cavaliers beat Toronto Raptors 114-102 in Game 7; Jarrett Allen had 22 points and 19 rebounds.
• Detroit's win marks first playoff series victory since 2008.
• Pistons outscored Magic 40-15 in second quarter and held Orlando to 15 points in third.

Historic Comeback Seals Series Win

The Detroit Pistons completed a stunning reversal on Thursday night, defeating the Orlando Magic 116-94 in Game 7 to capture their first playoff series victory since 2008. After falling behind three games to one, the Pistons won three consecutive elimination games, becoming only the 15th team in NBA history to rally from a 3-1 deficit. The victory was sealed in front of a raucous home crowd, as Detroit dominated the second and third quarters to erase any doubt about the outcome. The series turnaround was the second such comeback in as many days, following the Philadelphia 76ers' victory over the Boston Celtics. For the Pistons, the win validates a regular season in which they built significant momentum, and it sets up a conference semifinal clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Cunningham and Harris Lead the Charge

Cade Cunningham, the Pistons' young star, delivered a masterful performance, scoring 32 points and dishing out 12 assists. Tobias Harris complemented him with 30 points, while Jalen Duren contributed 15 rebounds. The Pistons seized control in the second quarter, erupting for 40 points, then stifled the Magic in the third period, holding them to just 15 points. "We had a great regular season, we built a lot of momentum going into these play-offs," Cunningham said. "To lose in the first round would have really stung. To come back from 3-1, odds against us, and to come back and win it at home - it feels good." The performance underscored Cunningham's emergence as a franchise cornerstone capable of carrying the team in high-stakes moments.

Cavaliers Overcome Raptors in Game 7

The Cleveland Cavaliers also advanced on Thursday, defeating the Toronto Raptors 114-102 in Game 7 of their first-round series. Jarrett Allen was the catalyst, recording 22 points and 19 rebounds, including 14 points and 10 rebounds in the third quarter alone. Donovan Mitchell added 22 points, and James Harden chipped in 18 as the Cavaliers recovered from a 10-point first-quarter deficit. "I just wanted to show my team-mates that we can win this game," Allen said. "Energy and effort, that's what I believe wins games. Every single possession, it means a lot. Every single possession means it could be the end of the season." The Cavaliers tied the score 49-49 at halftime before pulling away in the third quarter.

Raptors' Return to Playoffs Ends in Defeat

For the Toronto Raptors, making their first playoff appearance since 2022, the series ended in disappointment. Scottie Barnes led the team with 24 points and nine rebounds, while RJ Barrett scored 23. Despite a competitive effort, the Raptors could not contain the Cavaliers' interior presence, as Allen's dominance on the boards proved decisive. The loss marks the end of a promising season for Toronto, which will now look to build on its young core. The Raptors will have an offseason to evaluate their roster and plan for the future.

Semifinal Matchup Set to Begin Sunday

The Pistons will host the Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Sunday, May 5. The best-of-seven series promises to be a compelling clash between two teams that have rediscovered their winning ways. Detroit will rely on its balanced scoring and home-court advantage, while Cleveland will lean on Allen's rebounding and Mitchell's scoring. The winner will advance to the Eastern Conference finals, with the 76ers and Knicks also beginning their semifinal series on the same day. In the Western Conference, the Spurs will host the Timberwolves to open their semifinal set.

Pistons' Resilience Signals New Era

Detroit's comeback from a 3-1 deficit is a testament to the team's resilience and growth under pressure. The Pistons, who had not won a playoff series in 18 years, have now established themselves as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. Cunningham's leadership, combined with Harris's experience and Duren's rebounding, gives Detroit a versatile attack that can adapt to different opponents. The series victory also underscores the parity in the NBA, where no lead is safe and momentum can shift rapidly. For the Pistons, the journey is far from over; the Cavaliers present a formidable challenge, but Detroit has already proven it can overcome adversity.

The bottom line

• Detroit Pistons rally from 3-1 deficit to win first playoff series since 2008.
• Cade Cunningham scores 32 points and 12 assists in Game 7 victory.
• Cleveland Cavaliers advance with 114-102 Game 7 win over Toronto Raptors.
• Jarrett Allen records 22 points and 19 rebounds for Cavaliers.
• Pistons and Cavaliers begin Eastern Conference semifinals on May 5.
• Pistons become 15th team in NBA history to overcome 3-1 series deficit.