Pistons Complete Historic 24-Point Comeback, Force Game 7 Against Magic

Key facts

• Pistons trailed by 24 points in the third quarter (62-38) before rallying.
• Detroit outscored Orlando 55-19 in the second half.
• Magic missed 23 consecutive field goals in the second half, a playoff record.
• Orlando shot 1-of-20 in the fourth quarter, with no jump shots made.
• Game 7 is Sunday at Little Caesars Arena (3:30 ET, ABC).
• Pistons are trying to become the 14th team to win a series after trailing 3-1.
• Magic aim to become the seventh No. 8 seed to upset a No. 1 seed.

Lede: A Collapse of Historic Proportions

The Orlando Magic, holding a 3-1 series lead and a 22-point halftime advantage, suffered one of the most catastrophic collapses in NBA playoff history on Friday, losing 93-79 to the Detroit Pistons and forcing a decisive Game 7. The Magic led 60-38 at the break, but were outscored 55-19 in the second half, including a stretch where they missed 23 consecutive field goals — a record in the play-by-play era. Detroit, which trailed by as many as 24 points early in the third quarter, methodically chipped away at the lead, tying the game with 5:36 remaining in the fourth quarter and pulling away for a 14-point victory.

The Second-Half Meltdown

Orlando's offensive implosion was staggering. After scoring 60 points in the first half, the Magic managed just 19 in the second, the fewest points in any half of a playoff game in the play-by-play era, beating the previous record by four points. The Magic shot 1-of-20 in the fourth quarter, with their only field goal being a Paolo Banchero dunk. They did not make a single jump shot in the final period. Despite committing a series-low in turnovers, Orlando's shooting woes proved insurmountable. The team's 23 consecutive missed field goals underscored a complete breakdown in execution and composure.

Detroit's Methodical Comeback

The Pistons, after a quiet locker room at halftime, emerged with renewed belief. "We still believed we could get back in the game and win it," said Cade Cunningham, who led Detroit's charge. "It was going to be by chipping away at it." Detroit won the third quarter and dominated the fourth, outscoring Orlando 55-19 overall. Tobias Harris' free throws gave the Pistons their first lead at 74-72 with 5:36 to play. The comeback was fueled by defensive intensity and patient offense, as the Pistons avoided the panic that often accompanies a large deficit.

Historical Stakes for Game 7

Sunday's Game 7 at Little Caesars Arena carries immense historical weight. The Pistons are attempting to become only the 14th team in NBA history to win a playoff series after trailing 3-1. Conversely, the Magic are trying to join just six other No. 8 seeds that have upset a No. 1 seed in the first round. The series has been a battle of resilience and collapse, with both teams experiencing extreme swings. Orlando must now recover mentally and physically in roughly 48 hours after a devastating loss.

What Went Wrong for Orlando

The Magic's collapse was not due to turnovers or poor defense, but a complete inability to score. After building a 24-point lead early in the third quarter, Orlando's offense ground to a halt. Coach Jamahl Mosley's team became cautious and careless, settling for contested jumpers that failed to fall. The 23 consecutive missed field goals were a testament to the team's collective shooting slump. Paolo Banchero's dunk in the fourth quarter was the only field goal, but it came too late to stem the tide. The Magic's season now hinges on their ability to regroup and rediscover their offensive rhythm.

Outlook: A Decisive Game 7

Game 7 on Sunday will determine which narrative prevails: Detroit's historic comeback or Orlando's upset bid. The Pistons have momentum and home-court advantage, but the Magic have shown they can dominate when clicking. Both teams will face immense pressure. For the Pistons, a loss would squander a remarkable rally; for the Magic, a loss would cement one of the worst collapses in playoff history. The game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC, with the winner advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The bottom line

• Detroit erased a 24-point deficit to win 93-79, forcing Game 7 after trailing 3-1.
• Orlando missed 23 straight field goals in the second half, a playoff record.
• The Magic scored only 19 points in the second half, the fewest in any half of a playoff game.
• Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris led Detroit's comeback, with Harris' free throws giving the Pistons their first lead.
• Game 7 is Sunday at Little Caesars Arena, with the winner facing the winner of the other first-round series.
• The Pistons aim to become the 14th team to win a series after trailing 3-1; the Magic seek to be the seventh No. 8 seed to upset a No. 1.