Pistons Complete Historic Resurgence, Advance to Face Cavaliers in Eastern Semifinals

Key facts

• Detroit Pistons won Game 7 against Orlando Magic 116-94 on Sunday.
• Pistons trailed 3-1 in the series and 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.
• Cleveland Cavaliers defeated Toronto Raptors 114-102 in Game 7.
• Second-round matchups: Pistons vs Cavaliers, Knicks vs 76ers, Thunder vs Lakers, Spurs vs Timberwolves.
• NBA Finals will be broadcast exclusively on ABC.

Pistons Complete Historic Comeback

The top-seeded Detroit Pistons, once on the brink of elimination, stormed back from a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic 116-94 in Game 7 on Sunday afternoon. The victory marked a historic resurgence for a franchise that had languished near the bottom of the standings in recent years. Detroit trailed by 24 points in Game 6 before mounting a furious rally to force the decisive contest. In Game 7, the Pistons exploded for 40 points in the second quarter, outscoring Orlando 63-42 over the middle two periods to seize control.

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, propelling Detroit to a 22-point victory. The Pistons' ability to spread the floor and attack from deep proved decisive against a Magic defense that had stifled them earlier in the series. Detroit's second-quarter outburst effectively ended any hopes of an Orlando comeback.

Cavaliers Also Advance in Game 7

The Cleveland Cavaliers, the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, defeated the fifth-seeded Toronto Raptors 114-102 in Game 7 on Sunday evening. The victory set up a second-round matchup with the Pistons, a series that will begin with Game 1 in Detroit on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET. Cleveland's balanced attack and defensive resilience proved too much for Toronto, which had pushed the Cavaliers to the brink. The Cavaliers now face a Pistons team that has shown remarkable resilience throughout the postseason.

Second-Round Matchups Set Across Both Conferences

With the first round complete, the NBA playoff bracket is now fully defined. In the Eastern Conference, the second-seeded New York Knicks will host the seventh-seeded Philadelphia 76ers, while the top-seeded Pistons face the fourth-seeded Cavaliers. In the Western Conference, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, the No. 1 seed, will take on the fourth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers. The second-seeded San Antonio Spurs will host the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. All series begin this week with games scheduled across ABC, ESPN, NBC, and Prime Video.

Broadcast and Streaming Options Abound

Fans can watch playoff action across multiple platforms, including ABC, ESPN, NBC, and Prime Video. The NBA Finals remain exclusive to ABC. Streaming options include DIRECTV Stream, the ESPN app, Peacock, and Prime Video, each carrying specific games based on broadcast rights. All games airing on ABC, ESPN, and NBC are also available via DIRECTV Stream, providing a comprehensive viewing experience for cord-cutters. The wide array of options ensures that no fan misses a moment of the postseason drama.

The Road Ahead: High Stakes and No Margin for Error

As the second round begins, the margin for error has vanished. The Pistons, having survived a historic scare, now face a Cavaliers team that also navigated a seven-game series. The Knicks and 76ers renew a rivalry steeped in playoff history, while the Thunder and Lakers offer a clash between a defending champion and a perennial contender. In the West, the Spurs and Timberwolves present an intriguing matchup of young talent and veteran savvy. Every series promises high drama as the quest for the Larry O'Brien Trophy intensifies.

The bottom line

• Detroit Pistons became the first No. 1 seed to rally from a 3-1 deficit since 2016.
• Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris combined for 62 points in Game 7, shooting 9-of-13 from three.
• Cleveland Cavaliers advanced past Toronto Raptors with a 114-102 Game 7 win.
• Second-round matchups include Pistons vs Cavaliers, Knicks vs 76ers, Thunder vs Lakers, and Spurs vs Timberwolves.
• NBA Finals will be broadcast exclusively on ABC; other games available on ESPN, NBC, and Prime Video.
• The playoffs feature three Game 7s in the first round, underscoring the competitive balance.