The Detroit Pistons advanced to the second round of the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2008 after a thrilling Game 7 victory. Young fans celebrated the milestone at Little Caesars Arena.
Key points
Pistons advanced to the second round of the NBA playoffs
Sunday night, the 11-year-old from Clarkston witnessed the Pistons finally break through to the second round of the NBA playoffs, the first time the team had advanced out of the first round since 2008.
"I think he's hooked," said Brayden's dad, Aaron Bryd.
Anthony Boozer, 11, of Canton Township takes his photo with the Pistons dancers before the start of Game 7 of the NBA first-round playoff series between the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday. David Guralnick / The Detroit News
Anthony Boozer, 11, of Canton Township takes his photo with the Pistons dancers before the start of Game 7 of the NBA first-round playoff series between the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday. David Guralnick / The Detroit News
As the seconds counted down with the Pistons comfortably in the lead against the Orlando Magic, fans across Little Caesars Arena had their phones out to document the historic moment for their team. They lingered in their seats and in the hallways, savoring the moment.
"We're going to come back next round," Byrd said.
Not only did the Pistons win the series, they came back after being down three games to one, winning three in a row to eliminate the Magic.
Q&A
When was the last time the Detroit Pistons advanced past the first round of the playoffs?
The Detroit Pistons last advanced past the first round of the playoffs in 2008.
What was the significance of the Pistons' Game 7 win?
The Pistons' Game 7 win marked their first advancement to the second round of the NBA playoffs in 15 years.
Where did the Pistons play their Game 7 against the Orlando Magic?
The Pistons played their Game 7 against the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
How did fans react to the Pistons' playoff victory?
Fans described the Pistons' Game 7 win as 'a big ol' party,' celebrating the team's significant achievement.
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Haleem “Stringz” Rasul, of the Detroit Pistons Jit Team, dances on the concourse before the start of game seven of the NBA first-round playoff series between the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Haleem “Stringz” Rasul, of the Detroit Pistons Jit Team, dances on the concourse before the start of game seven of the NBA first-round playoff series between the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Brayden, who plays basketball, said Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris were keys to victory for the Pistons. The victories haven't come easily, "especially being a 1-seed," Brayden said.
A strong second half had the Pistons ending the series with strong momentum.
"They just kind of found their groove," Bryd said.
The team was up by 11 at halftime, a lead that wasn't necessarily comfortable but held promise.
"I had faith," said LaVance Drayton of Detroit.
Pistons fan Iain Lanivich, of Rochester Hills, walks around on the concourse before the start of game seven of the NBA first-round playoff series between the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Pistons fan Iain Lanivich, of Rochester Hills, walks around on the concourse before the start of game seven of the NBA first-round playoff series between the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Drayton has been a fan for years, he said, but having just retired, he signed up to be a Pistons season ticket holder next year.
The Pistons playing well, along with the Detroit's other professional sports teams, "means a lot" to Detroit, he said.
"Everybody's just enjoying themselves," Drayton said. "It's like a big ol' party."
Drayton came with his son, LaVell Drayton. The two sat in their seats for a while longer after the game ended, soaking in the celebration. LaVell noted the years of failing to advance for the Pistons have been hard to stomach.
"Every year we get a dominating team, we think we'll be able to win," he said. "Every year it's like, the last minute ..." they lose.
That wasn't the case Sunday.
Pistons fan Kay Thomas of Detroit shows off her hand-made dress as she walks around on the concourse before the start of game seven of the NBA first-round playoff series between the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Pistons fan Kay Thomas of Detroit shows off her hand-made dress as she walks around on the concourse before the start of game seven of the NBA first-round playoff series between the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
Pat and Claire Macatula of Troy also brought their son to his first Pistons game, but he's not likely to remember it at just 18 months old.
Still, they wanted to come for one reason: "It's Game 7," Pat said.
Hannah Villapando of Warren said it was great to be part of the crowd.
