The Detroit Pistons are confident heading into Game 2 against the Orlando Magic after losing Game 1. Coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized focus and preparation as the team aims to avoid a 0-2 series deficit.
Key points
Orlando Magic won Game 1 against Detroit Pistons 112-101
Detroit Pistons aim to avoid a 0-2 series deficit
Coach Jamahl Mosley emphasizes focus for the Magic
Pistons analyzed Game 1 mistakes for improvement
Isaiah Stewart expresses confidence in bouncing back
Mentioned in this story
Jamahl Mosley
Detroit PistonsOrlando MagicIsaiah Stewart
Detroit — The Orlando Magic have every right to enter Game 2 with confidence. They came into Little Caesars Arena and manhandled the Detroit Pistons en route to a 112-101 Game 1 victory on Sunday night.
As the team exited the court on Sunday night, coach Jamahl Mosley encouraged his players to "act like you've been here before." His message aimed to keep the team focused and prepared for the challenge he anticipated facing on Wednesday night, knowing the Pistons would do everything possible to avoid going down 2-0 in Game 2.
"We've got to get our get back. We got to take care of home and protect our home, we have to get this one before we head into their home next," Isaiah Stewart said. "There is no pressure because we have prepared for this. We know our opponent. We have to go out there and do our job. Be the team we are capable of being and handle business."
Despite their disappointing performance in Game 1, the Pistons remained highly confident they could win the series. Over the past 48 hours, they watched countless films, analyzing the mistakes that contributed to their loss in the opening game of the best-of-seven series. Their confidence in bouncing back in Game 2 is also rooted in their history of rebounding from tough losses, especially after games they felt they could have won.
During the regular season, the Pistons posted a 14-3 record in games following a loss. Their ability to recover effortlessly stemmed from their capacity to engage in honest conversations and their willingness to apply the lessons learned.
One discussion they had as a team focused on the limited production from their bench unit. During the regular season, Detroit's bench averaged 41.3 points per game, ranking 11th in the league. However, against the Magic in Game 1, the Pistons' reserves struggled, scoring only 20 points — less than half their season average.
"We could not get our flow into the game," Daniss Jenkins said. "If you look at every single game we played this year, whenever we don't get our flow into the game, it is hard for us to get into a rhythm. None of us was able to catch a rhythm because we could not stop them. In Game 2, we have to come out and get stops because we feed off our defense."
Q&A
What was the outcome of Game 1 between the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic?
The Orlando Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons 112-101 in Game 1.
What are the Detroit Pistons' plans for Game 2 against the Orlando Magic?
The Pistons plan to protect their home court and bounce back from their Game 1 loss.
How did the Pistons prepare for Game 2 after losing Game 1?
The Pistons watched numerous films to analyze their mistakes from Game 1 and improve their performance.
Who is the coach of the Orlando Magic and what did he advise his team?
The coach of the Orlando Magic is Jamahl Mosley, who advised his players to stay focused and act like they have been in this situation before.
Related Articles
Soccer·Recap
Man City struggle but go top of the Premier League and relegate Burnley
Man City secures top spot in Premier League with 1-0 win over Burnley, relegating them to the Championship.
Sky Sports··1 min read
Sports
Stansfield ends drought in Birmingham win
Birmingham climbs into top 10 with 2-1 win over Preston
Sky Sports··1 min read
Soccer·Recap
Boro see off Sheff Wed to return to winning ways
Middlesbrough ends winless streak with 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday
Sky Sports··1 min read
Soccer·Recap
Blackburn secure Championship status with win at Sheff Utd
Blackburn guarantees Championship survival with a 3-1 win at Sheffield United!
Sky Sports··1 min read
Soccer·Recap
Ipswich retake second after comeback win at Charlton
Ipswich Town comes from behind to beat Charlton 2-1 and reclaim second place in the league!
Sky Sports··1 min read
NFL·Preview
Miller's final NFL mock draft -- with Fowler's latest intel: Projecting 32 first-round picks
Check out the final predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft, starting at 8 p.m. ET!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Detroit Pistons forward/center Isaiah Stewart (28) blocks the shot of Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Detroit.
Detroit Pistons forward/center Isaiah Stewart (28) blocks the shot of Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Detroit.
The Pistons have a handful of key attributes that have played a crucial role in their regrouping. However, it has also been the result of having coach J.B. Bickerstaff at the helm. His calm demeanor has been an underlying characteristic in the Pistons' success.
In December, after the Pistons lost two consecutive games to the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Clippers, Bickerstaff held practice at UCLA to prepare for a bounce-back victory against the Los Angeles Lakers. Instead of focusing solely on strategies and plays, Bickerstaff chose to practice by letting his players enjoy a fun soccer game.
The Pistons did not play soccer in preparation for Game 2, but Bickerstaff has maintained the same calm demeanor that has helped his team overcome several frustrations during the regular season.
"He is very calming; he is a guy who doesn't add extra pressure," Jalen Duren said. "He is a guy who mellowed everything out. He is like, "Okay, this is what is happening, and we are going to deal with it. We are going to get through it and learn from it.'
Duren continued, "He has been great all season. Having lost to the Clippers earlier in the season, he gave us a day to just reset and get everybody's mind back on track. He has been good for us, and I think that has worked for us all season, and it will work for us now."
Desmond Bane noted that the Magic are prepared for the Pistons' response, which will come after the Pistons pick up their physicality on both ends amid their desire to protect home court.
In Game 2, every move the Pistons make will not only demonstrate why the team won 60 games during the regular season, but also reinforce their belief in their ability to play well into June with the hope of capturing the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
"We know what we didn't do in that first game," Jenkins said. "The level of intensity we needed to play with, we did not play with that. We are excited to get back out there and show that we can rise to the level."
NBA Playoffs, first round: No. 8 Magic vs. No. 1 Pistons
Orlando leads series, 1-0
Game 1: Magic 112, Pistons 101
Game 2: at Detroit, Wednesday, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Game 3: at Orlando, Saturday, 1 p.m. (Peacock)
Game 4: at Orlando, Monday, April 27, 8 p.m. (NBC/Peacock))
x-Game 5: at Detroit, Wednesday, April 29, TBD (TBD)
x-Game 6: at Orlando, Friday, May 1, TBD (TBD)
x-Game 7: at Detroit, Sunday, May 3 TBD (TBD)x-If necessary
