Magic collapse in Game 6 vs. Pistons with NBA-record shooting futility
TL;DR
The Orlando Magic suffered a historic collapse in Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons, leading by 22 points at halftime but scoring only 19 points in the second half. The Pistons rallied to win 93-79, forcing a decisive Game 7 on May 3.
Key points
- Orlando Magic led by 22 points at halftime
- Magic scored only 19 points in the second half
- Detroit Pistons won 93-79 to force Game 7
- Franz Wagner was injured and did not play
- Game 7 scheduled for May 3 at 3:30 p.m.
Mentioned in this story
ORLANDO — The Orlando Magic made history on May 1 — just not the sort the franchise or its long-suffering fans hoped it would see after entering halftime with a seemingly insurmountable 22-point lead.
Orlando outscored the visiting Detroit Pistons 35-12 in the second quarter, a potential knockout blow to the Eastern Conference's top seed. Only six No. 8s all-time, since the league adopted its 16-team postseason format in 1984, have previously toppled a No. 1 in the opening round.
Instead, the Magic cracked under the pressure head coach Jamahl Mosley acknowledged before the game and instead described as a privilege, producing the worst offensive half ever seen in the modern era of the NBA playoffs.
Playing without injured forward Franz Wagner, the Magic missed 23 consecutive field goal attempts and scored just 19 points after the break. Detroit turned a nine-point, fourth-quarter deficit into a 93-79 win at the Kia Center to force a decisive Game 7 at 3:30 p.m. on May 3.
Paolo Banchero (5) of the Orlando Magic reacts to a call against the Detroit Pistons during the fourth quarter in Game 6 of the first round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 1, 2026.
Orlando shattered the previous record-playoff low of 23 points in a single half, set by the Utah Jazz in Game 3 of the 1998 NBA Finals and later matched three separate times. They did so by going more than 14 minutes of game time — and 45 minutes of real time — without putting the ball in the hoop against the league's third-stingiest defense.
According to ESPN Research, the Magic's drought of 23 straight misses from the field — ended with an uncontested and, largely insignificant, Paolo Banchero dunk in the lane — is the most since the league began tracking play-by-play digitally in 1997-98. The Sacramento Kings misfired on 22 straight shots on May 2, 2001.
Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham matched the Magic's 19 second-half points by himself in the fourth quarter alone to complete the comeback.
"I think they were playing more desperate than us, playing harder than us," said Magic guard Desmond Bane, who had 17 points. "Whether it was offensive rebounds or heating up their pressure to get steals, they really took us out of our stuff and messed with our flow."
There was no reason for the Magic to lack desperation, even though the 60-win Pistons stood upon the precipice of embarrassing first-round elimination. Orlando has not reached the second round in 16 years, bowing out in the conference quarterfinals in each of their last seven appearances.
Unfortunately, offensive woes plagued the Magic throughout a disappointing 2025-26 campaign, salvaged only by their 121-90 pummeling of the Charlotte Hornets in the play-in game.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket against Anthony Black #0 of the Orlando Magic during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Desmond Bane #3 of the Orlando Magic reacts against Duncan Robinson #55 of the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic celebrates a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Jamal Cain #8 of the Orlando Magic reacts to a foul against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles against Tristan da Silva #23 of the Orlando Magic during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Tobias Harris #12 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket against Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against Goga Bitadze #35 of the Orlando Magic during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons looks on against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Goga Bitadze #35 of the Orlando Magic blocks a shot against Tobias Harris #12 of the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles against Jamal Cain #8 of the Orlando Magic during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against Tristan da Silva #23 and Desmond Bane #3 of the Orlando Magic during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons: Best photos from Game 6 of series
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket against Anthony Black #0 of the Orlando Magic during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons: Best photos from Game 6 of series
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket against Anthony Black #0 of the Orlando Magic during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons: Best photos from Game 6 of series
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Desmond Bane #3 of the Orlando Magic reacts against Duncan Robinson #55 of the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons: Best photos from Game 6 of series
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic celebrates a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons: Best photos from Game 6 of series
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Jamal Cain #8 of the Orlando Magic reacts to a foul against the Detroit Pistons during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons: Best photos from Game 6 of series
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles against Tristan da Silva #23 of the Orlando Magic during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons: Best photos from Game 6 of series
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Tobias Harris #12 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket against Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons: Best photos from Game 6 of series
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against Goga Bitadze #35 of the Orlando Magic during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons: Best photos from Game 6 of series
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons looks on against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons: Best photos from Game 6 of series
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Goga Bitadze #35 of the Orlando Magic blocks a shot against Tobias Harris #12 of the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons: Best photos from Game 6 of series
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles against Jamal Cain #8 of the Orlando Magic during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
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Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons: Best photos from Game 6 of series
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MAY 01: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons shoots the ball against Tristan da Silva #23 and Desmond Bane #3 of the Orlando Magic during the second quarter in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Kia Center on May 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Orlando ran in the middle of the pack on the whole (115.7 ppg), but tied for the third-worst 3-point shooting percentage in the league (34.3%). The Magic jacked up 19 long-range attempts in the second half and made just two — a couple of counterpunches delivered by Tristan Da Silva and Anthony Black out of a third-quarter timeout that appeared to stop the bleeding.
But Detroit opened the fourth on a 12-1 run, gained the lead on a pair of Tobias Harris free throws and never looked back. While that run pales in comparison to the NBA-record 31-0 scoring streak the Toronto Raptors mounted at the Magic's expense on March 29, it hurts immeasurably more.
Asked about the frequency of his team's extended scoreless stretches, Banchero replied, "I don't know. I'm not really thinking about it. At this point, it's all about Game 7."
That will be the final chance for the Magic to close out the Pistons and avoid blowing a 3-1 series lead. To do so, it will need to win away from home for the second time, a historical improbability considering the franchise's 23-54 all-time postseason mark.
"This team always shows fight," Mosley said. "There's no other way to put it: This does suck. You have a 24-point lead, and we let it go. I think the reality is that it's got to hurt and it's got to sting right now, but you've got to be able to bounce back and you've given yourself an opportunity to get it done in Game 7."
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Orlando Magic blow 24-point lead, chance to eliminate Detroit Pistons
Q&A
What record did the Orlando Magic set in Game 6 against the Pistons?
The Orlando Magic set the record for the worst offensive half in modern NBA playoff history, scoring only 19 points after halftime.
How did the Detroit Pistons come back to win Game 6?
The Pistons overcame a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Magic to secure a 93-79 victory.
What was the impact of Franz Wagner's injury on the Magic's performance?
Franz Wagner's absence contributed to the Magic's offensive struggles, as they missed 23 consecutive field goal attempts during the game.
When is Game 7 of the Magic vs. Pistons playoff series scheduled?
Game 7 is scheduled for May 3 at 3:30 p.m.