NBARecap
Magic collapse in Game 6 vs. Pistons with NBA-record shooting futility
Orlando Magic suffer historic collapse in Game 6 against Pistons
Yahoo Sports1 min read
NBARecap
Orlando Tragic: The wildest numbers of the Magic's 24-point collapse against the Pistons
TL;DR
The Orlando Magic squandered a 22-point halftime lead, losing 93-79 to the Detroit Pistons. This marks a historic 55-19 scoring deficit in the second half, forcing a Game 7 in the series.
Key points
- Orlando Magic led by 22 points at halftime
- Magic lost 93-79 to Detroit Pistons
- Magic scored only 19 points in the second half
- Game 7 will determine playoff fate
- Magic led series 3-1 before collapse
Orlando MagicDetroit PistonsEastern Conference playoffs
For their next trick, the Orlando Magic will make a 22-point halftime lead disappear. It remains to be seen if their season is next.
In a series they once led 3-1, the Magic are headed to a Game 7 on the road against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons after the worst collapse of the postseason. They finished the first half with a 60-38 lead. They finished the game with a 93-79 loss.
Overall, the Magic were outscored 55-19 in the second half. A professional basketball team scored 19 (nineteen) points in 24 minutes of basketball, with a chance to reach the Eastern Conference semifinals at home on the line.
Catastrophe doesn’t begin to describe what happened in Orlando on Friday. The best way to process it is going through the numbers, so here are a few for your thoughts.
23
That’s how many consecutive field goals the Magic missed during a stretch in the second half, a playoff record in the play-by-play era. They weren’t missing gracefully either.
21 straight missed shots. Not by accident. pic.twitter.com/6W9b70nk6K
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) May 2, 2026
24
The Magic’s largest lead of the game, topping out early in the third quarter. They ended up losing by 14.
16:24
How much time the Pistons needed to tie the game after halftime.
3
The Pistons became the third team in the play-by-play era to rally from 20+ points down at halftime when facing elimination in a playoff game‼️
2018 Thunder: 25-point comeback
2026 Pistons: 24-point comeback
2024 Wolves: 20-point comeback pic.twitter.com/Z44RNtpem0— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) May 2, 2026
23
Q&A
What caused the Orlando Magic's 24-point collapse against the Pistons?
The Magic were outscored 55-19 in the second half, leading to their loss.
How did the Magic perform in the first half of the game against the Pistons?
The Magic led 60-38 at halftime before collapsing in the second half.
What are the implications of the Magic's loss for their playoff chances?
The loss forces a Game 7 against the top-seeded Pistons, putting their season on the line.
How many points did the Magic score in the second half against the Pistons?
The Magic scored only 19 points in the second half of the game.