Pistons fans roast Wendell Carter Jr. with Angel Reese chant as Detroit, Jalen Duren advance to second round

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Pistons fans roast Wendell Carter Jr. with Angel Reese chant

Little Caesars Arena was an ocean of noise on Sunday afternoon. Hymns spilled from the concourses as the Pistons found their target time-and-time again. Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris were some of the architects of the medley, leading the way for Detroit with 32 and 30 points, respectively.

However, the crowd never grew louder than it did when Carter was at the free-throw line. The Magic big enjoyed a wondrous series up to its final game, helping anchor Orlando's impressive defensive showings while offering steady, if unspectacular production.

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Things changed on Sunday afternoon for Carter, however. He tallied 13 points on the day. But they were drawn out and ragged -- Carter went 3-7 from the field.

The Duke product had more success at the free throw line, converting six of his eight attempts. When he stepped up to the stripe, however, he was greeted with a familiar, if contentious refrain.

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Pistons fans showered Carter with an "Angel Reese" chant, one that danced from the rafters to the floorboards. The Orlando big all but confirmed his romance to the Dream standout, embracing her throughout the 2025 WNBA season. Reese responded in kind, sporting Magic attire during the offseason and celebrating -- quite vociferously -- Carter's success against her rumored former man, Pistons star Jalen Duren.

The Reese-Carter-Duren love triangle proved a memorable part of the Round 1 slate. Detroit fans had fun at Reese and Carter's expense. Reese arguably instigated the confrontation, taking to social media to dunk on Duren being dunked on during the series.

Duren struggled mightily during the seven-game stet. He found life in the final matchup, though, producing 15 points, 15 rebounds and three assists. When asked what inspired his change in form, Duren kept things simple.

"I wasn't ready to go on vacation," Duren said.

Carter and Reese will have to lick their wounds out of the spotlight -- at least until Reese's season begins.

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