Sports
Indiana Fever exercise Caitlin Clark's fourth-year option
Indiana Fever secure Caitlin Clark's contract through 2027
Yahoo Sports1 min read
NBARecap
Pistons join a handful of teams trying to avoid a Game 5 elimination
TL;DR
The Detroit Pistons face elimination in Game 5 against the Orlando Magic, trailing 3-1 in the series. Historically, teams in this position have often been eliminated, but the Pistons aim to replicate their 2003 comeback.
Key points
- Pistons trail Magic 3-1 in playoff series
- Game 5 will be held at Little Caesars Arena
- Only one eighth seed has failed to eliminate a top seed after leading 3-1
- Pistons aim to repeat their 2003 comeback against the Magic
Detroit PistonsOrlando MagicBoston CelticsPhiladelphia 76ers
Detroit — The Detroit Pistons will return to Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday night, facing a tough challenge. After sustaining a 94-88 Game 4 loss, the Pistons will enter Game 5 trailing the Orlando Magic, 3-1, in the best-of-seven first-round series.
The Magic have become the sixth eighth seed to take a 3-1 series lead over a No. 1 seed since the 1983-84 season. In four of the last five instances, the lower-seeded team has gone on to eliminate the top-seeded team. The only team to fail was the Magic in 2003, when the Pistons came back from a 3-1 deficit.
More: Detroit Pistons leaning on season motto ahead of potential elimination
The Pistons will try to repeat history. However, they are not the only team in the league attempting to stave off elimination in Game 5 of their respective series.
No. 2 Boston Celtics lead No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers, 3-1
VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey combined for 59 points, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 111-97 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 2, which tied the series at 1-1.
After a close loss to the Celtics in Game 3 (108-100), the 76ers still had some momentum and received a significant boost with the return of former league MVP Joel Embiid. However, Jayson Tatum responded to Embiid's return by scoring 30 points to go along with 11 assists, helping the Celtics secure a 128-96 victory on Sunday night and take a 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series.
Q&A
What is the current series score between the Pistons and Magic?
The Pistons are trailing the Magic 3-1 in the best-of-seven series.
When and where is Game 5 of the Pistons vs. Magic series?
Game 5 will take place on Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
How many teams have come back from a 3-1 deficit in NBA playoff history?
Historically, only a few teams have successfully come back from a 3-1 deficit, with the Pistons being one of them in 2003.
What other teams are facing elimination in Game 5 of the playoffs?
The article mentions that the Boston Celtics are also leading the Philadelphia 76ers 3-1, among other teams facing elimination.
