Pistons rout Magic to complete comeback, advance in NBA playoffs

TL;DR

The Detroit Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic 116-94 to complete a comeback in their NBA playoff series, winning 4-3. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 32 points and 12 assists, marking their first playoff series victory since 2008.

Key points

Pistons defeated Magic 116-94 in game seven
Cade Cunningham scored 32 points and 12 assists
Pistons completed a 4-3 series comeback
First playoff series win for Pistons since 2008
Next opponent is either Cavaliers or Raptors

Detroit PistonsOrlando MagicCleveland CavaliersToronto Raptors

Detroit's Cade Cunningham throws down a dunk in the Pistons' series-clinching NBA playoff win over the Orlando Magic (Nic Antaya) (Nic Antaya/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP) The Detroit Pistons dominated the Orlando Magic 116-94 on Sunday to complete their NBA playoff series comeback and punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference semi-finals. Cade Cunningham scored 32 points and handed out 12 assists and Tobias Harris added 30 points with nine rebounds as the Pistons, who trailed 3-1 in the best-of-seven series, wrapped up a 4-3 triumph. The Pistons, who locked up the top seed in the East with the third-best record in the league, notched their first playoff series victory since 2008. "It feels good, feels good that we handled our business and did what we set out to do," Cunningham told broadcaster ABC. They'll next face either the fourth-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers or fifth-seeded Toronto Raptors. The Cavs hosted game seven of their series later on Sunday. Detroit had already fended off elimination with victories in games five and six against the Magic -- erasing a 24-point deficit on Friday to force Sunday's decider. It's the second time the Pistons have rallied from 3-1 down to top the Magic, having accomplished the feat in the first round in 2003. "They really pushed us to the limit," Cunningham said. "We've grown a lot because of this series, because of that team. So huge credit to them, and we're ready to get to the second round and continue business." scored 38 points with nine rebounds and six assists for Orlando. But he got precious little scoring support and the Pistons took full advantage of 16 Magic turnovers that led to 19 Detroit points. Banchero, who struggled offensively in game six, scored the Magic's first 11 points and Orlando emerged from a tight first quarter with a two-point lead. The back-and-forth action continued early in the second, Detroit finally creating some separation behind a 17-point second-quarter outburst from Harris that helped the Pistons build a 60-49 lead at halftime. Cunningham's floater, off a feed by Harris, pushed the Pistons' lead to 20 points early in the third quarter and they were in control the rest of the way. The Magic cut a 25-point fourth-quarter deficit to 14 with 4:22 to play only for Detroit to pull away again. bb/js

Q&A

How did the Pistons come back from a 3-1 deficit against the Magic?

The Pistons won games five and six to force a decisive game seven, ultimately winning the series 4-3.

Who were the top performers in the Pistons vs. Magic game?

Cade Cunningham scored 32 points and had 12 assists, while Tobias Harris contributed 30 points and nine rebounds.

What is the significance of the Pistons' playoff victory?

This victory marks the Pistons' first playoff series win since 2008 and demonstrates their resilience after trailing in the series.

Pistons rout Magic to complete comeback, advance in NBA playoffs

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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