Pistons run away from Magic in Game 7 to complete comeback from 3-1 series hole

Harris, Duren step up to support Cunningham

A Pistons team that’s frequently struggled to find shot creation outside of Cunningham got what it needed from Harris with his fifth straight 20-plus point effort in the series. Harris’ second-quarter outburst set the tone for the remainder of the game, and he finished with 30 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals while shooting 11 of 18 from the field and 5 of 7 from 3.

Harris closed the series with 23, 22 and now 30 points as the Pistons faced and survived elimination in three consecutive games. His effort on Sunday led a 16-of-33 effort from 3 that paced Detroit’s offense.

Jalen Duren was once again a presence in the post with 15 points and 15 rebounds. The first-time All-Star who averaged 10.5 rebounds in the regular season cracked double-digits in rebounds for the first time in the series.

The Pistons advance to face the winner of Sunday night’s Game 7 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors. The Magic, meanwhile, are left to wonder what might have been.

Blown opportunity for Orlando

The Magic had three chances to close out the series and appeared to have it in the bag with their 24-point lead at home in the second half of Game 6. But their historic collapse spoiled their own shot at making history in their favor.

In the end, they didn’t have enough firepower to compete with a Pistons team that finished second in the NBA in defensive rating in the regular season. Wagner missed a third straight game Sunday with a calf injury, leaving the Magic without their No. 2 option who was critical in building a 3-1 series lead.

Banchero kept the Magic afloat with 23 first-half points en route to 38 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Desmond Bane added 16 points while shooting 3 of 5 from 3. But it wasn’t nearly enough for a Magic team that struggled to find offense against a smothering Detroit defense.