Marquette, MI – May 5th, 2026 – The Detroit Pistons entered this season with a sour taste lingering from last year’s playoff exit, when they were eliminated in six games by the New York Knicks. Detroit showed flashes in that series, taking Games 2 and 5, but ultimately came up short in the opening round.
It didn’t take long for the Pistons to prove this year would be different. Led by Cade Cunningham, Detroit quickly emerged as a legitimate title contender. Cunningham delivered a stellar season, averaging 23.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 9.9 rebounds while shooting 46% from the field. His all-around dominance powered the Pistons to the best record in the Eastern Conference, finishing 60–22 and securing the No. 1 seed.
Cunningham was firmly in the MVP conversation before adversity struck. On March 17th, he suffered a collapsed lung, leaving his return timeline uncertain. Despite the setback, Detroit remained resilient, going 8–3 in his absence. He returned on April 8th, providing a major boost heading into the postseason.
In the first round, the Orlando Magic claimed the No. 8 seed through the play-in tournament, setting up a matchup with Detroit. Game 1 was a battle from start to finish, with momentum swinging throughout. Cunningham poured in 39 points, adding five rebounds and four assists, but it wasn’t enough as the Pistons fell 112–101. Orlando’s balanced attack proved decisive, with five players scoring 15 or more points.
Detroit responded with urgency in Game 2, knowing they needed a win before heading on the road. Cunningham led the way again with 27 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists. A dominant 38–16 third quarter fueled a 98–83 victory, evening the series at 1–1 as it shifted to Orlando. The Magic seized control at home. In Game 3, Orlando edged Detroit 113–105 behind Paolo Banchero, who flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. Cunningham answered with 27 points and nine assists, but Detroit came up short again.
Game 4 unraveled for the Pistons. Turnovers and second-chance opportunities plagued them, they committed 20 turnovers and allowed 16 offensive rebounds. Orlando capitalized, placing four players in double figures and pushing Detroit to the brink despite Cunningham’s 25-point, nine-rebound, six-assist effort. Facing a 3–1 deficit 94-88, the Pistons were in unfamiliar territory, yet history offered a glimmer of hope.
Only one No. 1 seed in NBA history had ever rallied from a 3–1 deficit against a No. 8 seed, the 2003 Pistons, who also faced Orlando.
Back in Detroit for Game 5, Cunningham and Banchero delivered a showdown for the ages. Both stars erupted for 45 points, trading blows all night. The Pistons controlled most of the game, building a lead as large as 17 before withstanding a late Orlando push to secure a 116–109 win. Detroit’s balance returned as well, with four players scoring in double figures, something they had previously accomplished only in Game 2.
Game 6 in Orlando looked bleak early. The Magic stormed to a 60–38 halftime lead, fueled by a dominant 35–12 second quarter, and appeared poised to close out the series. But the Pistons refused to fold. In a stunning turnaround, Orlando missed 27 of its final 28 shots, while Detroit caught fire, unleashing a 34–4 run to steal a 97–93 victory and force a decisive Game 7.
With everything on the line back in Detroit, the Pistons left no doubt. Cunningham delivered a masterful performance, 32 points and 12 assists, leading Detroit to a commanding 116–94 win. The victory completed a remarkable 3–1 comeback, echoing the franchise’s historic 2003 rally against the same opponent. This time, it was Cunningham who led the charge, carrying Detroit into the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Awaiting them next are the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are coming off a hard-fought seven-game series win over the Toronto Raptors. The series is set to tip off Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. as Detroit looks to continue its postseason run.
