Cunningham leads Pistons to an astounding 24-point comeback against Magic to force Game 7
NBA

Cunningham leads Pistons to an astounding 24-point comeback against Magic to force Game 7


Share this post

The top-seeded Detroit Pistons recovered from the brink of NBA playoff elimination with an astounding comeback against the Orlando Magic on Friday, taking their series to a decisive game seven.

Up 3-2 and seeking a close-out win, the Magic had led by as many as 24 in the second half, before their shooting suddenly collapsed and Detroit took full advantage.

A shell-shocked Orlando missed 23 consecutive field goals - the longest streak in playoff history - scoring just one point in over 10 minutes of basketball.

Boos rained down on the court as a 71-54 Magic advantage was transformed into an 80-72 Detroit lead, with a stunning 26-1 run.

The Pistons sealed a 93-79 victory.

"Never say die, simple as that. I mean, Detroit grit, it's what we've been talking about all year," said Cade Cunningham, who led the way with 32 points and 10 rebounds.

Having been down 3-1 in the series, the Pistons had looked set to become just the seventh top seed in NBA history to lose in the first round to their conference's bottom seed.

But they now have a chance to win the series back in Detroit on Sunday, and progress to an Eastern semi-final against either the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Toronto Raptors.

After an even first quarter, Orlando went on a hot streak for a sudden 17-point lead. Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, and Wendell Carter Jr. all sank three-pointers in less than a minute.

Paolo Banchero stirred to life, too, with Orlando shooting 62 percent in the second quarter as their defense restricted Detroit to 12 points.

Orlando's lead stretched to 24 soon after the break, before an epic Pistons fightback began.

Detroit were suddenly winning every turnover, while the Magic's shooting collapsed under the pressure of trying to close out their first playoff series win since 2010.

The Pistons, having dominated the regular season with a 60-22 record, will now be the favorites to win their own first playoff series since 2008.

"Thank God we get to take this back to the crib. It's gonna be loud in Detroit, and we got to finish our business," said Cunningham, who scored 19 in the fourth quarter.


Share this post
Comments

Be the first to know

Join our community and get notified about upcoming stories

Subscribing...
You've been subscribed!
Something went wrong
Latto Says Friends and Fans Agree Her Daughter Looks Just Like 21 Savage

Latto Says Friends and Fans Agree Her Daughter Looks Just Like 21 Savage

For Latto, one of the more amusing surprises of motherhood has been hearing the same observation over and over again. Since welcoming her daughter, the rapper says nearly everyone in her orbit has reached the same conclusion about the child’s appearance. During a recent interview with Monica for Essence, she revealed that friends, relatives, and fans alike are convinced the baby strongly resembles her father, 21 Savage. The conversation offered a glimpse into a period of significant change for


O A

Kanye West and Bianca Censori Spark a Mannequin Challenge Revival in Bikini-Led Scene

Kanye West and Bianca Censori Spark a Mannequin Challenge Revival in Bikini-Led Scene

Ye (Kanye West) and Bianca Censori were in Miami over the weekend during Art Basel, an annual gathering that blends art, fashion, and public performance. Their appearance drew steady attention, though not for any controversy so much as for what unfolded inside a familiar internet format brought briefly back into view. The moment centered on a revived Mannequin Challenge, a viral trend from the mid-2010s that once spread quickly across social platforms. Their participation circulated online, prom


O A

Serena Williams set to make singles return at Wimbledon after being given wildcard

Serena Williams set to make singles return at Wimbledon after being given wildcard

Serena Williams will return to singles tennis at Wimbledon after being given the Grand Slam's final wildcard for the women's draw. 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams came out of retirement at the start of June, initially just playing doubles on her return to the court. She competed alongside Victoria Mboko at Queen's and played with Karolina Muchova in Berlin, and also announced that she'd partner up with sister Venus for Wimbledon. However, it seemed as if she'd opted against making her re


O A

Bad Bunny Becomes First Ever Latin Artist To Grosses A Billion In Touring

Bad Bunny Becomes First Ever Latin Artist To Grosses A Billion In Touring

Award-winning recording artist Bad Bunny has crossed a historic milestone in the global music business, surpassing $1 billion in career ticket sales and becoming the first Latin artist and first non-English-language performer to reach the mark. The achievement comes amid the remarkable success of his Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour, which has generated record-breaking revenue despite not including a single concert in the United States. Bad Bunny becomes the first-ever Latin artist to gross $1


O A