Orlando shocks Pistons in Game 1

The Orlando Magic went into Detroit and took Game 1, beating the Detroit Pistons 112-101 and setting the tone early in the series. It’s a 1 vs 8 matchup, with Detroit leading most of the season, but Orlando came in looking to flip that narrative and got off to a strong start, jumping out early and controlling the pace. By the second quarter, the Magic had built a lead and carried that into halftime, going up 55-51, and continued to hold that edge through the third, leading 81-74. The game played out the way it was expected to, with both teams matching each other’s physicality, but Orlando’s defense made it difficult for Detroit to find a consistent rhythm early on.

At times, Orlando looked like it had the advantage in the paint, but didn’t always stick with it, settling for perimeter shots where they struggled, which allowed Detroit to stay within reach. The Pistons took advantage of that, especially in the second half behind Cade Cunningham, who finished with 39 points after finding his rhythm and figuring out ways around the defense. Still, Orlando’s defense held up when it mattered, and even as Detroit pushed, the Magic stayed composed and closed it out. Jalen Suggs fouled out again, but it didn’t slow Orlando down. The win marks Orlando’s first road playoff victory since 2019, while Detroit is still looking for its first home playoff win since the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals.