Pistons Stun Magic in Game 7 Rout, Erase Historic 3-1 Hole

DETROIT — Cade Cunningham dazzled with 32 points and 12 assists, while Tobias Harris poured in 30, as the Pistons cruised to a 116-94 Game 7 victory Sunday at Little Caesars Arena, sealing their improbable rally from a 3-1 deficit against the Orlando Magic.[1][2][3] The rout peaked when Cunningham drew defenders inside and kicked to Daniss Jenkins for a corner 3-pointer, igniting the crowd with Detroit up 23 and 9:19 left.[1] This marks the Pistons' first postseason series win in 18 years, last achieved by ousting Orlando in the 2008 second round.[1][2][3] Detroit's resurgence echoed franchise lore: It's the second time they've erased a 3-1 hole against the Magic, first done in the 2003 playoffs when both were again the No. 1 and No. 8 seeds.[1][5] The Pistons clawed back by surviving elimination in Games 5 and 6, including a thrilling Game 6 comeback from 24 points down after Orlando managed just 19 second-half points and missed a playoff-record 23 straight field goals.[2][5] Jalen Duren added 15 points, and Jenkins chipped in 16, as Cunningham averaged 32.4 points across the series.[2][3] Only the 15th NBA team to overcome a 3-1 deficit, Detroit followed the Philadelphia 76ers' similar feat against Boston the night before.[3][5] The top seed avoided becoming the seventh No. 1 to fall to an eighth seed in the first round.[2] Fans erupted, ending a near-two-decade playoff drought with roars that shook the arena.[1] Next up: Game 1 Tuesday at Little Caesars against the Cleveland Cavaliers-Toronto Raptors Game 7 winner.[3] Cunningham's command and the Pistons' resilience signal a franchise reborn in the 2026 playoffs.[1][3]