Detroit Pistons pummel Orlando Magic 98-83 in Game 2 to tie series 1-1 with first home win in playoffs since 2008

The Detroit Pistons bounced back from a Game 1 loss by pummeling the Orlando Magic 98-83 in Game 2 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs, evening the series 1-1 and securing the franchise’s first-ever playoff win at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday!

It was tied 46-46 entering halftime before the Pistons opened the third quarter on a 26-3 run to blow the game wide open and eventually cruise to a victory. The Pistons controlled the paint, holding a 57-42 edge in rebounds and 54-34 edge in paint points. 

After suffering a loss in Game 1, Detroit got back on track with a dominant second half outing behind a game-high 27 points, 11 assists and six rebounds from guard Cade Cunningham, who was coming off a career playoff-high 39 points in Game 1.

The former No. 1 draft pick became the second player in Pistons history to record multiple playoff games with 25+ points and 10+ assists, joining Isiah Thomas. "He's a matchup nightmare," Detroit head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said."He's embraced the moment."

Now, the first round series shifts to Orlando as the Magic host the Pistons in Game 3 on Saturday. According to FanDuel, Detroit is a 2.5-point favorite over Orlando with the over/under projected at 213.5 total points heading into a pivotal Game 3.

Pistons stats leaders

Cade Cunningham: 27 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds

Tobias Harris: 16 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks

Jalen Duren: 11 points, 9 rebounds

Ausar Thompson: 11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals

Duncan Robinson: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals

Magic stats leaders

Jalen Suggs: 19 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists

Paolo Banchero: 18 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds

Franz Wager: 12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals

Desmond Bane: 12 points, 4 rebounds

Anthony Black: 5 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals

First round schedule

Game 1: Magic 112-101

Game 2: Pistons 98-83

Game 3: April 25

Game 4: April 27

Game 5: April 29

Game 6: May 1

Game 7: May 3

Keep up with my latest content on TikTok and Twitter, plus make sure to subscribe on YouTube!