Magic surprise top-seeded Pistons with victory in Game 1
DETROIT — Paolo Banchero recorded 23 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, guiding the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic to a 112-101 victory over the top-seeded Detroit Pistons on Sunday night in Game 1 of their first-round matchup, prolonging the longest home playoff losing streak in NBA history.
Detroit has now lost 11 consecutive home games in the playoffs, a streak that began in 2008.
The Pistons will have another opportunity to face Orlando on Wednesday night in Game 2.
Cade Cunningham of Detroit achieved a playoff career-high with 39 points, while Tobias Harris contributed 17 for the Pistons, but the remainder of the team struggled offensively.
Franz Wagner netted 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, aiding the Magic in securing the win, as they never fell behind. Desmond Bane and Wendell Carter each scored 17 points for Orlando, with Jalen Suggs adding 16.
The Pistons have not progressed beyond the first round of the playoffs in 18 years, while the Magic last did so in 2010.
Orlando appeared prepared, whereas Detroit seemed out of sync early on.
The Magic, following a decisive victory over Charlotte in a play-in game on Friday, jumped to an 18-5 lead midway through the first quarter, limiting the Pistons to 1-of-6 shooting and forcing four turnovers in their first game in a week.
Detroit fought back to narrow the gap to two points before Orlando finished the quarter with six consecutive points, leading 35-27 after Banchero and Suggs combined for 20 points.
The Magic held a 55-51 advantage at halftime.
The Pistons started the second half sluggishly, allowing Orlando to capitalize by scoring eight of the first nine points, prompting Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff to call a timeout.
Detroit then scored 10 unanswered points and 13 of 15 to tie the game at 65 with a 3-pointer from Cunningham.
Banchero responded with a long jumper over Jalen Duren, and Bane followed with a 3-pointer over Cunningham, allowing the Magic to regain a double-digit lead. Orlando entered the fourth quarter ahead 81-74.
