Pistons Complete 3-1 Comeback With Big Performances From Cade Cunningham, Tobias Harris

The Detroit Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic in Game 7 of the first round to move on to the second round of the NBA playoffs.

The Pistons successfully completed a 3-1 series comeback with their Game 7 win. The Pistons scored 40 points in the second quarter to have a double-digit lead at halftime.

Cade Cunningham had a strong game with 32 points and 12 assists. Cunningham was playing well even when the Pistons fell down 3-1. Cunningham is averaging 32.4 points per game in the playoffs, making him the leading scorer in the playoffs so far.

However, the Pistons couldn’t have won without Tobias Harris. Harris scored 30 points and secured nine rebounds. Harris averaged 21.6 points per game in the first round series. Harris signed a two-year, $52 million contract with the Pistons in the 2024 offseason. Some analysts thought this contract was an overpay, but Harris’ shooting and veteran leadership have been valuable for the Pistons. 

Paolo Banchero kept the Magic in the game with 36 points, including 15 in the second half. Banchero averaged 26.3 points per game in the first round series. Desmond Bane also had a solid game with 16 points and three 3-pointers made. 

Franz Wagner missed the final three games of the series with a right calf strain. He was averaging 17 points per game before his injury. Injuries have unfortunately been a consistent issue for Wagner the past two seasons. He played 60 games last season and just 34 this season. 

The Pistons will start their second-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 5. The Pistons split the season series with the Cavaliers 2-2.

The Pistons only played one game against the Cavaliers after Cleveland acquired James Harden. Harden scored 18 points against them on March 3 to lead the Cavaliers to a 113-109 win.