NBA: Top-seeded Pistons shocked in Game 1 as Magic never trail

Paolo Banchero scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds as the visiting Orlando Magic stunned the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, 112-101, in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday.

Orlando controlled the game from the opening tip and never trailed, with all five starters finishing in double figures. Franz Wagner added 19 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane each contributed 17 points and five assists. Jalen Suggs chipped in 16 points, four assists, and three steals.

Detroit was led by Cade Cunningham, who delivered a game-high 39 points. Tobias Harris was the only other Pistons player in double figures with 17 points. All-Star center Jalen Duren was limited to eight points and seven rebounds on just four shot attempts in 33 minutes.

The Pistons continued a troubling postseason trend at home, extending their playoff home losing streak to 11 games dating back to the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals. Detroit also struggled offensively, shooting 40.3 percent from the field compared to Orlando’s 48.9 percent.

The Magic, who advanced through the play-in tournament after defeating Charlotte on Friday, came out aggressively. They built an 18-5 lead within the first five minutes before Detroit trimmed the margin to two late in the opening quarter. Orlando responded with a 6-0 run to maintain control.

The Magic led 55-51 at halftime and opened the third quarter with an 8-1 run. Detroit answered with a 13-2 surge, highlighted by a Cunningham three-pointer, to tie the game at 65-65 midway through the period.

However, Orlando quickly regained control and never allowed the Pistons to retake the lead. A 14-3 run sparked by reserve guard Anthony Black helped the Magic enter the fourth quarter ahead 81-74.

Orlando maintained its advantage in the final period, hitting its first seven field goal attempts. The Pistons briefly closed the gap, but the Magic held firm. Wagner’s layup and free throw pushed the lead to 106-96, and Suggs followed with an alley-oop with just over two minutes remaining to seal the win.

The Magic will look to take a 2-0 series lead in Game 2. -Field Level Media/Reuters