In potentially the collapse of the century, the top-seeded Detroit Pistons come back from down 24 in the second half to defeat the Orlando Magic on the road. When it was needed, Cade Cunningham was dominant down the stretch, and this was the second time in the series where the Pistons looked like the 60-win team they were all season.

Pistons Dominate Second Half

When the Magic entered halftime up by 22, the whole NBA world figured that the top-seeded Pistons would be on the wrong side of history. It’s not often we see home teams blow insurmountable playoff leads. The second half was one to remember as one of the worst second-half performances in playoff history.

Orlando allowed Detroit to go on a 51-15 run from the 11:11 mark of the 3rd quarter to the 2:34 mark of the 4th quarter. In that span, the Magic missed 23 straight shots, and 27 of their final 28. That is the most heartbreaking way to blow a ticket to the second round. Orlando was held to 4/37 shooting in the second half, a mere 10.8%.

Cade Cunningham dominated the Paolo Banchero matchup. Cade finished with 32 points, including 19 in the 4th, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals. PB No J lived up to the name with only 17 points and 10 rebounds on a very inefficient 4/20 shooting night, including 0/9 from three. One team’s best player showed up when they needed it; the other disappeared.

Final Thoughts

It is fitting that this series is going seven games. I thought that the Pistons would make quick work of the Magic, and I was completely wrong. Game 7 will be on Sunday, and the time hasn’t been announced yet! Who wins Game 7? Will the Pistons complete the 3-1 comeback, or will the Magic hold off the best team in the Eastern Conference?

As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts on the Orlando Magic blowing Game 6 to the Detroit Pistons! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day and look forward to seeing you again soon.