Pistons Dominate Magic in Game 7, Advance to Round 2 Behind Cade Cunningham’s Masterclass

Little Caesars Arena hasn’t sounded like that in years.

From the opening tip, you could feel it. Every seat filled. Every fan standing. Every possession carrying the weight of a season. And when it was all over, the Detroit Pistons didn’t just win Game 7—they made a statement.

Behind another superstar performance from Cade Cunningham, a vintage scoring night from Tobias Harris, and a defensive effort that completely broke Orlando’s rhythm, Detroit rolled past the Orlando Magic 116-94 Sunday afternoon to punch its ticket to the second round.

For a franchise that has spent years searching for its identity, Game 7 felt like the moment Detroit officially announced its return.

Cade Owns the Moment

Superstars are defined by what they do when the lights are brightest.

Cunningham embraced every second of it.

The Pistons’ franchise guard finished with 32 points and 12 assists, controlling the pace from start to finish while delivering timely buckets every time Orlando threatened to make a run.

Whether it was knocking down contested jumpers, attacking the paint, or finding open teammates when double teams came, Cade looked every bit like the face of Detroit basketball.

And when the crowd needed a spark… he delivered.

Again. And again.

Tobias Harris Turns Back the Clock

While Cade controlled the game, Harris may have delivered the biggest momentum swing of the afternoon.

The veteran forward erupted for 30 points, including a massive second quarter that helped Detroit flip the game after Orlando’s hot start.

Every big possession seemed to find Harris—and every big shot seemed to fall.

His poise, shot-making, and leadership were exactly what this young Pistons roster needed in the biggest game of the season.

Defense Created Everything

This game changed when Detroit’s defense turned into offense.

After Paolo Banchero got off to a strong start, Detroit’s defensive pressure completely changed the tone.

Ausar Thompson was everywhere.
Jalen Duren protected the paint.
Passing lanes disappeared. Transition opportunities exploded.

Orlando scored just 45 points in the second half, and by the fourth quarter, the Magic looked out of answers.

Daniss Jenkins Delivers the Dagger

Then came the shot.

With the third quarter winding down, rookie guard Daniss Jenkins drilled a buzzer-beating three that sent Little Caesars Arena into complete chaos.

That moment felt like the knockout punch.

Detroit never looked back.

Jenkins finished with 16 points off the bench, giving the Pistons another massive spark when they needed it most.

Detroit Basketball Is Back

When the final horn sounded, fans stayed on their feet.

Not because the game was close.

Because they knew they had just witnessed something bigger than one playoff win.

They witnessed the return of playoff basketball in Detroit.

And led by Cade Cunningham, the Pistons aren’t done yet.