DETROIT – The Detroit Pistons seized momentum in their first-round playoff series, securing a decisive 98-83 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 2. This win not only evens the series at one game apiece but also marks the end of the NBA's longest active home playoff losing streak for the Pistons, who had not won a postseason home game since 2008.
Cade Cunningham led the charge for the top-seeded Pistons, delivering a stellar performance with 27 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds. After a career playoff-high 39 points in Game 1, Cunningham found ample support from his teammates in Game 2, with five Pistons scoring in double figures. Tobias Harris contributed 16 points, while Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson added 11 each, and Duncan Robertson and Isaiah Stewart chipped in with 10 apiece.
The Pistons' defense was a key factor in their victory, holding the Magic to a season-low 83 points on a dismal 33% shooting from the field. Detroit's defensive intensity was particularly evident in the third quarter, where they outscored Orlando 38-16, transforming a tied game into a comfortable lead. The Pistons also forced 19 turnovers and recorded 11 blocked shots.
"When we play defense at the level we're capable of, it triggers everything for us," stated Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff. "We can be an elite defensive team, a disruptive defense. It's Pistons basketball. That's what it looks like."
For the Orlando Magic, Jalen Suggs scored 19 points and Paolo Banchero added 18, but the duo struggled offensively, combining to miss 21 of 35 shots. The Magic will look to regroup as the series shifts to Orlando for Game 3 on Saturday.
In other NBA playoff news, the Minnesota Timberwolves took a 2-1 lead over the Denver Nuggets with a strong defensive performance in a 113-96 win, fueled by 20 points and 10 rebounds from Jaden McDaniels.
Meanwhile, in the WNBA, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is set to adopt a more off-ball role in the upcoming 2026 season to manage her workload following a series of injuries that limited her playing time in 2025.