Magic vs Pistons Recap: Pistons top Magic 116-94 to clinch series

Detroit's defense was absolutely suffocating on Sunday night. The Pistons crushed Orlando 116–94 in Game 7, ending the series 4–3 and securing their ticket to the second round. From the opening tip, Detroit controlled the pace and made life miserable for Magic shooters. Although Paolo Banchero scored 38 points for Orlando, his teammates struggled to find rhythm. The Pistons' length and intensity wore down the Magic as the game progressed. By halftime, Detroit led 60–49, and things only got worse for Orlando in the second half. When Cade Cunningham orchestrated the offense alongside Tobias Harris, the Pistons looked unstoppable. This victory showcases Detroit's emergence as the Eastern Conference's most dangerous team heading into the next round.

Cade Cunningham played like an MVP candidate in Game 7. The 6-foot-8 point forward finished with 32 points and 12 assists, controlling every possession with patience and skill. Cunningham's ability to create shots for himself and find open teammates makes Detroit's offense nearly impossible to defend. Tobias Harris complemented him perfectly with 30 points on excellent 61 percent shooting. Harris's versatility allowed Detroit to attack Orlando in multiple ways. Meanwhile, Jalen Duren owned the paint with 15 points and 15 rebounds, providing the physical presence that anchors Detroit's defense. When you combine Cunningham's playmaking, Harris's scoring, and Duren's dominance, it's easy to see why the Pistons advanced. This trio gives Detroit legitimate championship aspirations moving forward.

Paolo Banchero put up a massive fight for Orlando, scoring 38 points on solid 56 percent shooting. Despite his individual brilliance, the rest of the Magic couldn't keep pace with Detroit's balanced attack. Desmond Bane, acquired in a blockbuster trade to boost Orlando's roster, managed only 16 points. Wendell Carter Jr. added 13 points but couldn't defend the paint effectively against Jalen Duren's strength. Anthony Black showed promise with five steals, demonstrating his defensive intensity, though his shooting struggled at 33 percent. The problem for Orlando wasn't any single player's performance. Rather, Detroit's defense made everyone uncomfortable and limited scoring opportunities. Missing Franz Wagner due to injury didn't help Orlando's cause either. Despite Banchero's excellence, the Magic lacked the complementary scoring and defensive consistency needed to compete with the Pistons' elite two-way play.