Detroit Pistons Smother Orlando Magic In NBA To Snap Home Playoff Skid And Even Series

Last Updated:April 23, 2026, 09:14 IST

Pistons beat Magic 98-83 to tie series 1-1, fuelled by dominant defence and a 30-3 third quarter run, ending Detroits 11 game home playoff skid despite 19 from Suggs

The Detroit Pistons delivered a gritty, defence-first performance to defeat the Orlando Magic 98-83, levelling their first-round playoff series at 1-1 and drawing praise from former franchise greats Ben Wallace and Rick Mahorn, who watched courtside as Detroit dominated the paint.

“I’m sure they appreciated it," said Isaiah Stewart, who embodied that physical approach with two blocks, including a powerful denial of Paolo Banchero at the rim. “I’m willing to lay my body on the line to make those plays for the energy," he added.

Pistons Vs Magic – How It Happened?

Top-seeded Detroit smothered Orlando defensively, holding the Magic to just 33 per cent shooting while forcing 19 turnovers and recording 11 blocks. The tone was set early, with seven rejections in the opening quarter alone, matching a franchise playoff record. After a tight first half, the Pistons broke the game open in the third quarter with a stunning 30-3 run, outscoring the visitors 38-16 to seize complete control.

Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff emphasised the team’s identity afterward. “When we play defence at the level we’re capable of, it triggers everything for us," he said. “We can be an elite defensive team, a disruptive defence. It’s Pistons basketball. That’s what it looks like.

“We had one off night and it came at a bad time."

The win was especially significant for Detroit, as it ended an 11-game home playoff losing streak dating back to 2008. “Obviously, we’ve heard it," said Tobias Harris, who contributed 16 points along with strong defence.

Orlando, meanwhile, struggled to find any offensive rhythm. Despite 19 points from Jalen Suggs and 18 from Banchero, the team could not overcome Detroit’s physicality. “They did a heck of a job of reaching, grabbing and holding," said coach Jamahl Mosley. “They protected that paint and our ability to get downhill."

Banchero acknowledged the challenge, saying, “They met us at the rim a few times, and they brought the intensity on defence. But we got good looks, and nobody really had a great night shooting the ball."

(With inputs from Agencies)

News sports nba Detroit Pistons Smother Orlando Magic In NBA To Snap Home Playoff Skid And Even Series

Read More