The Pistons lead the defense all game, then pull away from Magic in the third quarter to get the win, tying the series
It was clear from the start that the Pistons were bringing a different defensive attitude to Game 2 when they had seven blocks in the first quarter.
“When we play defense at the level we’re capable of, everything sparks for us,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said.
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In the third quarter, the Pistons put it all together and looked like a No. 1 seed. Detroit went on a 30-3 run to open what had been a tied game at halftime. It wasn’t just one guy taking over, it was a complete team effort: Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren, Duncan Robinson and Isaiah Stewart each tallied six points during the series, while Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson had five apiece. Those six players combined to shoot 13-of-18 during that stretch.
From there, the Pistons won 98-83, tying the first-round series with the Magic at 1-1. Game 3 will take place on Saturday in Orlando.
This home victory for the Pistons broke their record of 11 consecutive home playoff losses, dating back to 2008.
Cunningham was in fine form with 27 points, 11 assists and six rebounds to lead Detroit, and showed off some ugly moves.
Harris added 16 points and 11 rebounds for Detroit.
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However, what was most important for Detroit was the presence of its elite defense, which held the Magic to just 32.5% shooting. Franz Wagner shot 4-of-11, Desmond Bane 2-of-11, Wendell Carter Jr. and Anthony Black both shot 1-of-6.
Jalen Suggs led the Magic with 19 points on 7-for-18 shooting, and Paolo Banchero added 18.