The Magic Surprise the Pistons, Mosley: “This Is the Playoffs”
The Orlando Magic open the series with a shocking upset, defeating the Detroit Pistons in Game 1. Defense, energy, and a strong start led by Jalen Suggs make the difference against the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference
The Orlando Magic sent a strong message in the NBA Playoffs, going into Detroit and earning a 112-101 win over the Pistons, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. A victory built from the opening minutes through defensive intensity and energy.
Setting the tone was Jalen Suggs, who delivered an aggressive start: a steal on Cade Cunningham, a fast-break finish, and a two-handed dunk with an emphatic scream. The guard finished the first quarter with 11 points, leading Orlando to an early run that immediately shaped the game.
I think everyone knows we have a very talented team. Obviously, we didn’t have the regular season we wanted, but this is our goal. And I think today we showed we deserve to be here
Franz Wagner
The Magic’s strong momentum had already shown in the play-in, with a dominant win over the Charlotte Hornets.
We found something against Charlotte in our defense, in our energy, and in our communication
Paolo Banchero
Suggs and Banchero set the pace from the start. Orlando opened the game with a 15-2 run, jumping ahead 18-5 in the first quarter. Banchero finished with 23 points, including 17 in the first half, attacking the rim consistently and making the right reads against Detroit’s defense.
We didn’t come out ready. They struck first and we have to do a better job of striking first ourselves, improving our execution and our approach
Ausar Thompson
Despite a 39-point performance from Cade Cunningham, who brought Detroit back to 65-65 in the third quarter with a three-pointer, every push was answered by the Magic, led by Franz Wagner, who scored 19 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter. The loss marks one of the worst Game 1 defeats for a 60-win team in recent history, as the Pistons fell by 11 points.
Orlando also delivered strong defensive signals, limiting Jalen Duren to 8 points and 7 rebounds, protecting the paint effectively.
This is a new season. Whatever story was told during the regular season is over. This is the playoffs
Jamahl Mosley
With Orlando confident and trending upward, all the pressure now shifts to the Pistons, who must respond in Game 2 against a team that appears to have found its rhythm at the most important time of the year.