Heading into Game 1 of their first-round NBA playoffs matchup against the Orlando Magic, the top-seeded Detroit Pistons were expected to come out strong. But on Monday, it was the other way around despite Cade Cunningham’s solid playoff performance for Motor City. That’s because the Magic’s Paolo Banchero showed out.
Cade Cunningham Gets No Help
The Pistons were obviously outplayed in the first half and even though they tried chipping the cushion away in the second, they were still left trying to catch up with Orlando.
Although Cade Cunningham was still trying to shake off some rust after missing significant time due to a collapsed lung, the All-Star point guard still managed to post a game-high 39 points as well as 5 rebounds and 4 assists. His performance and energy were not matched by his teammates, who failed to give him some help on offense.
Aside from Tobias Harris who tallied 17 points in 36 minutes, no other Pistons player recorded double digits in scoring. Jalen Duren, who is seen as a breakout star this season and a top three Most Improved Player candidate, only tallied 8 points and 7 rebounds. Detroit’s bench wasn’t much help as well, with all of the reserves only coming up with a total of 20 points on 4-for-16 shooting (25%).
The Orlando Magic pulled off an upset in Game 1 thanks to an underwhelming performance from the Pistons and an unexpectedly impressive performance from 2022 first overall pick Paolo Banchero.
Paolo Banchero Already in Playoff Mode
The former first overall pick was already getting thrown into the dumps due to his inconsistent performance and decline in the 2025–26 season. From being an All-Star to a 6-foot-10 liability, it was surely hard to miss.
The internet even had a filled day calling him a bust after a series of miscues and terrible outings as the Magic underachieved all season. But in Game 1 against the Pistons, Paolo Banchero proved all naysayers wrong.
The 23-year-old power forward recorded 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists on 8-for-15 shooting from the field, leading the Magic to an upset victory over the best team in the East. Sure, he wasn’t alone in pushing Orlando as Franz Wagner (19), Desmond Bane (17), Wendell Carter Jr. (17), and Jalen Suggs (16) all did their fair share of work. But it was Banchero who set the tone even during the Play-In Tournament in a dub against the Charlotte Hornets.
The only thing left to do for the Magic is to win three more games to advance to the second round. Sounds easy, isn’t it? Well, the Detroit Pistons will be extremely ready next game. That’s for sure. Paolo Banchero and his Magic better be just as ready.
