Monday’s NBA playoff action delivered a statement upset by the Orlando Magic and a dominant performance from the former champions, Boston Celtics, in two results that set the tone for what promises to be an eventful first round in the East.
Magic Stun Pistons as Detroit Extends Historic Home Skid
The Detroit Pistons added another chapter to one of the most uncomfortable records in NBA history on Sunday night. The Orlando Magic—the No. 8 seed—walked into Little Caesars Arena and walked out with a 112-101 Game 1 victory, extending Detroit’s home playoff losing streak to 11 straight, the longest in NBA history, dating all the way back to 2008.
Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 23 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, and the Magic never trailed. Desmond Bane and Wendell Carter each scored 17, Jalen Suggs added 16, and Franz Wagner—who finished with 19—delivered 11 of those in the fourth quarter to seal it.
Detroit simply did not show up ready. Orlando jumped out 18–5 midway through the first quarter, holding the Pistons to 1-for-6 shooting with 4 turnovers—rust from a week without game action showing immediately. Cade Cunningham did everything he could, posting a playoff career-high 39 points, and the Pistons twice clawed back into contention before Banchero and Bane answered both times to push Orlando back ahead. The Magic led 81-74 heading into the fourth and closed it out from there.
For Detroit, a franchise that has not advanced past the first round in 18 years, the familiar pattern is back. For Orlando, which has not advanced past the first round since 2010, this was a statement.
Game 2 is Thursday in Detroit.
Tatum Returns, Celtics Demolish 76ers
Jayson Tatum‘s return to the playoffs could not have gone much better.
Playing in just his 17th game of the season after rupturing his right Achilles tendon last May, Tatum finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists as the Boston Celtics dismantled the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91 in Game 1. Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 26 points and Neemias Queta added 13 off the bench.
The Celtics never trailed, built a 35-point lead, connected on 16 three-pointers, and gave meaningful minutes to 12 players—a statement performance from a team that looked every bit like defending champions from the opening tip.
Philadelphia played without Joel Embiid, who is still recovering from an appendectomy on April 9 with no clear return timeline. The absence was felt immediately. Boston poured into the paint freely, Tyrese Maxey was hounded into 8-for-20 shooting, and Philadelphia’s 64-46 halftime deficit was the franchise’s largest in a playoff game against Boston since 1982.
“Absolutely unacceptable,” was Sixers coach Nick Nurse’s assessment.
Tatum, for his part, was measured about his own performance. “I’m still rehabbing,” he said. “Still trying to ramp up.”
If this is Tatum still ramping up, Philadelphia has a serious problem.
Game 2 is Wednesday in Boston.
