The slate of Game 1s didn’t include too many shocking moments. However, the Detroit Pistons gave the NBA its first upset in the 2026 NBA Playoffs over the weekend as they found themselves on the wrong end of the scoreboard.
Being the No. 1 seed, facing the Orlando Magic, the Pistons came back from their week off to face a team that destroyed the Charlotte Hornets to get their foot in the door.
Continuing to ride the momentum of winning a do-or-die game, the Magic looked far more prepared than Detroit. As a result, the Pistons are entering Game 2 while trailing 1-0.
Some felt that the Pistons are in trouble. The Game 1 loss changed many predictions. But don’t count the former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins as somebody who believes the Pistons are on the path to getting bounced in upset fashion.
Ahead of Game 2, the four-time All-Star expressed his confidence in Detroit.
DeMarcus Cousins Makes A Statement On The Pistons
GettyDENVER, CO – MARCH 07: DeMarcus Cousins #4 of the Denver Nuggets looks to pass against Nemanja Bjelica #8 of the Golden State Warriors at Ball Arena on March 7, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
âShoutout to Orlando for a great showing, but I look at this loss as more of a Detroit loss in this game compared to Orlando winning it,” Cousins said on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back.
“I do think [Game 2] will be a better showing from the role guys around [Cade Cunningham]. I think Tobias Harris will have a better shooting night, along with [Daniss] Jenkins. I also think weâll see an aggressive Jalen Duren in the next game. I look at this as more of them not handling business. It could be first-game jitters, whatever the case may be. I do expect a better performance from this Pistons team.â
Cade Cunningham did a little bit of everything for Detroit in Game 1. He checked in for 40 minutes and contributed 39 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Duren was by far the biggest disappointment as he scored just eight points, while coming down with seven rebounds, and turning the ball over three times.
Outside of Tobias Harris, who scored 17 points on 5-15 shooting, the rest of the team had scoring production in the single digits. Every starter had at least two turnovers.
The Pistons Get Another Game At Home
GettyTORONTO, CANADA – FEBRUARY 11: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons reacts against the Toronto Raptors during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 11, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
There will be at least three games in Detroit in this series, with the second taking place on Wednesday, April 22.
With the supposed first-game jitters out of the way, the Pistons have the home-court advantage on Wednesday night. In order to avoid dangerous territory, Detroit needs to make the proper adjustments to avoid falling into an 0-2 hole.
Cousins is confident the series will be tied up by the end of the night. Game 3 tips off at 7 PM ET.
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