The Detroit Pistons entered the 2026 NBA Playoffs as the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
After the NBA watched two NBA Play-In teams get blown out, the Pistons failed to follow through with keeping the trend going.
This weekend’s slate saw its first real upset as Cade Cunningham and the Pistons dropped the ball with a 112-101 loss.
After the game, Cunningham explained what went wrong for his team in the first outing of the first-round series.
Cade Cunningham Admits Truth Behind Pistons’ Stunning Loss vs Magic
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 09: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 09, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
âI feel like we came out a little too, I donât know, tight, relaxed, whatever the word is,” Cunningham told reporters after the game.
“Maybe both for some of us. Just didnât come out with the right energy. Gave them life early on, and then we had to deal with that for the rest of the game. We were better in stints, but you canât dig a hole like that.â
The Pistons played from behind all game long. Anytime they could make it close, the Magic found a way to prevent the Pistons from getting hot enough to complete a comeback.
On a personal level, Cunningham had a big game. He shot 13-27 from the field and hit 10-11 free throws. In 40 minutes, Cunningham produced 39 points.
Outside of Cunningham, the Pistons didn’t get much help on the offensive end of the floor.
Tobias Harris came second in scoring with 17 points on 5-15 shooting from the field. The All-Star Jalen Duren had a quiet night with eight points, seven rebounds, and one block. The star center turned the ball over three times.
On the other side, the Magic simply punished the Pistons for making too many mistakes, and as Cunningham described it, playing too tightly.
Paolo Banchero led the way with 23 points in 37 minutes. Each member of the Magic’s starting five produced double-digit scoring. Orlando also won the turnover battle.
What’s next For The Pistons-Magic Series?
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 17: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons points skyward before playing against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Dropping the first game–especially at home–is a major blow for the Pistons.
At the same time, it’s not the end of the world. The Pistons will get two days to reset and regroup before returning to the court for Game 2 on Wednesday, April 22.
The Pistons will be looking to get back on track.
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