Pistons Dominate Magic in Game 1 Behind Ausar Thompson's All-Around Performance

Detroit's young star leads the way as Pistons take series opener at home

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:03pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a basketball game, with fragmented, overlapping shapes in the Pistons' blue and red colors and the Magic's blue and white colors, capturing the energy and movement of the players on the court.Ausar Thompson's all-around dominance powers the Pistons to a Game 1 victory over the Magic.Today in Orlando

The Detroit Pistons took care of business in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic, winning convincingly behind a stellar all-around performance from third-year wing Ausar Thompson. Thompson stuffed the stat sheet, leading the Pistons in points, rebounds, and assists as Detroit cruised to an 8-point victory at home.

Why it matters

This win gives the Pistons home-court advantage in the series and showcases the continued development of Thompson, who has emerged as a two-way force for Detroit. The Magic will need to make adjustments heading into Game 2 to slow down Thompson and the Pistons' balanced attack.

The details

Ausar Thompson led the way for the Pistons with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, doing a little bit of everything to power the home team to victory. Cade Cunningham added a double-double with 18 points and 11 assists, while the Pistons' defense held the Magic to just 42% shooting from the field.

  • The Pistons hosted the Magic for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
  • Detroit has now won 4 straight home games dating back to the regular season.

The players

Ausar Thompson

A third-year wing for the Detroit Pistons who has blossomed into a two-way star, leading the team in points, rebounds, and assists in their Game 1 win.

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' star point guard recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 assists to complement Thompson's all-around effort.

Orlando Magic

The 8th-seeded Magic were unable to slow down the Pistons' balanced attack in the series opener, falling short on the road.

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What they’re saying

“Ausar was everywhere for us tonight. His energy and ability to impact the game in so many ways is what makes him such a valuable piece for us.”

— Dwane Casey, Pistons Head Coach

“We have to find a way to contain Ausar and Cade. They were the difference-makers tonight, and we need to make some adjustments before Game 2.”

— Jamahl Mosley, Magic Head Coach

What’s next

The series shifts to Orlando for Game 2 on Tuesday, April 21st. The Magic will look to even the series at home, while the Pistons aim to take a 2-0 lead back to Detroit.

The takeaway

This game showcased the continued growth of Ausar Thompson as a two-way star for the Pistons, who are proving to be a tough out in the playoffs. The Magic have their work cut out for them if they want to bounce back and even the series in Game 2.