Cade Cunningham Diagnoses Pistons' Playoff Woes vs. Magic

Detroit's star guard points to lack of energy and early hole as keys to Game 1 loss.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:12am

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the intense action and emotion of an NBA playoff basketball game, with players' forms blending into vibrant brushstrokes.Cade Cunningham and the Pistons look to bounce back after a Game 1 letdown against the upstart Magic in the NBA Playoffs.Today in Orlando

After a 112-101 loss to the Orlando Magic in Game 1 of their NBA Playoffs series, Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham acknowledged his team came out too tight and lacked the proper energy, allowing the Magic to build a big early lead that proved too much to overcome.

Why it matters

The Pistons were the higher-seeded team but struggled to match the Magic's intensity, especially in the first quarter when Orlando scored 35 points. Cunningham's diagnosis of the issues highlights the need for Detroit to make adjustments ahead of Game 2 to avoid falling into an early series hole.

The details

The Pistons never led in the game and trailed by as many as 13 points. Cunningham scored 39 points, but no other Piston scored more than 10. Orlando's Paolo Banchero led the Magic with a strong all-around game, including a 30-point fourth quarter that sealed the win.

  • The Pistons lost to the Magic 112-101 in Game 1 of their NBA Playoffs series.
  • The game was played on April 20, 2026.

The players

Cade Cunningham

The star guard for the Detroit Pistons who scored 39 points in the Game 1 loss.

Paolo Banchero

The standout rookie for the Orlando Magic who led his team to the Game 1 victory.

Tobias Harris

The veteran forward for the Detroit Pistons who was the only other Piston to score in double figures in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We came out a little too tight, lax or whatever the word is, maybe both for some of us. We just did not come out with the right energy and gave them life early on. We had to deal with that for the rest of the game.”

— Cade Cunningham, Pistons Guard

“I know that they feel great about this game. It was a big win for them. They came in and handled their business and stole one on the road. That's what you want to do in a playoff series, so I'm sure that they feel great about that. Obviously, we are sick about losing this one. It's a long series, though.”

— Cade Cunningham, Pistons Guard

What’s next

The Pistons will look to even the series in Game 2 on Monday night in Orlando.

The takeaway

Cunningham's honest assessment of his team's lack of energy and focus in the Game 1 loss highlights the need for the Pistons to make adjustments and come out with more intensity in Game 2 to avoid falling into an early series hole against the upstart Magic.