Paolo Banchero scores 23 as Magic beat Pistons to extend NBA's longest home playoff skid

Orlando takes Game 1 over top-seeded Detroit 112-101 in first-round series

Apr. 20, 2026 at 1:48am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in motion, with overlapping shapes and planes representing the players, court, and crowd in an abstract, deconstructed style.A cubist interpretation of the Magic's upset victory over the Pistons in Game 1, capturing the dynamic action and energy of the playoff matchup.Today in Orlando

Paolo Banchero had 23 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the 8th-seeded Orlando Magic to a 112-101 win over the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in Game 1 of their first-round NBA playoff series. The victory extended Detroit's NBA-record home playoff losing streak to 11 games, dating back to 2008.

Why it matters

The Pistons have not won a home playoff game in nearly two decades, and their inability to protect home court has been a major factor in their postseason struggles. Orlando's upset win on the road puts pressure on Detroit to respond in Game 2 and avoid falling into a deep hole in the series.

The details

The Magic jumped out to an early 18-5 lead and never trailed, though the Pistons did rally to tie the game at 65-65 in the third quarter. Banchero and Franz Wagner then led a Magic surge that restored a double-digit advantage, which Orlando maintained down the stretch. Cade Cunningham scored a playoff-high 39 points for Detroit, but the rest of the Pistons' supporting cast was quiet offensively.

  • The Magic led 35-27 after the first quarter.
  • Orlando held a 55-51 halftime advantage.
  • The game was tied 65-65 in the third quarter before the Magic pulled away.

The players

Paolo Banchero

The 23-year-old forward had a team-high 23 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the Magic to the Game 1 upset.

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' 21-year-old star scored a playoff-career-high 39 points in the losing effort.

Franz Wagner

The 21-year-old Magic guard scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready to play our best basketball if we want to have a chance in this series.”

— J.B. Bickerstaff, Pistons Head Coach

“Our guys came out with great energy and focus. That set the tone for us to get this important road win.”

— Jamahl Mosley, Magic Head Coach

What’s next

The Pistons will look to even the series when they host the Magic in Game 2 on Wednesday night.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the continued struggles of the Pistons at home in the playoffs, as their NBA-record home playoff losing streak now stands at 11 games. Orlando's upset win puts pressure on Detroit to respond in Game 2 and avoid falling into a deep hole in the series.