Pistons' Cade Cunningham: 'It's a Long Series' After Game 1 Loss

Detroit's star player remains confident despite a disappointing start to the playoffs.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 6:18am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes and fragmented basketball player forms, conveying the intensity and emotion of an NBA playoff game.The Pistons' playoff hopes hang in the balance after a disappointing Game 1 loss, as they search for the energy and rhythm to match the Magic's intensity.Today in Orlando

The Detroit Pistons, the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, suffered a 112-101 home loss to the Orlando Magic in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. Pistons star Cade Cunningham scored 39 points in the defeat, but the team struggled with energy and rhythm throughout the game, never leading at any point. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff acknowledged the Pistons were 'chasing' the Magic all night and failed to match their opponent's intensity. Despite the disappointing start, Cunningham remained confident, telling reporters 'It's a long series' and the Pistons will need to make adjustments going forward.

Why it matters

The Pistons entered the playoffs as a top contender in the East, hoping to make a deep run and compete for an NBA championship. This Game 1 loss at home is a setback, raising questions about whether the team can regain its form and overcome the Magic's strong start to the series.

The details

The Pistons shot just 40% from the field and had only one other player, Tobias Harris, score in double figures with 17 points. Rookie center Jalen Duren was limited to 8 points on 4 shots. Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley credited his team's defensive effort, saying they 'packed the paint' to limit Detroit's scoring opportunities inside.

  • The Pistons lost Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Magic on April 20, 2026.

The players

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' star player, who scored 39 points in the Game 1 loss.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The head coach of the Detroit Pistons.

Jamahl Mosley

The head coach of the Orlando Magic.

Tobias Harris

A Pistons player who scored 17 points in the Game 1 loss.

Jalen Duren

A rookie center for the Pistons who was limited to 8 points in Game 1.

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What they’re saying

“We're sick about losing this one. It's a long series.”

— Cade Cunningham, Pistons Player

“We didn't come out with the right energy.”

— Cade Cunningham, Pistons Player

“We were chasing them all night.”

— J.B. Bickerstaff, Pistons Head Coach

“They've been off and we've found a little bit of a rhythm. That always plays a part in it.”

— Jamahl Mosley, Magic Head Coach

What’s next

The Pistons and Magic will play Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on April 22, 2026.

The takeaway

This Game 1 loss at home is a disappointing start for the top-seeded Pistons, who will need to make adjustments and regain their intensity if they hope to overcome the upstart Magic and advance in the playoffs. Cade Cunningham's confidence in the 'long series' ahead suggests the Pistons believe they can bounce back, but they'll have to prove it on the court in the games to come.