The Orlando Magic were decisively defeated in Game 7 of the NBA Playoffs against the Detroit Pistons, a loss that highlights their significant dependence on German national player Franz Wagner. Without Wagner, Paolo Banchero found himself isolated and unable to overcome the Eastern Conference’s top seed, leading to the Magic’s early exit from the postseason.
Wagner, sidelined for the third consecutive game due to a calf injury sustained in Game 4, watched from the bench as his team suffered their third straight loss. Despite Banchero’s valiant solo effort, the Orlando offense faltered once again, echoing their poor performance in Game 6. The Pistons, marking their first playoff series win in 18 years, became the 15th team in NBA history to overcome a 1-3 deficit. This dramatic comeback followed a similar feat by the Philadelphia 76ers against the Boston Celtics just hours earlier. In the decisive game, Pistons’ stars Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris were instrumental in their victory.
Detroit Pistons (E1) — Orlando Magic (E8) 116:94 — Series: 4-3
The Magic’s abysmal shooting continued into Game 7, missing their initial four attempts. However, Banchero found his rhythm, converting his first three three-pointers after missing all nine attempts from downtown in Game 6. He single-handedly scored the Magic’s first eleven points, while the Pistons collectively managed only ten. Moritz Wagner, making his first appearance since Game 2, contributed with a corner three-pointer, tying the score. Despite some missed opportunities from Duncan Robinson, Orlando held a narrow 22:20 lead after the first quarter.
The second quarter saw a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging runs and fouls. While Banchero continued to seek support, Cunningham (15 points, 9 assists) and an unexpectedly potent Tobias Harris emerged as key players for the Pistons. Harris was particularly effective, scoring 17 points in the second quarter alone, leading Detroit to an 18:4 run and a commanding 60:40 lead at halftime.
Tobias Harris hits the jumper and then a 3-pointer to give him 19 points in the 1st half, 17 points in the 2nd quarter alone!
TOBIAS MOTHERFUCKING HARRIS pic.twitter.com/suy9hzqgV6
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) May 3, 2026
Magic Lack Cohesion Out of Halftime — Wagner a Glimmer of Hope
Following halftime, the Magic appeared lethargic and disorganized, allowing the Pistons to extend their lead to 20 points. A series of turnovers plagued Orlando, and their shots were difficult to come by and rarely fell. Despite a brief surge of seven quick points that prompted a Pistons timeout, Orlando couldn’t sustain the momentum. The Pistons quickly re-established a 20-point lead, with Cunningham and Harris (who enjoyed scoring against his former team) extending it further. The Magic struggled with shot clock violations.
Moritz Wagner provided a spark, drawing an offensive foul and making two free throws in the final seconds of the third quarter, giving the Magic their 15th point of the period. Although Orlando narrowed the gap to 64:80, they failed to capitalize on the momentum. A buzzer-beating three-pointer by Daniss Jenkins sent the crowd at the Little Caesars Arena into a frenzy.
DANISS JENKINS!
Closing out the 3Q in style for the @DetroitPistons 😎 pic.twitter.com/3OHRlLOwDJ
— NBA (@NBA) May 3, 2026
In the fourth quarter, the Magic’s attempts to rally were repeatedly stifled by quick Pistons timeouts. Detroit consistently responded to Orlando’s efforts, never allowing them to get too close. With less than two minutes remaining, Cunningham received a standing ovation as the Pistons comfortably closed out the game, with their starters also acknowledged by the crowd.
Cunningham and Harris Shine — Pistons Await Cavs or Raptors
Cade Cunningham dominated the game, scoring 32 points (10/18 FG) and dishing out 12 assists, despite facing constant defensive attention. He also shot efficiently from three-point range (4/6 3FG). The Pistons as a team were excellent from beyond the arc, converting nearly half of their attempts (16/33 3FG). While sharpshooter Duncan Robinson struggled (2/10 3FG), Cunningham’s backup, Jenkins (16 points, 4/5 3FG), and Harris (30 points, 5/7 3FG) provided ample scoring. Jalen Duren contributed a double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds.
The game’s leading scorer was Paolo Banchero, who, despite cooling off in the second half, put up an impressive 38 points (14/25 FG, 4/7 3FG), 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, making him the clear standout for the Magic. Aside from Banchero, only Desmond Bane (16), Wendell Carter Jr. (13), and Anthony Black (11) scored in double figures for Orlando.
Moritz Wagner played nearly ten minutes, scoring 5 points (1/3 FG) and grabbing 2 rebounds. He, along with Jevon Carter, was one of the only Magic players with a positive plus-minus rating (+5). Tristan da Silva missed his only shot attempt in eight and a half minutes and recorded 2 turnovers.
The Magic’s three-point shooting continued to be a weakness (10/30 3FG), despite Banchero (4/7 3FG) and Bane (3/5 3FG) converting from deep. Orlando’s offense has been a disaster in recent games without Franz Wagner, averaging just 18.8 points per quarter in the last six quarters of the series.
The Detroit Pistons advance to the second round for the first time in 18 years and will face either the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Toronto Raptors. The Magic, meanwhile, are eliminated in the first round for the third consecutive season, with their last appearance in the Conference Semifinals dating back to the 2009/2010 season.
NBA Playoffs 2026: First Round Matchups and Standings
| Conference | Matchup | Series Stand |
|---|---|---|
| Western | Thunder (1) — Suns (8) | 4-0 |
| Western | Lakers (4) — Rockets (5) | 4-2 |
| Western | Nuggets (3) — Timberwolves (6) | 2-4 |
| Western | Spurs (2) — Trail Blazers (7) | 4-1 |
| Eastern | Pistons (1) — Magic (8) | 4-3 |
| Eastern | Cavaliers (4) — Raptors (5) | 3-3 |
| Eastern | Knicks (3) — Hawks (6) | 4-2 |
| Eastern | Celtics (2) — Sixers (7) | 3-4 |