NBA Playoffs: The Magic devour the Pistons in the day's surprise

The Orlando Magic struck first and did so with authority. In their visit to the Detroit Pistons' court, the Florida team surprised the top team in the East with a 112-101 victory in the first game of the series.

The warning came practically on the first decisive play. Jalen Suggs stole the ball from Cade Cunningham after a pass from Tobias Harris and finished the fast break with a two-handed dunk accompanied by a shout that set the tone for the game. Barely four minutes had passed, and Orlando already made it clear they hadn't traveled to Detroit to speculate.

That start was part of a 15-2 run that put the score at 18-5 in the first quarter. Suggs, omnipresent in defense and offense, scored 11 points in that initial period and led the energy of a team that was in a positive dynamic after overcoming the play-in.

“I think everyone knows we have a very talented team,” explained Franz Wagner, who scored 19 points, 11 of them in the last quarter to stop the home team's comeback. “Obviously, we didn't have the regular season we wanted, but that's our goal. And today, we've shown that we deserve to be here”.

The Magic's growth in recent days has a clear explanation. “We found something against Charlotte with our defense, our energy, and our communication,” pointed out Paolo Banchero. The power forward was once again decisive, adding 23 points, 17 of them in the first half, constantly attacking the paint and making good decisions against the opponent's defense.

Detroit tried to react through Cunningham, who scored 39 points and even tied the game in the third quarter with a three-pointer (65-65). However, every comeback attempt found an immediate response from Orlando, much more solid in crucial moments.

“We simply didn't come out ready to play,” acknowledged Ausar Thompson. “They struck first. We have to do a better job starting games and executing our coverages.”

Magic's coach, Jamahl Mosley, highlighted the leadership of his star: “Paolo's dominance in his approach to the game was excellent. His voice, his presence on the court... it's something special. When he plays like that, the team follows him”.

The paint, key for the Magic

Orlando also defended the paint well, limiting Jalen Duren's impact, who ended with just 8 points and 7 rebounds. On a positive note for Detroit, Cunningham expressed feeling recovered from his recent lung injury: “I felt really good. It's been a while since the injury, and I've had great preparation. There was a moment when I was a bit tired, but then I recovered and could finish strong”.

The issue for the Pistons is the form of their opponent. Orlando has found its best version just in time. “This is a new season,” Mosley reminded. “The regular season's story is over. Now it's the playoffs”.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Playoffs NBA: Los Magic se comen a los Pistons en el sorpresón de la jornada