Detroit Pistons stun Orlando Magic with record comeback to force Game 7
Cade Cunningham scored 32 points on Friday night as the Detroit Pistons erased a 24-point deficit to beat the Orlando Magic 93-79 and force a decisive Game 7 in their Eastern Conference first-round series.
The top-seeded visitors trailed 62-38 early in the third quarter before orchestrating a staggering second-half turnaround.
Orlando initially looked poised to become just the seventh eighth seed in NBA history to eliminate a number one seed in the opening round.
However, the hosts suffered a historic offensive collapse in front of a stunned home crowd at the Kia Center.
Historic shooting slump costs Magic
The Florida franchise missed 23 consecutive shots from the field during a devastating stretch of play.
Detroit capitalised with a ruthless 35-5 run that completely altered the trajectory of both the game and the post-season matchup.
Orlando shot an abysmal 11% from the field in the second half, converting just four of their 37 attempts.
According to league research, that represents the worst field-goal percentage by any team in a regular season or playoff half since play-by-play data tracking began in 1997.
Deciding showdown awaits in Detroit
Tobias Harris contributed 22 points for the resurgent Eastern Conference leaders, who will now host Sunday’s winner-takes-all clash.
Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane each scored 17 points for a shell-shocked Magic side.
The eighth seeds are now winless in two closeout opportunities after failing to build upon a dominant 35-12 second quarter.
Home fans ultimately booed their team off the court as a premature, season-ending exit now looms large for Orlando.