Pistons and Cavaliers advance in NBA play-offs

This post was originally published on this site.

Ffion Wynne

BBC Sport Journalist

The Detroit Pistons fought back from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Orlando Magic in the NBA play-offs and advance to the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

The Pistons won the final match of their best-of-seven series 116-94, their first play-off series win since 2008.

They are the 15th team in NBA history to come back from 3-1 down, and the second in the space of two days after the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Boston Celtics.

Cade Cunningham top-scored for the Pistons with 32 points and 12 assists, while Tobias Harris added 30 points.

“We had a great regular season, we built a lot of momentum going into these play-offs,” said Cunningham.

“To lose in the first round would have really stung. To come back from 3-1, odds against us, and to come back and win it at home – it feels good.”

The Pistons will face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the semi-finals, another best-of-seven series starting on 5 May.

The Cavaliers beat the Toronto Raptors to book their place in the second round with a 114-102 victory.

Jarrett Allen starred for the Cavaliers with 22 points and 19 rebounds as they recovered from a 10-point deficit after the first quarter.

The scores were tied 49-49 at the halfway mark but the Cavaliers surged ahead in the third quarter with Allen contributing 14 points and 10 of his rebounds.

“I just wanted to show my team-mates that we can win this game,” said Allen.

“Energy and effort, that’s what I believe wins games. Every single possession, it means a lot. Every single possession means it could be the end of the season.”

Donovan Mitchell added 22 points and James Harden scored 18.

For the Raptors, who were in the play-offs for the first time since 2022, Scottie Barnes had 24 points and nine rebounds while RJ Barrett scored 23.

Related topics

Hot this week

Police continue search after ‘suspicious explosion’

Officers remain in the Frenchay area of Bristol where two people died in "suspicious blast" at house.

Three dead in suspected virus outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship

The World Health Organization said one case of hantavirus infection had been confirmed, with five more suspected cases under investigation.

Princess Eugenie expecting third child this summer

"His Majesty The King has been informed and is delighted with the news," the Palace said on social media.

One injured after plane hits truck while landing in Newark

The Boeing 767, operating a flight from Venice, Italy, landed safely with no reported injuries among the 231 passengers and crew on board.

Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani in critical condition in hospital

The long-time champion of Trump and former New York mayor is in hospital, according to his spokesman.

Topics

Police continue search after ‘suspicious explosion’

Officers remain in the Frenchay area of Bristol where two people died in "suspicious blast" at house.

Three dead in suspected virus outbreak on Atlantic cruise ship

The World Health Organization said one case of hantavirus infection had been confirmed, with five more suspected cases under investigation.

Princess Eugenie expecting third child this summer

"His Majesty The King has been informed and is delighted with the news," the Palace said on social media.

One injured after plane hits truck while landing in Newark

The Boeing 767, operating a flight from Venice, Italy, landed safely with no reported injuries among the 231 passengers and crew on board.

Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani in critical condition in hospital

The long-time champion of Trump and former New York mayor is in hospital, according to his spokesman.

Met Gala 2026: How to watch, the price of tickets and this year’s theme

Beyoncé, who last attended the Met Gala in 2016, is returning as a co-chair of fashion's biggest night.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img