Paolo Banchero, Magic Beat Cade Cunningham, Pistons to Steal Game 1 as NBA Fans Eye 7-Game Series

Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic stunned the No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons with a 112-101 road win in Game 1 on Sunday night, overcoming Cade Cunningham's 39-point performance.

Banchero led the charge with 23 points in a gritty Eastern Conference first-round battle that had fans buzzing about a potential seven-game showdown between the No. 1 and No. 8 seeds.

In addition to his 23 points, Banchero added nine rebounds and four assists in a standout performance, as all five Orlando Magic starters reached double figures.

Franz Wagner finished with 19 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane each added 17. Jalen Suggs chipped in 16 in the statement upset win.

The Magic attempted half as many free throws as the Pistons, but made up the difference with an edge in assists and points in the paint in the win.

Orlando also outdueled Detroit's supporting cast, which leaned heavily on Cunningham's 39 points, as the rest of the starters combined for just 42.

The Magic took a narrow 55-51 lead into halftime, capped by a 3-pointer from Wagner to extend the advantage.

Banchero led the way for Orlando with 17 points, while Cunningham kept the Pistons within striking distance with 14 in the half.

Bane sparked a pivotal third quarter, helping Orlando stretch its lead to seven entering the final frame.

Detroit continued to battle in the fourth, but Cunningham's lack of support proved costly against Orlando's balanced starting five, as the Magic held on to secure the win.

The winner of the Pistons-Magic series will advance to face the victor of the No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers-No. 5 Toronto Raptors matchup in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with Cleveland holding a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2 between Detroit and Orlando is set for Wednesday in Detroit.