Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons’ playoff woes went from bad to worse during Monday’s 94-88 Game 4 road loss to the Orlando Magic.
The Pistons’ offense hit a new low as the No. 1 seed fell into a daunting 3-1 hole in the first-round Eastern Conference series. Facing an early exit after a dominant 60-win regular season, Detroit swiftly drew heat from the NBA world.
Pistons’ Offense Stalls as Cade Cunningham and Co. Face Historic 1st-Round Exit
While Detroit cruised through the regular season on the back of its No. 2-ranked defense, questions about its offense outside of Cunningham persisted entering the postseason. Orlando, which stumbled to a 45-win finish and narrowly advanced to the playoffs via the play-in tournament, has amplified those concerns through four games.
The Magic have matched the Pistons’ physicality and out-gritted them, prevailing on Monday despite shooting just 30-for-92 overall (32.6%) by taking care of the ball, digging in defensively, and crashing the boards.
While Cunningham led all scorers with 25 points, he was held to 7-for-23 shooting (30.4%), logging more turnovers (8) than assists (6). Aside from the two-time All-Star, veteran forward Tobias Harris (20 points) was the only Detroit player to tally more than 12 points.
Conversely, despite some questionable shot selection, Orlando had three players score 18-plus points, led by shooting guard Desmond Bane (22 points), who banked in a dagger 3-pointer to put the Magic up 92-86 with 1:16 remaining.
Desmond Bane banks in a 3-pointer, Ja Morant celebrates with him and Jaren Jackson Jr. smiles in disbeliefpic.twitter.com/betXmbIVJk
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 28, 2026
After defending its home court with back-to-back victories, Orlando is on the verge of becoming just the seventh No. 8 seed to knock off a No. 1 seed in NBA history.
Following Monday’s upset, NBA pundits on X began sounding the alarm on the Pistons’ shortcomings.
“What a total catastrophe this has been for the Pistons. Even if you didn’t think they were quite as good as their record & were maybe even the 3rd or 4th most likely team to come out of the East, I can’t imagine *anyone* saw this coming 10 days ago,” FS1’s Nick Wright asserted.
What a total catastrophe this has been for the Pistons.
Even if you didn’t think they were quite as good as their record & were maybe even the 3rd or 4th most likely team to come out of the East, I can’t imagine *anyone* saw this coming 10 days ago.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) April 28, 2026
“If only Detroit knew before the trade deadline that they needed extra scoring and 3-point shooting,” The Ringer’s Bill Simmons quipped about Detroit’s lack of offensive weapons.
If only Detroit knew before the trade deadline that they needed extra scoring and 3 point shooting.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) April 28, 2026
“Two of the most perplexing non-moves at the trade deadline were DET not adding significant shooting and HOU not adding a playmaker. Both teams now find themselves down 3-1 despite being heavy favorites going into their series,” Lakers Nation’s Trevor Lane contended.
Two of the most perplexing non-moves at the trade deadline were DET not adding significant shooting and HOU not adding a playmaker. Both teams now find themselves down 3-1 despite being heavy favorites going into their series.
— Trevor Lane (@TrevorLane) April 28, 2026
“Basically every question you could’ve had about the Pistons has shown up in this series. Orlando has matched their physicality. Taken away their advantage. And they don’t have the secondary scoring to supplement. Going to be a fascinating off-season for them,” The Athletic’s Esfandiar Baraheni reacted.
Basically every question you could’ve had about the Pistons has shown up in this series.
Orlando has matched their physicality. Taken away their advantage. And they don’t have the secondary scoring to supplement.
Going to be a fascinating off-season for them.
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) April 28, 2026
“Cade Cunningham has been a major disappointment. 6.8 turnovers per game. 29% from 3. You can say the Pistons don’t have enough shooting. True. Or that Jalen Duren stunk. Also true. But it’s impossible to win when your best player averages 7 turnovers and can’t shoot,” Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor called out Cunningham.
Cade Cunningham has been a major disappointment. 6.8 turnovers per game. 29% from 3. You can say the Pistons don’t have enough shooting. True. Or that Jalen Duren stunk. Also true. But it’s impossible to win when your best player averages 7 turnovers and can’t shoot.
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) April 28, 2026
The Magic will look to continue defying the odds and close out the Pistons in Wednesday’s Game 5 clash in Detroit. A win would mark the franchise’s first playoff series victory since 2010.
