JB Bickerstaff couldn’t be prouder of Pistons’ Game 3 defense vs. Magic

The Detroit Pistons put on a defensive clinic in Game 2 of their opening-round playoff clash, smothering the Orlando Magic for a 98-83 win on Wednesday night, leveling the series at 1-1.

Detroit held Orlando to a season-low 83 points, below their previous low of 87. The Pistons set the tone early with 11 blocks, including seven in the first quarter alone, tying a playoff record for blocks in an opening period.

After a cagey first half finished 46,46, Detroit came out of halftime with a full head of steam. A game-changing 30-3 run to open the third quarter turned a close contest into a blowout, giving the Pistons a 76-49 lead midway through the period. Detroit owned the quarter 38-16, shooting 60.9% (14-for-23) while holding the Magic to just 29.4% (5-for-17) and forcing six turnovers. During that stretch, Orlando went five minutes without a field goal.

“Our defense is based on physicality,” head coach JB Bickerstaff said, praising his team’s defense. “And if we’re not physical, we’re not doing our job. I think our guys did again. I mean, to hold that team to 83 points is unbelievable job defensively. So give our guys a ton of credit for that.”

JB said it was incredible for the Pistons to hold the Magic to 83 pic.twitter.com/dXwi8iNa5b

— Jeremy Otto (@JeremyOttoPxP) April 23, 2026

Cade Cunningham led all scorers with 27 points and added 11 assists and six rebounds, though he also committed seven turnovers. Tobias Harris contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Jalen Duren finished with 11 points and nine rebounds. Additional double-figure scorers included Ausar Thompson (11 points, eight rebounds), Duncan Robinson (10 points), and Isaiah Stewart (10 points, two blocks).

At the defensive end, Stewart made every trip inside a challenge, with multiple rim rejections, including blocks on dunk attempts by Magic Jalen Suggs and Paolo Banchero. Suggs led Orlando with 19 points, while Banchero scored 18, but both were unable to find consistent scoring opportunities against Detroit’s pressure.

The Pistons also outrebounded the Magic by 15 and outscored them by 20 points in the paint, both crucial factors after being outplayed in those categories in Game 1. The victory snapped an 11-game home playoff losing streak dating back to 2008, bringing an end to the wait for their first postseason win at Little Caesars Arena.

With momentum regained, the series now shifts to Orlando for Game 3 on Saturday and Game 4 on Monday.

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