Pistons Erase 24‑Point Deficit to Force Game 7 as Lakers Eliminate Rockets and Raptors Push Series to Decider

The Eastern Conference first round saw the top‑seeded Pistons stave off elimination after trailing 71‑54 in the third quarter. Orlando missed 23 straight field goals, the longest miss streak in NBA playoff history, and managed only one point over the next ten minutes. Detroit capitalized, outscoring the Magic 39‑25 to finish 93‑79.

Cade Cunningham, who posted 32 points and 10 rebounds, credited the comeback to “Detroit grit” and a “never‑say‑die” mindset. The Pistons, down 3‑1 in the series, now head to Detroit for a winner‑takes‑all Game 7, their first chance at a series win since 2008.

In the Western Conference, the Lakers finally wrapped up a three‑game battle with the Rockets, winning 98‑78. LeBron James led with 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds at age 41. James said his role was to set the tone for teammates lacking close‑out experience, especially on the road.

Meanwhile, the Raptors survived an overtime thriller against the Cavaliers to force a Game 7. RJ Barrett’s last‑second three bounced in after a missed shot, sealing a 107‑106 win. The series now shifts to Cleveland for the decisive game.

These outcomes reshape the playoff landscape. Detroit’s comeback gives the top seed a realistic path to the Eastern semifinals, likely against Cleveland or Toronto. Los Angeles, now facing the Oklahoma City Thunder, avoids the rare stigma of squandering a 3‑0 lead. Toronto’s resilience keeps them alive, setting up a high‑stakes clash in Cleveland.

What to watch next: Detroit’s Game 7 at home, the Lakers‑Thunder Western semifinal, and the Cleveland‑Toronto showdown for a spot in the Eastern final.