By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Orlando Magic upset the top-seeded Detroit Pistons to start a best-of-seven series in the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, behind a resilient second-half surge from Franz Wagner on Sunday.
Despite a cold start where he hit just one of his first seven shots, the 24-year-old Berlin native remained composed, eventually finishing 7-of-13 from the field. His clinical fourth-quarter performance, accounting for 11 of his 19 total points, proved instrumental in keeping the hosts at arm’s length and silencing the crowd at Little Caesars Arena.
Reflecting on the team’s journey and the narrative surrounding their eighth-seed status, Wagner remained grounded during the postgame press conference.
“Everybody knows we have a really talented team. Obviously, we did not have the Regular Season that we wanted. But that’s how it goes sometimes,” he noted, acknowledging a campaign where he missed significant time due to injury.
For Wagner, who was sidelined for 48 games with a left high ankle sprain, the road win was about validating the roster’s potential. “I think we showed today that we belong here. It’s got to be consistent, though. One game doesn’t win the series,” he added, emphasizing that the team cannot afford to become complacent.
Beyond his scoring, his impact was felt through his defensive intensity. He credited the collective effort of the roster for the Magic’s ability to withstand Detroit’s third-quarter rally.
“I thought I had good energy, gave good effort all game, and if all 15 play consistently like that, I think we have a good chance every night,” said Wagner.
Game 2 follows in the same venue on Wednesday.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 0-1 (101-112)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 1-0 (126-113)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 1-0 (113-102)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 1-0 (123-91)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 1-0 (119-84)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 1-0 (107-98)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-0 (126-115)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions