ORLANDO, Fla. – The No. 8-seeded Orlando Magic are one win away from pushing the top-seeded Detroit Pistons to the brink of elimination.
Orlando took a 2-1 series lead with a 113-105 victory on April 25, seizing momentum against a heavily favored Detroit team.
The Pistons now face a must-win Game 4 on Monday night at Kia Center.
A loss would send Detroit home trailing 3-1, with a potential elimination game looming at Little Caesars Arena, where Orlando already claimed Game 1.
Duren’s production dips in series
Much of the concern for Detroit centers on All-Star Jalen Duren, whose production has dipped significantly through the first three games.
Duren is averaging nine points, 8.3 rebounds, two assists, and 2.7 turnovers in 30.7 minutes per game in the series, a stark contrast to his regular-season form.
Detroit’s rally falls short
His defensive presence was felt at times in Game 3, when Detroit erased a 17-point second-half deficit behind a dominant stretch from Cade Cunningham, who scored 19 of his 27 points after halftime.
The Pistons rallied from a 96-79 deficit with a 25-8 run to tie the game at 104. But the comeback unraveled after Duren fouled out late, and Orlando closed on a 9-0 run to secure the win.
Duren finished with eight points, nine rebounds, and five blocks but struggled offensively, missing seven of 10 shots and committing six fouls.
He was also outplayed by Orlando big man Wendell Carter Jr., who posted 14 points and 17 rebounds in Game 3, including eight offensive rebounds.
Series snapshot
In Game 2, Duren recorded 11 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in Detroit’s 98-83 win, aided by a decisive 30-3 third-quarter run.
In the series opener, he had eight points and seven rebounds as Orlando claimed a 112-101 victory to seize home-court advantage.
Contract stakes add pressure
Beyond the immediate playoff implications, Duren’s struggles could carry financial consequences.
The 22-year-old is eligible for a lucrative contract extension this offseason and has positioned himself as a contender for All-NBA honors, a distinction that could significantly increase his earning potential.
With stiff competition for those spots, including from players such as Luka Dončić and Cunningham, a strong postseason performance may prove critical.
What’s next
Game 4 tips off at 8 p.m. ET on Monday.
Detroit will need a sharper showing from Duren as coach J.B. Bickerstaff looks to reestablish his center offensively and keep the Pistons’ season alive against a surging Orlando squad.
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