Simmons ignites debate, claiming the Magic's Game 1 upset signals a dramatic playoff resurgence, defying expectations and shocking the league.
The Orlando Magic opened the NBA playoffs with a historic 112-101 upset of the Detroit Pistons, becoming the first No. 8 seed to lead a Game 1 from start to finish. The wire-to-wire performance shifted national attention toward Orlando’s potential to win the series as the Eastern Conference's lowest seed.
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons noted the Magic found a new burst of momentum despite a poor stretch entering the postseason. Simmons suggested the roster looks like a new team capable of taking down the conference's top seed.
“They got their ass kicked at home in game one,” Simmons said. “They've lost 11 straight playoff games. This would be the 12th, if they lose Game Two, Orlando has a ton of confidence. They're catching this Orlando team that just did a 180 that hit rock bottom, crawled out of it. Might not give a s*** anymore. It might just feel like f*** it. Maybe we're better than these guys.”
“This is a Norman Dale and Hoosiers moment for JB Bickerstaff in the Pistons,” Simmons added. “This is JB looking at these guys. Maybe they're right about us. Maybe we weren't a one seed. He's got to start challenging them a little bit. I think this Detroit-Orlando game Wednesday night, a must watch. I think it's going to be violent. I think this is one of those Detroit's going to lay the smack down try to give the physicality. I think Orlando likes when it gets physical, they like that kind of action, and that's a must watch. But I would be really nervous if I'm Detroit, because Orlando, I think Orlando can play with these guys. They got their ass kicked at home and gave one.”
This what Desmond Bane had to say leading up to the matchup:
On delivering the first punch and staying locked in:
"Regardless of how it goes, it's a long game, but you definitely got to come out with the right mindset. We don't need Coach calling an early timeout to try to get us together, get us communicating, or locked in. As long as we're not making mental mistakes, I think we'll be fine."
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Bane anticipates a fiercely physical Game 2 as the Pistons fight back. He highlights Suggs' toughness and the team's readiness for Detroit's desperate response.