Detroit Pistons fans say Game 7 win 'a big ol' party'
Fans stick around after the game to celebrate and soak in the team's first win in the first round of the playoffs since 2008.
Brayden Byrd's first Detroit Pistons game was a doozie. Sunday night, the 11-year-old from Clarkston witnessed the Pistons finally break through to the second round of the NBA playoffs, the first time the team had advanced out of the first round since 2008. "I think he's hooked," said Brayden's dad, Aaron Bryd.
As the seconds counted down with the Pistons comfortably in the lead against the Orlando Magic, fans across Little Caesars Arena had their phones out to document the historic moment for their team. They lingered in their seats and in the hallways, savoring the moment. "We're going to come back next round," Byrd said.
Not only did the Pistons win the series, they came back after being down three games to one, winning three in a row to eliminate the Magic. Brayden, who plays basketball, said Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris were keys to victory for the Pistons. The victories haven't come easily, "especially being a 1-seed," Brayden said.
A strong second half had the Pistons ending the series with strong momentum. "They just kind of found their groove," Bryd said. The team was up by 11 at halftime, a lead that wasn't necessarily comfortable but held promise.