For the first time since 2008, the Detroit Pistons are heading to the second round of the NBA playoffs.

Detroit pulled off a stunning comeback after trailing Orlando 3-1 in the series.

As the Pistons gear up to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference semifinals tomorrow, we’re breaking down how they accomplished the unlikely and bringing you reactions from the team.

AG Nessel calls for stricter swatting penalties following high school bomb threat (Michigan Advance): Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned of serious penalties after a swatting-triggered bomb threat forced an evacuation at East Lansing High School. She urged tougher laws, noting false threats can bring prison time and fines up to $20,000.

MI Supreme Court limits courthouse immigration arrests (Bridge Michigan): The Michigan Supreme Court has approved a rule limiting civil arrests, including immigration-related ones, at state courthouses to ensure safer access to legal proceedings. The rule is a response to increased immigration-related arrests at or near courthouses.

Michigan to receive $154 million in opioid settlement (WILX): Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family’s $7.4B opioid settlement is now in effect, with Attorney General Dana Nessel announcing Michigan will receive about $154 million. The deal bans the Sacklers from selling opioids in the US and directs funds toward addiction treatment and recovery efforts over the next 15 years.

Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) celebrates after making a 3-point basket in the second half. Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic, Round 1, Game 7, at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Detroit. (USA Today Network)

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

The Pistons finally did something they haven’t done since 2008: Win a playoff series.

In Game 7 at Little Caesars Arena, they defeated the Orlando Magic, 116-94, on Sunday to end the drought.

It took winning three straight games after falling behind 3-1 in the series to the eight-seeded Magic — highlighted by a 24-point comeback in Game 6 at Orlando — but the Pistons find themselves in the second round of the NBA playoffs for the first time in almost two decades.

“It’s great. We had a great regular season. We built a lot of momentum going into the playoffs and to lose in the first round would’ve really stung. I think it would’ve stung the city,” Cade Cunningham said.

If anyone knows the struggle that the franchise has gone through, it’s Cunningham. Being drafted in 2021 and going through multiple seasons with 60-plus losses, including a 28-game losing streak during the 2023-2024 season, Cunningham took all the punches of falling flat in the NBA.

With the Pistons’ comeback to make it to the second round of the playoffs, I want to hear from readers as to how far you think they’ll make it.

So, this week, let us know by clicking on a response:

Have a question you want me to ask our community? Send it my way. I might feature it in a future edition.

Missed the answers to last week’s question: “Which is Michigan’s best Great Lake?” Find them in our Friday newsletter here.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

The ’Gander is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.