The Detroit Pistons flipped their first-round series with a decisive second-half response, and Tobias Harris pointed to accountability as the turning point.
“He really got on us in the locker room. No more ‘my bads,’” Harris said after the 98-83 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 2.
Detroit turned a 46-46 halftime tie into a 15-point win by dominating the third quarter 38-16, fueled by defense and ball movement.
“I think we just embraced the environment and truthfully just took advantage of the moment,” Harris said. “We knew that first half wasn’t to our standards of playing.”
The veteran forward finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds, helping anchor a balanced effort that featured five Pistons in double figures.
“We had to figure out defensively how we were going to impact the game,” Harris said. “I thought we came out with the type of energy and effort that we needed on the defensive end.”
Detroit held Orlando to 33% shooting and forced 17 turnovers, limiting clean looks throughout the second half.
“When we’re able to get stops and get out in transition, that’s when we’re at our best,” Harris said. “I thought we did a great job of that in that third quarter.”
The Pistons also cleaned up their offensive execution after early struggles with turnovers.
“When we just make the simple play, sometimes if they’re showing doubles or somebody’s open, just kicking the rock to them and being solid all around and moving the ball, that’s the biggest thing,” Harris said.
Detroit had 12 turnovers in the first half but stabilized after the break by prioritizing spacing and decision-making.
“When we’re doing that, we’re getting a good possession every time. That’s good basketball for us,” Harris added.
The locker room response extended beyond coaching adjustments, reflecting a collective mindset.
“That’s all of us. One thing about this group is it’s a tight-knit group,” Harris said. “Everybody’s voice matters in our locker room.”
The Pistons emphasized rebounding and physicality after allowing second-chance opportunities early.
“We talked about the offensive rebounds that were hurting us in the first half,” Harris said. “We needed to pick it up.”
Defensive playmaking from multiple positions helped shift momentum, including rim protection from guards and wings.
“It’s a special group,” Harris said. “Those are momentum shifters in games. In playoff basketball, those are plays that lead to runs.”
Cade Cunningham led the offense with 27 points and 11 assists, drawing defensive attention that created opportunities for teammates.
“Being able to have a 38-point quarter and hold them to 16 is huge,” Harris said. “It’s a game-by-game thing. It’s a series.”
The win also ended Detroit’s 11-game home playoff losing streak, a drought that dated back to 2008.
“It means a lot,” Harris said. “It’s great for our fans to be in our arena and give us that support.”
Despite the result, Harris kept the focus on the next challenge as the series shifts to Orlando.
“Game 3 is the game that we have to be ready for,” he said. “Now we got to go on the road and handle our business.”
