What happened: Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero began Game 7 of the first-round series against the Detroit Pistons by hitting his first three three-point attempts. ESPN flagged the hot start as the game tipped on ABC and the ESPN App in Detroit. The Pistons are hosting the deciding game after the series ran the full seven contests.
Why it matters: A 3-of-3 start from deep in a Game 7 immediately swings momentum and shot profile for Orlando, which has leaned on Banchero as its primary scoring option throughout the series. Detroit, playing at home in front of a Pistons crowd that has supported a return to consecutive playoff berths for the first time since 2002-09, must adjust its perimeter coverage on Banchero or risk losing control of the floor early. Game 7s are historically decided by which star sets the tone in the opening minutes, making this stretch material to the series outcome.
What to watch: Watch whether Detroit switches a bigger defender or traps Banchero on the next several possessions, and track whether Orlando's role players convert the kick-outs his gravity creates. The winner advances to the second round.