Detroit Pistons fans turned a first-round playoff series into personal drama Sunday night, repeatedly chanting WNBA star Angel Reese’s name at her boyfriend, Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr., during a Game 7 blowout victory.
The Pistons erased a 3-1 deficit and eliminated the Magic 116-94 at Little Caesars Arena, advancing to the second round for the first time in 18 years. Late in the fourth quarter, as Carter Jr. stepped to the free-throw line, sections of the sellout crowd erupted in “Angel Reese!” chants that echoed through the building. Video of the moment spread quickly on social media.
In case you thought I was joking 💀💀 https://t.co/BwhzDcXp2E pic.twitter.com/LG6tg4nv4Y
— Eric Vincent (@IAmEricVincent) May 3, 2026
Reese, who plays for the Atlanta Dream, is dating Carter Jr. Her ex-boyfriend, Pistons center Jalen Duren, played a key role in Detroit’s series comeback. When the Magic led the series 3-1, Reese trolled Duren and Pistons fans on Instagram, reposting highlights of Carter Jr. dunking on her former partner and hyping Orlando’s early dominance.
After the Magic’s collapse and the fans’ pointed chants, Reese limited comments on her Instagram posts and blocked numerous Detroit-area influencers and fans, according to multiple social media reports. Pistons supporters had flooded her accounts following the Game 7 loss.
The fan reaction blended basketball trash talk with the personal history between Reese, Carter Jr. and Duren. Carter Jr. struggled in the decisive game and missed several free throws amid the noise. Pistons fans framed the chants as payback for Reese’s earlier social media activity when their team appeared headed for elimination.
Detroit’s victory was powered by guard Cade Cunningham and forward Tobias Harris, who combined for 62 points. The Pistons will face the winner of the next first-round series in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
