Pistons fans roast Wendell Carter Jr. with Angel Reese chant as Detroit, Jalen Duren advance to second round

Pistons fans roast Wendell Carter Jr. with Angel Reese chant as Detroit, Jalen Duren advance to second round originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Pistons turned things around in a historic way in their first round series against the Magic, rallying back from 3-1 down to claim a momentous -- and unexpected -- series victory.

The comeback turned to reality during Sunday's Game 7. Detroit overcame Paolo Banchero's scoring outburst to capture a dominant 22-point win over Orlando, punching its ticket to the second round in the process.

It was less a basketball showcase than a coronation for the Pistons, who regaled their hometown crowd with a dominant display. The crowd responded with aplomb, delivering a chant that left Wendell Carter Jr. and his girlfriend, Angel Reese, feeling blue.

Here's what you need to know about the"Angel Reese" chant Detroit supporters unleashed during Sunday's game.

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Pistons fans roast Wendell Carter Jr. with Angel Reese chant

Little Caesars Arena was an ocean of noise on Sunday afternoon. Hymns spilled from the concourses as the Pistons found their target time-and-time again. Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris were some of the architects of the medley, leading the way for Detroit with 32 and 30 points, respectively.

However, the crowd never grew louder than it did when Carter was at the free-throw line. The Magic big enjoyed a wondrous series up to its final game, helping anchor Orlando's impressive defensive showings while offering steady, if unspectacular production.

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Things changed on Sunday afternoon for Carter, however. He tallied 13 points on the day. But they were drawn out and ragged -- Carter went 3-7 from the field.

The Duke product had more success at the free throw line, converting six of his eight attempts. When he stepped up to the stripe, however, he was greeted with a familiar, if contentious refrain.

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Pistons fans showered Carter with an "Angel Reese" chant, one that danced from the rafters to the floorboards. The Orlando big all but confirmed his romance to the Dream standout, embracing her throughout the 2025 WNBA season. Reese responded in kind, sporting Magic attire during the offseason and celebrating -- quite vociferously -- Carter's success against her rumored former man, Pistons star Jalen Duren.

In case you thought I was joking 💀💀 https://t.co/BwhzDcXp2Epic.twitter.com/LG6tg4nv4Y— Eric Vincent (@IAmEricVincent) May 3, 2026

The Reese-Carter-Duren love triangle proved a memorable part of the Round 1 slate. Detroit fans had fun at Reese and Carter's expense. Reese arguably instigated the confrontation, taking to social media to dunk on Duren being dunked on during the series.

Duren struggled mightily during the seven-game stet. He found life in the final matchup, though, producing 15 points, 15 rebounds and three assists. When asked what inspired his change in form, Duren kept things simple.

"I wasn't ready to go on vacation," Duren said.

Jalen Duren after having his best game of the series in Game 7:

"I wasn't ready to go on vacation."pic.twitter.com/5IJOo6C64m— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 3, 2026

Carter and Reese will have to lick their wounds out of the spotlight -- at least until Reese's season begins.

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