Cade Cunningham delivered a playoff-record 45 points to power the top-seeded Detroit Pistons to a vital 116-109 victory over the Orlando Magic, trimming the first-round series deficit to 3-2.
Cunningham’s Dominant Return
Back from a collapsed lung, Cunningham logged nearly 44 minutes and carried his team through a desperate must-win effort against the eighth-seeded Magic. “We dug ourselves a big hole, it’s going to be a tough one to climb out of, but we handled business tonight,” Cunningham said. He added, “We’re at our best when our backs are against the wall.”
Despite dominating the Eastern Conference regular season, the Pistons stumbled early in the playoffs and now face the challenge of winning three straight to advance.
Key Moments from the Game
The Pistons surged ahead early at home, fueled by high energy. Jalen Duren contributed seven of Detroit’s first 11 points, while the team grabbed 17 rebounds in the opening quarter to secure a 12-point advantage.
Cunningham erupted for 20 points in the second quarter, though Orlando narrowed the gap to six at halftime. After the break, Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane missed potential go-ahead threes for the Magic.
Detroit extended the lead to double digits by quarter’s end. Orlando mounted a fierce comeback, highlighted by Paolo Banchero’s two threes and a Carter dunk that cut the margin to three points late.
Cunningham sealed the triumph with a clutch three-pointer just 30 seconds from the buzzer. Banchero led Orlando with 45 points.
What’s Next and Other Series Updates
The play-in qualifier Magic host Game 6 on Friday, with a potential Game 7 in Detroit on Sunday if needed.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers remain locked at 2-2. The Los Angeles Lakers hold a 3-1 edge over the Houston Rockets and eye series closure.
