The Detroit Pistons kept their playoff campaign alive with a 116-109 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 5 at Little Caesars Arena, led by a 45-point performance from Cade Cunningham.
Paolo Banchero matched Cunningham with 45 points for Orlando in a game that developed into a high-scoring duel between the two franchise players.
The result leaves the Magic with a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series heading into Game 6 in Orlando. Detroit, facing elimination, opened the game with intensity and built an early double-digit lead.
The Pistons extended their advantage to 48-31 in the second quarter and maintained control despite repeated attempts by the Magic to close the gap.
Orlando reduced the deficit to two points in the third quarter and again came within three late in the fourth, but Detroit held on to secure the win and force a sixth game.
Detroit’s Urgency Proves Decisive
The Pistons’ approach reflected their situation, with a focus on energy and execution throughout the contest.
Cunningham played nearly 44 minutes and limited turnovers while balancing scoring and playmaking.“Just a never-doubt mentality to have controlled aggression all night,” said Cunningham.
Tobias Harris contributed 23 points, while Jalen Duren delivered an improved performance in the series. Ausar Thompson added five steals, two blocks and 15 rebounds, including a key offensive rebound in the closing moments that led to a decisive basket by Cunningham.
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff was full of praise his starman Cade Cunningham after the game.
“There’s a handful of them in the league, right? They’re unique. They’re special. To put the work in, have the talent, even then [to] understand his responsibility and what he means to this team, he wasn’t going to let us go down tonight.”
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff
Missed Chances Cost Orlando
The Magic pointed to specific statistical areas that contributed to the loss, particularly rebounding and free-throw shooting. Detroit outrebounded Orlando 49-33, including a 16-8 advantage in offensive rebounds.
At the free-throw line, Orlando missed 14 attempts overall. Banchero finished 5-for-12 from the line despite shooting efficiently from the field.“The margins were what beat us,” Banchero said.
Orlando also played without Franz Wagner, who was unavailable due to a calf injury. Wagner had been a key contributor in the previous game and is one of the team’s primary defensive options.
Game 6 is scheduled to take place in Orlando on Friday, where the Magic will have another opportunity to close out the series, while the Pistons will aim to extend it to a deciding Game 7.
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