Cade Cunningham Scores 45 Points to Keep Pistons Alive Against Magic (116-109)

DETROIT. The Detroit Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic 116-109 in Game 5 of the NBA playoffs thanks to an outstanding performance by Cade Cunningham, who scored 45 points and prevented his team's elimination in this first-round series. The Michigan team cuts the deficit (3-2) and forces a Game 6, staying alive in the NBA playoffs.

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From the opening tip, the Detroit Pistons showed a very different attitude from previous games. Led by an aggressive Cade Cunningham, the home team took control of the game's pace and quickly began to build a lead. Offensive fluidity allowed the Pistons to reach an advantage of up to 17 points in the second quarter, imposing their physicality and punishing the defensive lapses of an Orlando Magic team that was slow to respond.

The visiting team grew stronger as the minutes passed. Before halftime, the Orlando Magic managed to cut the deficit to six points, supported by the offensive talent of Paolo Banchero, who was beginning to find his rhythm. After the break, the Florida team tightened the score even more, getting to within just two points in the third quarter, raising the tension in this playoff matchup.

However, when they needed him most, Cade Cunningham appeared again. The Detroit Pistons point guard hit his fifth three-pointer at the end of the third quarter to return control to the home team, who closed the quarter with a lead (89-79). In the final period, the Pistons extended their advantage to 15 points, giving the impression they had the game in hand.

But the Orlando Magic did not give up. In the final stretch, Paolo Banchero—also with 45 points, matching Cunningham's total—led a last-ditch comeback attempt. A three-pointer with 1:09 remaining cut the deficit to just three points, though his struggles from the free-throw line (7-of-12 misses) ultimately proved decisive in the outcome.

In the critical moments, Cade Cunningham appeared once again, hitting a step-back shot with 32 seconds remaining to seal the game. The point guard finished with 45 points (13-of-23 from the field, 5 three-pointers, and a perfect 14-of-14 from the free-throw line), setting a franchise playoff scoring record.

Alongside him, Tobias Harris contributed 23 points, while Jalen Duren added 12 points and 9 rebounds, regaining form in the paint. Duncan Robinson also added 12 points for a very solid Detroit Pistons team throughout much of the game.

For the Orlando Magic, in addition to Paolo Banchero's 45 points, Anthony Black stood out with 19 points (a playoff career-high), Desmond Bane with 18, and Jalen Suggs with 10. The team also felt the absence of Franz Wagner, who is out with injury.

The Detroit Pistons break their negative streak and cling to the series, recalling historical precedents of comebacks after facing a 3-1 deficit in NBA playoffs.

The series now travels to Orlando, where the Orlando Magic will have another opportunity to close out the series against a Detroit Pistons team arriving with momentum following this crucial victory.