Cade Cunningham scored 45 points [1] to lead the Detroit Pistons to a 116-109 [3] victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday [5].
The win prevents the Pistons from being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs and forces a Game 6 in Orlando [2].
The game took place April 29, 2026 [5], at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit [6]. In a rare scoring duel, both Cunningham and Orlando's Paolo Banchero finished the night with 45 points [1, 2]. This performance marks only the second time in NBA playoff history that opposing players have each scored 45 or more points in a single game [1].
Cunningham's output set a record for the Detroit franchise [1]. The Pistons managed to outlast the Magic despite Banchero's equal scoring output, securing the win in a high-stakes environment.
"Cunningham dropped 45 points to lead them to a 116-109 win over the Orlando Magic," a Yahoo Sports reporter said [1].
With the victory, the Pistons now trail the series 3-2 [4]. The team must travel to Florida to attempt another win to keep their season alive.
"They've forced a Game 6 in Orlando," Omari Sankofa II said [2].
Bleacher Report staff said that the Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic 116-109 in Wednesday's Game 5 of their first-round series at Little Caesars Arena [3].
“Cade Cunningham and Paolo Banchero each scored 45 points.”
The Pistons have shifted the momentum of the series by proving they can match the offensive output of Orlando's star player. By forcing a Game 6, Detroit extends their postseason life, though they now face the disadvantage of playing on the road to avoid a 4-2 series loss.
