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Cunningham’s 45 Lifts Pistons, Forces Game 6 VictoryCunningham’s 45 Lifts Pistons, Forces Game 6 Victory

4/30/2026

27 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Cunningham Powers Pistons

The Detroit Pistons beat the Orlando Magic 116-109 in Game 5 on April 29, 2026, staying alive in the series.
Cade Cunningham (Detroit guard) set a franchise playoff record with 45 points on perfect free throws, while Orlando forward Paolo Banchero also scored 45 but missed seven free throws.
The win cut Orlando’s series lead to 3-2, setting up Game 6 in Orlando with a chance to force Game 7.

Summary

Wagner Out

Franz Wagner missed Game 5 with a calf strain, leaving the Magic without their defender on Cade Cunningham and for Game 6.
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised play and a “never-doubt mentality” as the comeback catalyst.
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley cited a 49-33 rebounding deficit and 14 missed free throws, including Banchero’s 5-for-12, as decisive.
Both aim to end playoff droughts, with Orlando’s last series win in 2010 and Detroit’s in 2008.

History

Historical Context

After building a championship core that won the 2004 NBA title and fell to the Celtics in the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals, the Pistons rebuilt under Joe Dumars, achieving a 60-22 record in 2025-26—their first 60-win season since 2005-06 and a Central Division crown not won since 2008. That resurgence fuels their 2026 playoff push.

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Cunningham Powers Pistons

The Detroit Pistons beat the Orlando Magic 116-109 in Game 5 on April 29, 2026, staying alive in the series.
Cade Cunningham (Detroit guard) set a franchise playoff record with 45 points on perfect free throws, while Orlando forward Paolo Banchero also scored 45 but missed seven free throws.
The win cut Orlando’s series lead to 3-2, setting up Game 6 in Orlando with a chance to force Game 7.

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