Cunningham Leads Pistons to Force Game 7
Cade Cunningham orchestrated a stunning comeback, leading the Detroit Pistons to a 93-79 victory over the Orlando Magic, forcing a decisive Game 7 in their first-round playoff series.
In a pivotal playoff clash at the Kia Center, the Pistons erased a significant 22-point halftime deficit, trailing 60-38 at the break, to level the series at 3-3.
Detroit's turnaround was fuelled by second-quarter dominance, outscoring Orlando 35-12 in the period, as the Magic struggled to a 27-of-78 (35%) shooting performance for the game. Although Orlando saw Paolo Banchero record a double-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, and Desmond Bane chip in 17 points, their lead evaporated against the Pistons' surge.
Cunningham was spectacular, adding 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals, while Tobias Harris contributed a double-double with 22 points and 10 boards. The Pistons also leveraged a strong rebounding advantage, outrebounding Orlando 52-38, which helped offset their bench scoring just 13 points to Orlando's 26. Entering the fourth quarter, Orlando still led 71-62, but Detroit finished strong, securing the 93-79 win.
With the series now deadlocked at 3-3, the next game will determine who advances in a winner-take-all showdown.