Cunningham Answers Banchero in Star Duel
Cade Cunningham matched Paolo Banchero's 45-point effort, leading the Detroit Pistons to a vital 116-109 victory over the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena, forcing a comeback in their first-round playoff series.
In a game that saw both sides trading blows, the Pistons established a six-point lead by halftime (66-60) and extended that advantage to ten entering the final frame (89-79).
Despite Banchero's 45 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, spearheading a Magic offense that shot 45% from three-point range, Cunningham responded with a dazzling offensive display, complemented by 5 assists. The Pistons capitalised on a 49-33 rebounding advantage and converted 28 of their 35 free throws, critical elements as the Magic's bench chipped in 22 points. Tobias Harris also provided 23 points and 8 rebounds for Detroit, while Ausar Thompson added 15 rebounds and 5 steals.
The win cuts the Magic's series lead to 3-2, forcing Orlando back to Detroit for Game 6, where the Pistons will aim to extend the series.