Facing elimination, Cade Cunningham willed the Detroit Pistons to a massive victory in Game 5.
Detroit withstood a late Orlando Magic surge Wednesday, April 29, winning 116-109, to force a Game 6, though Detroit still trails in the series 3-2.
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It had been a frustrating round for Cunningham, who committed 24 turnovers over the previous three games prior to Wednesday night. Cunningham’s scoring had been there, but his supporting cast on the Pistons had been struggling to provide enough contributions.
At the risk of being closed out, Cunningham took matters into his own hands, setting a new Pistons franchise record for most points in a single playoff game.
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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
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NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.
Here’s Cade Cunningham’s full box score from Game 5 of the first round against the Orlando Magic.
Cade Cunningham stats vs. Magic
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cade Cunningham points tonight, Magic vs Pistons stats
