Cade’s 45 do trick vs. Magic as Pistons stay alive…
DETROIT — Tension began to build at Little Caesars Arena when Paolo Banchero knocked down a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer that made Game 5 between the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic just a three-point game with just over a minute to go Wednesday night. If Game 4 was a defensive slugfest won by the Magic in Orlando, Florida, Game 5 will be remembered as a classic playoff duel between two of the best young offensive talents in the game. Cunningham and Banchero became just the second set of players with dueling 45-point performances in NBA playoff history, joining Donovan Mitchell (51 points) and Jamal Murray (50 points), who dueled in Game 4 of the 2020 first round between the Jazz and Nuggets in the NBA COVID bubble.
"That's what's up," Cunningham said when told about him and Banchero joining Murray and Mitchell as the only other two to score that many points in a playoff game against each other. Just try to make the most of it." Cunningham edged Dave Bing (44 points in 1968) for most points scored in a playoff game for the Pistons. Detroit needed each one Wednesday because the Magic battled to keep it close despite not having Franz Wagner , who missed Game 5 due to a right calf strain. (His status for Game 6 and a potential Game 7 remains uncertain).
Analysis: Why This Matters
This story matters because Without Wagner can change the trajectory of a season — and a franchise.
Key Takeaways
- If Game 4 was a defensive slugfest won by the Magic in Orlando, Florida, Game 5 will be remembered as a classic playoff duel between two of the best young offensive talents in the game.
- But Cade Cunningham drove on the right side of the floor and got Desmond Bane sliding backward as he stopped and popped a 16-foot fadeaway with 32 seconds left.
- Just try to make the most of it." Cunningham edged Dave Bing (44 points in 1968) for most points scored in a playoff game for the Pistons.
Stay tuned for game-day fallout and any official statements still to come.
Source: ESPN Sports