Cunningham's Record 45 Ignites Pistons' Game 5 Survival Thriller

DETROIT — In a pulse-pounding Game 5 on Wednesday night, Cade Cunningham delivered a franchise playoff-record 45 points, including a dagger step-back jumper with 32 seconds remaining, as the top-seeded Detroit Pistons edged the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic 116-109 to avoid a first-round sweep.[1][2] The 23-year-old guard, now in his fourth NBA season, drained five 3-pointers and dictated the tempo throughout, turning a tense third-quarter rally by Orlando into a Pistons rout heading into the fourth.[1][2] Tobias Harris provided stout support with 23 points, while All-Star center Jalen Duren broke out of a shooting slump for 12 points and nine rebounds.[1] Reserve Duncan Robinson chipped in 12 points off the bench, helping Detroit build a commanding 89-79 lead after Cunningham's late third-quarter trey repelled Orlando's push to within two points.[1][2] The victory sends the series back to Orlando for Game 6, with the Magic still leading 3-2. Cunningham's explosion surpassed the previous Pistons playoff mark of 43 points set by Dave Bing in 1970, marking a coming-of-age moment for the former No. 1 overall pick who has blossomed into the franchise cornerstone.[1] Pistons coach Monty Williams praised Cunningham's poise postgame, noting his ability to deliver under elimination pressure in front of a raucous Little Caesars Arena crowd.[1] Orlando's effort fell short despite a gritty response in the third quarter, but Detroit's depth and Cunningham's brilliance proved decisive. As the Pistons fight to extend their season, all eyes turn to Game 6 in Florida, where Cunningham's record night could spark an improbable comeback.[2]