NBA: Down 3-2, Pistons shift pressure to Paolo Banchero, Magic in Game 6

Cade Cunningham and Paolo Banchero have turned the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series into a showcase of star power, setting up another high-stakes matchup as the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic head into Game 6 on Friday night.

The Magic hold a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, but Cunningham’s standout performance in Game 5 kept Detroit alive, forcing a return to Orlando with elimination still looming for both teams.

Cunningham and Banchero each scored 45 points in Wednesday’s 116-109 victory by the Pistons, with Cunningham setting a new franchise playoff scoring record. The win allowed Detroit to avoid elimination and shift pressure back to Orlando on its home floor.

Now, the Pistons are looking to replicate a rare comeback from a 3-1 deficit, a feat the franchise last achieved in the playoffs 23 years ago under similar circumstances.

“We’ve got to go to Orlando and get one win there,” Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “We’ve won on the road before. Stay in the moment, stay present, take it one at a time.”

Orlando, meanwhile, is focused on closing out the series at home after dropping Game 5. Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized discipline over flash as his team returns to Florida.

“With a sense of urgency, with a sense of taking care of home,” Mosley said. “It’s not about hitting home runs. It’s about hitting singles all night long — doing the little things, the box-outs, making free throws.”

Despite Banchero’s 45-point effort, Orlando struggled at the free-throw line, shooting just 16-of-30, a key factor in the loss. Mosley said execution in those moments remains controllable.

“Got to step up and knock them down,” he said.

The Pistons also leaned on key contributions beyond their star guard, including Ausar Thompson, who grabbed 15 rebounds and helped swing momentum with defensive activity.

“His ability to get deflections, get steals and just create chaos out there,” Bickerstaff said.

Detroit continues to believe its defensive identity will determine whether the series returns home for a decisive Game 7.

“Our defense is what’s going to be key for us,” Bickerstaff said. “There’s still room for improvement.”

Orlando will again be without forward Franz Wagner, who is sidelined with a right calf injury for the second straight game. Wagner averaged 16.8 points in the first four games of the series before being ruled out.

The Magic have not advanced beyond the first round since 2010, while the Pistons are aiming to extend their unlikely postseason fight one more game — or force a winner-take-all showdown back in Detroit.

-Field Level Media/Reuters