Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic Live Score and Stats – May 1, 2026 Gametracker

Cade Cunningham and Paolo Banchero are proving they know learn how to placed on a present, and they will be known as upon in one other doable elimination recreation of their first-spherical Eastern Conference playoff sequence.

Cunningham’s heroics Wednesday night time purchased the Detroit Pistons one other recreation as No. 1 seed Detroit visits Orlando for Game 6 on Friday night time with the Orlando Magic main 3-2.

The Pistons struck the final blow to win Game 5, returning the strain to the Magic to complete the sequence at dwelling and keep away from a visit again to Detroit.

“With a sense of urgency, with a sense of taking care of home,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley mentioned of the mindset of going again to Florida. “With the way we know how we play at home in front of our fans, with that energy and that excitement in that building. But we’ve got to make sure we’re doing the smart version of it. It’s not about hitting home runs. It’s about hitting singles all night long. And that’s doing the little things – the box-outs, the free throws being made….”

Cunningham and Banchero scored 45 factors apiece when the Pistons prolonged the sequence with Wednesday night time’s 116-109 victory in Game 5. Cunningham’s output marked a franchise playoff document.

The Pistons are trying to return again from a 3-1 sequence deficit in opposition to Orlando very similar to it did 23 years in the past within the first spherical, when the groups held the identical seeds.

“Now we got to go to Orlando and get one win there,” Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff mentioned. “And we’ve won on the road before. So it’s a simple formula for us. Stay in the moment, stay present, take it one at a time.”

The Magic gained each video games in Orlando (Games 3 and 4) 113-105 and 94-88.

“When our backs have been against the wall, we come out swinging,” Bickerstaff mentioned. “…That spirit carries over. The want to not let your teammate down carries over. And we’ve got a locker room full of guys that feel that way. Until that fat lady starts singing, we’ve got life.”

Even with Cunningham’s large numbers, Bickerstaff figures the end result might be decided on the different finish of the court docket.

“Our defense is what’s going to be key for us,” Bickerstaff mentioned. “I still think there’s room for improvement (after Game 5).”

The Magic final superior past the primary spherical of the playoffs in 2010, sweeping the then-Charlotte Bobcats and Atlanta Hawks earlier than dropping to the Boston Celtics within the Eastern Conference Finals.

Mosley is aware of they’re near getting the job performed and expects them to play prefer it on Friday night time.

“I think their resilience was great,” Mosley mentioned of his staff. “I thought our guys did a really good job at the initial part.”

Banchero’s manufacturing in Game 5 got here regardless of going 5-for-12 on free throws.

Mosley recognized free-throw capturing (16-for-30) as one of many culprits within the Magic’s loss.

“Got to step up and knock them down,” Mosley mentioned. “Those are things we can control.”

Ausar Thompson’s 15 rebounds gave the Pistons a lift in Game 5, significantly with rebounding a bother spot for the Magic.

“His ability to get deflections, get steals and just create chaos out there,” Bickerstaff mentioned of Thompson’s general affect.

Orlando might be with out ahead Franz Wagner for the second straight recreation due to an ailing proper calf. Wagner averaged 16.8 factors per recreation within the first 4 video games of the sequence.

–Field Level Media