Cade Cunningham vs. Paolo Banchero: A 45-Point Playoff Duel for the Ages

Cade Cunningham vs. Paolo Banchero: A 45-Point Playoff Duel for the Ages When the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic met for Game 5, nobody expected we were about to witness history. But Cade Cunningham and Paolo Banchero had other plans, delivering matching 45-point performances that will be talked about for years. In a 116-109 victory that kept the Pistons' season alive, Cunningham set a new franchise playoff record, breaking Dave Bing's legendary mark of 44 points. On the other side, Banchero matched him shot for shot, keeping a shorthanded Magic squad—missing Franz Wagner due to a calf strain—in the game until the final minute. The Breakdown: How They Got to 45 Detroit came out desperate. Facing elimination as the #1 seed against an #8 seed, the Pistons built an early 17-point lead. But Banchero refused to let Orlando fold. He hit tough shots all night, going 17-for-31 from the field and 6-for-11 from deep. Cunningham answered every Magic run. His 45 points came with a level of control and precision that showed why he's the engine of this Detroit offense. When the Magic cut the lead to just three points with under a minute left, it was Cunningham who hit the clutch fadeaway jumper to push the lead to five and effectively seal the game. Betting Implications for Game 6 The series now shifts back to Orlando for Game 6, with the Magic holding a 3-2 lead. The betting markets are reacting to the momentum shift: - Detroit Pistons: -125 to win the series - Orlando Magic: +105 to win the series Despite trailing 3-2, the Pistons are slight favorites to win the series, largely because Game 7 would be back in Detroit. However, the key injury to watch is Franz Wagner. If he can't go in Game 6, Banchero will need another Herculean effort to close out the series at home. For bettors, looking at Cunningham's points props for Game 6 might be the play. He's found his rhythm and knows his team's season rests on his shoulders. This is what playoff basketball is all about. Two young stars going head-to-head, trading buckets with their seasons on the line. We can only hope Game 6 gives us an encore. --- Related reading: - Lakers Look to Close Out Rockets as Kevin Durant Ruled Out for Game 5 - NBA Playoff Recap: SGA Drops 42 as Thunder Go Up 3-0 - LeBron James vs. Kevin Durant: The 2026 Playoff Clash of the Titans