Top-seeded Pistons stay alive in playoffs with Magic win

TL;DR

The Detroit Pistons stayed alive in the playoffs with a 116-109 win over the Orlando Magic, thanks to Cade Cunningham's playoff-record 45 points. This victory reduces the series deficit to 3-2, with the Pistons needing to win the next two games to advance.

Key points

Cade Cunningham scored 45 points for the Pistons
Detroit avoided elimination with a 116-109 victory
The series is now 3-2 in favor of Orlando

Detroit PistonsOrlando MagicCade CunninghamWendell Carter Jr.

Cade Cunningham, having recently returned from a collapsed lung, played nearly 44 minutes as Detroit avoided an epic first-round ouster at the hands of eighth seed Orlando (Gregory Shamus) (Gregory Shamus/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP) An epic Cade Cunningham performance kept top-seeded Detroit's NBA playoff run alive in a crucial 116-109 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. Cunningham scored a Pistons playoff-record 45 points to drag his side through a must-win game, pulling Detroit back to a 3-2 deficit in the best-of-seven series. The Pistons star man, having recently returned from a collapsed lung, played nearly 44 minutes as Detroit avoided an epic first-round ouster at the hands of eighth seed Orlando. "We dug ourselves a big hole, it's going to be a tough one to climb out of, but we handled business tonight," said Cunningham. "We're at our best when our backs are against the wall," he added. Having dominated the Eastern Conference during the regular season, Detroit has faltered badly at the start of the post-season. Needing to win three in a row to escape the first round, the Pistons came out of the blocks fast in front of a home crowd Wednesday. Playing with a high energy bordering on desperation, Jalen Duren scored seven of the Pistons' first 11 points. Detroit owned the glass with 17 rebounds in the first quarter, building a 12-point lead. Cunningham exploded into the game with 20 points in the second quarter alone. But the gap closed to six points by half-time. and both missed go-ahead three-pointer attempts for Orlando soon after the break. The Pistons took advantage and powered clear, building a double-digit lead by the end of the third quarter. Orlando refused to quit, mounting a late charge including a pair of three-pointers and a Carter Jr dunk that narrowed the lead to three points. But a Cunningham three-pointer with barely 30 seconds remaining sealed the win. Banchero top-scored for Orlando with 45 points. The Magic -- who only qualified for the playoffs via the play-in tournament -- will have another chance to finish a surprise series win on Friday back in Orlando. A possible decider would take place in Detroit on Sunday. The and continued their fiercely contested series, tied 2-2 apiece. And the have a chance to finish their series against the , which they lead 3-1. amz/pst

Q&A

How many points did Cade Cunningham score in the game against the Orlando Magic?

Cade Cunningham scored a playoff-record 45 points in the game against the Orlando Magic.

What is the current series status between the Pistons and the Magic?

The series is currently 3-2 in favor of the Orlando Magic, with the Pistons needing to win the next two games to advance.

When is the next game between the Pistons and the Magic?

The next game between the Pistons and the Magic is scheduled for Friday in Orlando.

Top-seeded Pistons stay alive in playoffs with Magic win

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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