Detroit Pistons Pump Past Orlando Magic As Cleveland Cavaliers Stab Toronto Raptors

Last Updated:April 30, 2026, 08:16 IST

Cade Cunningham scores 45 as Pistons beat Magic 116-109 to stay alive, Paolo Banchero also has 45, Cavaliers edge Raptors 125-120 for 3-2 lead, Lakers up 3-1 on Rockets

Cade Cunningham delivered a sensational performance to keep the Detroit Pistons’ playoff hopes alive, powering them to a 116-109 win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. The guard poured in a franchise playoff-record 45 points, helping his team cut the series deficit to 3-2 and avoid elimination in their first-round matchup.

Playing nearly 44 minutes despite recently recovering from a collapsed lung, Cunningham led from the front in a must-win contest. “We dug ourselves a big hole, it’s going to be a tough one to climb out of, but we handled business tonight," he said. “We’re at our best when our backs are against the wall."

Detroit, the top seed in the Eastern Conference, came out with urgency, dominating early through energy and rebounding. Jalen Duren set the tone with seven quick points, while the Pistons controlled the boards and built a double-digit lead in the first quarter. Cunningham then exploded offensively, scoring 20 points in the second period alone.

Orlando responded after halftime, with Wendell Carter Jr. and Desmond Bane missing chances to take the lead. Detroit capitalised and reasserted control heading into the final quarter. A late push from the Magic, fuelled by Paolo Banchero — who matched Cunningham with 45 points — cut the gap to just three, but Cunningham sealed the game with a clutch three-pointer in the closing seconds.

Cavaliers Tame Raptors

Elsewhere, the Cleveland Cavaliers edged the Toronto Raptors 125-120 to take a 3-2 series lead. Evan Mobley starred with 23 points, while Dennis Schröder contributed crucial fourth-quarter scoring. James Harden and Donovan Mitchell added key contributions in a comeback win.

Toronto, led by RJ Barrett, faltered in the fourth quarter, allowing Cleveland to seize control. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers remain on the brink of advancing, leading their series 3-1 against the Houston Rockets.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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