Cade Cunningham delivered a franchise playoff-record 45 points and made it clear afterward what fueled the performance.
“Yeah, just never die mentality,” Cunningham said. “I don’t want this season to end right now. So, got to put it all on the line.”
The Detroit Pistons stayed alive with a 116-109 win over the Orlando Magic in Game 5, cutting the series deficit to 3-2.
Cunningham shot 13-of-23 from the field, hit five three-pointers and went a perfect 14-of-14 from the free-throw line, controlling the game late with a step-back jumper in the final minute.
“Going into the game, I wanted to have a controlled aggression all night,” Cunningham said. “Just my mentality and the way that I prepare my mind going into the game all day allowed for what I thought and what I prepared for it to become.”
The All-Star guard emphasized the balance between scoring and playmaking, especially under playoff pressure.
“I know that I can get us points by me scoring, but also making sure that my team and I’m using my playmaking ability to get everybody going and just make the right play,” he said. “Sometimes in the fourth quarter, the ball has to be in my hands a little more.”
Detroit never trailed and built a double-digit lead before Orlando made a late push behind Paolo Banchero, who also scored 45 points.
“I think it was a great game. Hope the fans enjoy it,” Cunningham said. “But know it’s a great win for us. That’s what we needed.”
The Pistons’ defensive activity also stood out, particularly from Ausar Thompson, who recorded 15 rebounds, five steals and two blocks.
“He was great,” Cunningham said. “Him imposing himself on the series and imposing himself on the game like he did. He’s shown that he’s beyond capable of that.”
Detroit’s approach reflected urgency after inconsistent starts earlier in the series.
“It was just more flying around,” Cunningham said. “We played free. It wasn’t as much of the tightness that we had played with some of the past games in the series.”
The 24-year-old also addressed the mindset of facing elimination, pointing to a simplified approach.
“You have to feel it,” Cunningham said. “None of us want it to end. So, you got to put it all out there.”
Cunningham credited the opportunity to perform in high-pressure situations as a driving force.
“Not everybody’s blessed with those type of opportunities,” he said. “I’m just thankful for it, just try to make the most out of it.”
Despite the win, Cunningham noted areas for improvement, particularly ball security.
“There’s still more that we could put out there as far as execution and taking care of the damn ball,” he said. “Still too many turnovers for me.”
The Pistons now head to Orlando for Game 6, needing another win to extend the series further.
“We dug ourselves a hole,” Cunningham said. “And now it’s time to climb our way out. But it’s possible.”
