Cade Cunningham led the Detroit Pistons through a defining playoff test and made it clear the group’s confidence never shifted.
“I mean, we really bonded this season,” Cunningham said after Detroit’s 116-94 Game 7 win over the Orlando Magic. “This group is super tight. We think we could do anything.”
The All-Star guard finished with 32 points and 12 assists, capping a series where he averaged 32.4 points and carried the offensive load when needed.
“I think we were pushed to the limit,” Cunningham said. “It made us really reflect on how we were playing, what got us to this position.”
Detroit erased a 3-1 series deficit, becoming just the 15th team in NBA history to complete that comeback, and the first for the franchise in 18 years.
“We had our back against the wall at times in the regular season, but we stuck together,” Cunningham said. “We found our way out of it.”
The Pistons regained their identity late in the series, especially after a 24-point comeback in Game 6.
“It got us back to playing the basketball that we knew we were capable of,” Cunningham said.
Tobias Harris played a central role in Game 7, scoring 30 points and setting the tone early in the second quarter.
“He was huge all series, he was just solid,” Cunningham said. “You could rely on him.”
“His professionalism throughout the season but especially in the playoffs, he’s even raised his level of play.”
Cunningham emphasized Harris’ impact beyond scoring, pointing to his presence in key moments.
“He’s a pro’s pro,” Cunningham said. “We’re lucky to have him.”
Detroit controlled Game 7 with a 51% shooting performance and limited Orlando to 94 points, holding the Magic under 20 points in multiple quarters down the stretch of the series.
“Playoff basketball is a lot of fun because it’s so intense,” Cunningham said. “So much on the line.”
The former No. 1 pick acknowledged the challenge Orlando presented, particularly after Franz Wagner’s injury shifted the series dynamic.
“The Magic, credit to them, they pushed us,” Cunningham said. “They really made us take a look in the mirror.”
Cunningham described the series as a learning experience that will shape the next round.
“I got a lot better,” he said. “I learned a lot about myself, learned a lot about the team.”
Detroit’s internal identity also played a role in how the team handled pressure.
“We all are kind of cut from the same cloth,” Cunningham said. “We bond over being dogs and working through any situation.”
That mentality translated into execution, particularly after adjustments on both ends of the floor.
“Being down made us bond over that again,” Cunningham said. “Made us lock in on the system that coaches put in place.”
The Game 7 win marked Cunningham’s first playoff series victory, a milestone he had been working toward since entering the league.
“Thankfully, we got out of this and won it,” he said. “Wasn’t the way we would have drawn it up, but we’ll take it.”
Detroit now advances to the Eastern Conference semifinals with momentum and a tested foundation.
“It feels good,” Cunningham said. “Feels really good and we’re excited for what’s to come.”
