Fab 5 legend Jalen Rose talks Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic Game 6, keys to slowing down Paolo

DETROIT – Detroit native Jalen Rose is backing the Pistons to extend their first-round playoff series, and he believes they can do it on the road.

Rose, a former Michigan Wolverines basketball star and member of the iconic Fab Five, spoke ahead of Game 6 as the top-seeded Detroit Pistons prepare to face the Orlando Magic inside the Kia Center, trailing the series 3-2.

A win would force a decisive Game 7 back at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday, May 3.

“I feel like we’re going to go to Orlando and get a victory,” Rose said. “I’m really proud of the team. They’ve outplayed a lot of people’s expectations.”

Cunningham’s dominant Game 5 fuels Detroit’s hopes

Detroit staved off elimination Wednesday, April 29, taking down the Magic 116-109 behind a standout performance from guard Cade Cunningham, who scored 45 points in the matchup, setting a playoff franchise record.

Cunningham shot 13-for-23 from the field and a perfect 14-for-14 from the free-throw line, combining aggressive scoring with his trademark playmaking in what Rose described as a “never-die mentality.”

Rose praised the young guard’s poise and efficiency, calling his continued growth remarkable to watch.

“He’s a really good leader,” Rose said. “He’s locked into what he’s trying to accomplish. It’s incredible to watch his efficiency and how his game continues to grow.”

Detroit also received a major boost from Ausar Thompson, who delivered a dominant defensive effort with 15 rebounds, five steals, and two blocks.

The Cunningham-Banchero showdown in Game 5 marked just the second time in NBA history that two No. 1 overall picks each scored more than 40 points against one another — the first coming when former Pistons star Allen Iverson and Shaquille O’Neal dueled in the 2001 NBA Finals.

Banchero presents matchup challenges for Detroit

While Cunningham’s scoring has been a driving force, Rose said the Pistons will need more balance, particularly in the frontcourt, to secure a win in Orlando.

Orlando’s Paolo Banchero has been a consistent matchup problem throughout the series, using his size and versatility to challenge Detroit’s interior defense.

In Game 5, Banchero finished with 45 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, including 18 points in the fourth quarter alone.

“He has the size of a big forward, but he has perimeter skills,” Rose said, adding that the matchup has been especially difficult against smaller defenders.

Rose pointed to center Jalen Duren as a key variable for the Pistons heading into Game 6, saying a breakout performance from the big man could shift the momentum of the series.

“If we get a big game from him, which we’ve been looking for this entire series, I think we’ll find a way,” Rose said.

“I think he’s going to show up on the road,” Rose added.

When pressed on whether he truly believed it, Rose didn’t hesitate.

“Yes,” Rose said. “Let’s go, JD.”

Playoffs a ‘chess match,’ Rose says

Beyond individual performances, Rose said the nature of playoff basketball demands constant adaptation from both teams.

“The one thing about the playoffs is it’s a best of seven, and so it’s a chess match in a lot of ways,” Rose said. “You understand the inbounds play a team is running, and then they switch it up and run a variation from it. You know a set play they’re running in the half court, then they adjust.”

He acknowledged that star players can still take over when adjustments aren’t enough.

“Sometimes the best players just take over and be dominant,” Rose said.

Still, Rose emphasized that a road win will require contributions beyond Detroit’s top stars.

“If we’re going to win on the road, we’re going to need our role players to really step up,” Rose said.

And if the series does return to Detroit, Rose made his feelings about a potential Game 7 clear.

“If we get back here, there’s no way they’re winning a Game 7,” Rose said.

‘Ride or die’: Rose’s lifelong bond with Detroit

Watching Rose watch a Pistons game courtside is its own kind of spectacle; the longtime NBA analyst and television personality rarely sits still.

“It is, but that’s how I watch the game at home, too,” Rose said. “That’s how I watch games when I’m working on TV. I’m literally standing there.”

Rose described that restless energy as simply part of who he is, whether he’s at home, on a broadcast set, or inside the arena.

“They’re like, ‘Why don’t you sit down?’ It’s just my energy,” Rose said. “Especially when I’m enthusiastic about something.”

That enthusiasm runs deepest when it comes to the Pistons.

Rose said his connection to the franchise is rooted in family; his father, Jimmy Walker, played for Detroit, and his mother, Jeanne Rose, was also a devoted fan.

He also cited a relationship with team owner Tom Gores and spoke warmly of franchise legends like Isiah Thomas and Dave Bing as part of the Pistons’ extended family.

“The Pistons are my favorite team,” Rose said.

For Rose, courtside isn’t just a seat; it’s a lifelong post.

“I’m ride or die for the squad,” Rose said.

Look for the Pistons to try to keep their season alive as they will take on the Magic on Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m. on Prime Video.