DETROIT – Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised Cade Cunningham for a standout performance after Detroit’s Game 5 victory over the Orlando Magic, saying the All-Star guard delivered in a pivotal moment to keep the team’s season alive.
“I don’t think I’ve seen one like that in person,” Bickerstaff said. “To know the moment, understand the moment, and then just do whatever was necessary to help us get that win, that’s why he’s special.”
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Cunningham led the Pistons with a dominant performance, taking control in key stretches, including late in the fourth quarter, to help seal the win in a must-win game.
It was the Cunningham show on Wednesday (April 29) inside Little Caesars Arena, as he finished with a franchise record 45 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal, and five turnovers, including a dagger jumper with 31.3 to play in the fourth quarter in the victory.
Cunningham was 13 for 23 from the field and 14-14 from the charity stripe in the pivotal Game 5 victory.
It was Cunningham’s fifth-straight game with 25 or more points, passing Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers Isiah Thomas (1987-88) and Bob Lanier (1976-77) for the longest streak in Pistons playoff history.
Bickerstaff said Cunningham’s leadership and composure set the tone for the team.
“He wasn’t going to let us go down tonight,” Bickerstaff said. “There’s a handful of guys in this league who can meet the moment like that. He understands his responsibility and what he means to this team.”
Detroit built a double-digit lead in both the second and fourth quarters but had to withstand runs from Orlando, which has hit timely shots throughout the series.
Bickerstaff pointed to defense and rebounding as critical factors in the win, noting the Pistons controlled key possessions despite minor lapses.
“When you put the possession game together, keeping them off the offensive glass, creating turnovers, you give yourself a chance,” Bickerstaff said.
Bickerstaff also highlighted the impact of Ausar Thompson, who contributed across the stat sheet with rebounding, defense, and playmaking.
“He sacrifices himself every night to do whatever the team needs,” Bickerstaff said. “He takes on tough assignments, rebounds, creates deflections, and just causes chaos.”
The Pistons had a key contribution in the matchup from Thompson, who was all over the floor in the victory.
Thompson had six points with 15 rebounds, six assists, five steals, two blocks, and five turnovers in the victory.
With Detroit facing elimination entering the game, Bickerstaff emphasized the team’s urgency and mindset.
“It was do or die,” Bickerstaff said. “We knew if we wanted our season to continue, we had to give everything we had. Now it’s about going to Orlando and getting one more.”
Bickerstaff said his team’s resilience and mindset were on display as it continues to fight to extend its season.
“You don’t want to put yourself in this situation, but this is what we expected,” Bickerstaff said. “Our backs have been against the wall, and we come out swinging, kicking, scratching, biting, whatever is necessary to get it done.”
Detroit has leaned on its energy and collective effort in high-pressure moments, with Bickerstaff emphasizing the team’s refusal to back down.
“That spirit carries over,” Bickerstaff said. “The want to not let your teammate down carries over. We’ve got a locker room full of guys that feel that way.”
Despite facing elimination pressure, Bickerstaff said the Pistons have maintained belief throughout the series.
“I feel like we’ve always had life,” Bickerstaff said. “Until that fat lady starts singing, we’ve got life.”
The series shifts back to Orlando for Game 6, where the Pistons will look to extend their season again.