In a memorable Game 5 showdown, Cade Cunningham and Paolo Banchero each delivered an impressive 45-point performance.
Game 6 scenarios in a best-of-seven series present a consistent yet paradoxically diverse set of stakes. One squad is determined to avoid a decisive Game 7, while its opponent is equally resolved to extend the series.
Considering factors like home-court advantage, player injuries, and existing momentum, these crucial penultimate contests often carry an intensity and dramatic weight comparable to a Game 7.
Will Orlando allow this vital chance to slip away on their home court at the Kia Center this Friday evening (7 p.m. ET, Prime Video)? Can the Pistons achieve a dual victory by not only outscoring their rivals but also diminishing the Magic’s resolve at the prospect of a return trip to Detroit? It’s widely recognized that merely 13 teams in NBA playoff history have recovered from a 3-1 deficit – a scenario the Magic are desperate to avoid reaching within 48 minutes.
The prior game in this surprisingly balanced series – far more competitive than a standard 1-seed vs. 8-seed pairing – delivered both excitement and fierce competition. Detroit’s Cade Cunningham and Orlando’s Paolo Banchero each posted 45 points, culminating in a 116-109 win for the Pistons. Cunningham and his squad, once more staring down elimination, understand that another triumph over the Magic could reframe the series, sustain their momentum, and reclaim the homecourt advantage they battled for throughout the season.
Here are three key aspects to observe in Game 6:
1. Cunningham’s Unique Mentality
With a composed demeanor as he maneuvers the court, analyzing defenses, facilitating plays for teammates, or creating his own scoring opportunities, Cunningham exemplifies exceptional poise. While numerous NBA players often downplay the intense pressure of the postseason, Cunningham embraces it wholeheartedly, expressing how much he appreciates such moments.
Indeed, he considers himself fortunate to confront it.
“[It’s] just opportunity,” remarked the Pistons’ playmaker, following his 45-point outburst in Game 5 on Wednesday that salvaged his team’s postseason hopes.
“Not everybody’s blessed with the opportunity to have pressure. To have things on the line like that, a lot of times I feel undeserving of [what] great moments I get to be a part of.”
Did you notice that? The phrase ‘Get to.’ This highlights Cunningham’s distinct mindset and accounts for his remarkable achievement of scoring the most points in a playoff game in Pistons franchise history. This tally surpassed Hall of Famer Dave Bing’s 44-point effort in 1968, and even eclipsed Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas’ 1988 performance by a single point.
Cunningham propelled Detroit through the initial three quarters, contributing 37 points alongside just one assist. However, in the final period, after effectively weakening the Magic’s defense, he distributed the ball generously with four assists while also taking four shots himself.
“He’s not one of those guys who runs around taking a lot,” Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “He understood what was in front of us.”
This understanding persists as he approaches Game 6.
2. Filling the Void Left by Wagner
In the latter half of Game 4, Magic forward Franz Wagner sustained a strained right calf, having made significant contributions on both offense and defense – tallying 19 points before his injury and providing stout defensive play against Cunningham, who struggled, missing 16 of his 23 shots and recording a minus-7 in the Pistons’ loss.
However, Wagner was observed in a walking boot and casual attire for Game 5, and he remains sidelined for Game 6. Given that calf injuries are currently considered potential precursors to Achilles tendon tears, medical teams are cautious about rushing players back, even during the playoffs.
Consequently, Orlando is once more tasked with defending Cunningham using players who lack Wagner’s combination of size and agility. Jamal Cain possesses a slighter build, Jalen Suggs is at a three-inch and 15-pound disadvantage, and other Magic players may struggle to match Cunningham’s speed. While Banchero could be a viable option, his significant offensive workload means Orlando cannot risk him becoming fatigued or incurring foul trouble while tracking Cunningham.
Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley might opt for a collective defensive strategy, aiming for a rotation of varied matchups to continually challenge Cunningham.
3. Unclaimed Points at the Charity Stripe
Recall Al Pacino’s iconic football coach persona in “Any Given Sunday,” delivering his fervent locker room address that characterized football as a game of inches? He famously stated, “The inches we need are everywhere around us.”
The crucial points both the Pistons and Magic require have been consistently available at the free-throw line, yet far too many have been squandered.
Across six contests, the Magic have slightly edged the Pistons 511-508 in total scoring. However, Detroit has failed to convert 38 free throws, while Orlando has missed 44. This includes the Magic’s notably poor 14-of-30 performance from the line during their seven-point loss in Game 5.
Orlando concluded the regular season ranked eighth in free-throw shooting at 80.1%, but has fallen to last among playoff teams with a dismal 70.3%. Detroit’s performance was subpar during the season (27th, 76.3%) and remains middling in the postseason (12th, 74.5%).
A combination of physical fatigue, nervous jitters, and diminishing focus typically accounts for players frequently missing shots they’ve diligently practiced countless times. The team that first manages to sharpen their free-throw accuracy could gain a significant psychological and scoreboard advantage.
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Steve Aschburner has written about the NBA since 1980. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.