Pistons’ Cade Cunningham makes ‘undeserving’ admission after heroic Game 5

After losing three of their first four games of the 1-8 first-round series against the Orlando Magic, the Detroit Pistons fought back in a major way in Game 5, scoring a franchise record 45 points in a 116-109 win.

Suddenly, the Pistons had life in a series that looked borderline hopeless, secured a victory in front of their fans, and were awarded a golden opportunity to win it all on home court in Game 7 should they ride the momentum to another W in Orlando.

Discussing how it feels to still be a player in the playoffs after such an ugly series of early efforts after the game, Cunningham noted that the Pistons are blessed to still be alive, even if he doesn’t always feel like he deserves it.

“Just opportunity, not everybody’s blessed with those type of opportunities to have pressure and to have things on the line like that,” Cunningham said. “A lot of times I feel undeserving of how great of moments I get to be a part of. So just thankful for it, just try to make the most out of it.”

Cade on being in the big moments:

"Just the opportunity. Not everybody is blessed with those type of opportunities to have pressure. A lot of times I feel undeserving of how great of moments I get to be a part of" pic.twitter.com/08aLYjtyAk

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) April 30, 2026

While poor shooting and turnovers have plagued Cunningham early in this series, Game 5 was a certified showcase of the MVP candidate’s unique abilities, putting up 45 points in 44 minutes to go with four rebounds, five assists, and a steal. Cunningham shot 56.5 percent from the field, 5-8 from beyond the arc, and nailed all 14 of his free throws, giving Detroit the juice they needed to keep the series alive.

With Game 6 now secured, the Pistons are going to need more Cunningham magic to beat Orlando, showing the NBA why he deserves to be in the conversation for one of the best players in the association.

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