Cade scores 39, but Detroit chase all night

Cade Cunningham did everything to keep Detroit in it: 39 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 13-of-27 from the field and 10-of-11 at the line. Tobias Harris added 17 points and 6 rebounds, while Duncan Robinson hit three triples.

The Pistons lived at the stripe, going 29-of-38, but struggled from the floor at 31-of-77 overall. Orlando’s defense held Detroit to 46 percent on two-pointers and forced the hosts into catch-up mode all game.

Numbers behind the win

– Inside the arc was decisive. Orlando went 34-of-56 on twos (60 percent) to Detroit’s 21-of-45 (46 percent).
– The Magic were cleaner and shared it more: 26 assists to 19, with only 12 turnovers.
– Orlando controlled the key moments. They shot 14-of-21 in the fourth quarter and closed with Carter Jr.’s clinching baskets.
– Biggest lead favored the Magic by 13. Detroit never led.

Sofascore Ratings leaders

Per Sofascore, Wendell Carter Jr. posted the game’s top Sofascore Rating at 8.6, reflecting his efficient scoring and playmaking. Cade Cunningham followed at 8.4 after his 39-point night. Banchero checked in at 7.8 and Franz Wagner at 7.7, underscoring Orlando’s balanced frontcourt.

You can dive into the box score, play-by-play and every Sofascore Rating for the NBA Playoffs on Sofascore, and follow how the series develops after this 1-0 Magic lead.