Detroit jumped on Orlando early and never let go. In a loud Little Caesars Arena, the Pistons led from start to finish and won 116-109 in the NBA Playoffs first round. It was a statement home performance built on rebounding, free throws and a star turn from their No. 2.

A first-quarter burst and control on the glass

Detroit set the tone with a 38-26 first quarter and never trailed. The hosts owned the boards 49-33 and doubled the Magic in offensive rebounds 16-8. That extra possession game mattered when the shots cooled.

The free throw gap was just as important. Detroit went 28 of 35 at the line, while Orlando finished 16 of 30. Every late whistle seemed to tilt the math toward the home side.

Cade lights it up: 45 points and a big night on Sofascore

Cade Cunningham took over. He scored 45 points on 13 of 23 shooting, hit 5 of 8 from three and made all 14 free throws. He added 5 assists and 4 rebounds, earning a Sofascore Rating 9.2.

Twenty of those points came in the second quarter as Detroit steadied after Orlando’s surge. Cunningham then closed in the fourth with timely drives and calm free throws, exactly what a No. 1 seed needs at home.

Support around him was steady. Tobias Harris posted 23 points and 8 rebounds and knocked down the last four free throws to seal it. Jalen Duren battled for 12 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks, while Duncan Robinson chipped in 12 with three triples.

Banchero matched 45, but numbers favor Detroit

Paolo Banchero gave Orlando everything, tying Cunningham with 45 points on 17 of 31 shooting, including 6 of 11 from deep, plus 7 assists and 9 rebounds. Anthony Black added 19 and Desmond Bane scored 18 with four threes. Wendell Carter Jr. had 3 blocks and 4 assists.

The Magic outshot Detroit from three 17 of 38 (44 percent), but the Pistons’ edge on the glass and at the stripe decided it. Orlando trimmed the gap late with a Banchero three, only for Cunningham to answer at the rim and Harris to close it from the line.

Key numbers and what it means next

– Rebounds: Detroit 49, Orlando 33
– Free throws: Detroit 28/35, Orlando 16/30
– Field goals: Detroit 39/80, Orlando 38/80
– Biggest lead: Detroit by 17

The series scoreboard shows Orlando ahead 3-2, but Detroit’s response at home keeps the pressure on. Game plans rarely change in April and May. Win the glass, win the line, and your star makes the rest look simple.

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