Wednesday night in the NBA playoffs delivered three key Game 5 matchups, with two teams fighting to extend their seasons and another taking control of their series.
The Detroit Pistons kept their season alive with a 116-109 win over the Orlando Magic. Cade Cunningham and Paolo Banchero both scored 45 points, going back and forth throughout the game. Detroit stayed in control and held on late to force a Game 6. After the game, Cunningham said, “Back against the wall, never-say-die mentality… It was great basketball.”
The Cleveland Cavaliers edged the Toronto Raptors 125-120 to take a 3-2 series lead. James Harden led the way with 23 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Evan Mobley added 23 points. Cleveland’s shooting helped them pull through in a close game.
The Houston Rockets also stayed alive with a 99-93 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Jabari Smith Jr. led Houston with 22 points as the team held off a late push from LeBron James and the Lakers. Head coach Ime Udoka said after the game, “Big time performances from everybody.”
The results mean Detroit and Houston have both forced Game 6, while Cleveland now holds a strong advantage in their series. Teams with a 3-2 lead have historically gone on to win the series most of the time.
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