The Detroit Pistons’ pursuit of the NBA Cup came to an abrupt end following a narrow home defeat to the Orlando Magic. Despite maintaining a solid lead for much of the game, Detroit faltered in the final minutes, allowing Orlando to complete a strong rally and secure the victory.
After the game, guard Cade Cunningham shared his thoughts on the team’s performance and the painful late-game collapse:
“We were right there. It’s frustrating because we did so many things right for most of the game,” said Cunningham. “We’ve got to figure out how to close these out. That’s the next step for us.”
Cunningham emphasized accountability, noting that small lapses on both ends of the floor made the difference down the stretch. He praised his teammates for their effort but reiterated that the Pistons must learn to finish games with more composure.
The Pistons entered the fourth quarter with momentum but struggled to generate consistent offense as Orlando tightened its defense. Several missed opportunities and turnovers allowed the Magic to seize control in the final minutes. Detroit’s late-game woes have been a recurring theme this season, highlighting the team’s growing pains.
Despite the loss, Cunningham remained optimistic, pointing out that the Pistons are steadily developing chemistry and gaining experience. He stressed that setbacks like this can fuel long-term growth if the team learns from them.
“We’ve got the talent and the fight,” Cunningham added. “It’s about putting it all together when it matters most.”
Author’s Summary: Cade Cunningham reflected on Detroit’s late-game collapse against Orlando, emphasizing missed opportunities and stressing the need for growth and finishing strength.