Deadspin | Down 3-2, Pistons shift pressure to Paolo Banchero, Magic in Game 6 
Apr 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles on Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) in the second half uring game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Cade Cunningham and Paolo Banchero are proving they know how to put on a show, and they’re going to be called upon in another possible elimination game in their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.
Cunningham’s heroics Wednesday night bought the Pistons another game as No. 1 seed Detroit visits Orlando for Game 6 on Friday night with the Magic leading 3-2.
The Pistons struck the last blow to win Game 5, returning the pressure to the Magic to finish the series at home and avoid a trip back to Detroit.
“With a sense of urgency, with a sense of taking care of home,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said of the mindset of going back to Florida. “With the way we know how we play at home in front of our fans, with that energy and that excitement in that building. But we’ve got to make sure we’re doing the smart version of it. It’s not about hitting home runs. It’s about hitting singles all night long. And that’s doing the little things – the box-outs, the free throws being made. …”
Cunningham and Banchero scored 45 points apiece when the Pistons extended the series with Wednesday night’s 116-109 victory in Game 5. Cunningham’s output marked a franchise playoff record.
The Pistons are attempting to come back from a 3-1 series deficit against Orlando much like it did 23 years ago in the first round, when the teams held the same seeds.
“Now we got to go to Orlando and get one win there,” Pistons coach J.B Bickerstaff said. “And we’ve won on the road before. So it’s a simple formula for us. Stay in the moment, stay present, take it one at a time.”
The Magic won both games in Orlando (Games 3 and 4) 113-105 and 94-88.
“When our backs have been against the wall, we come out swinging,” Bickerstaff said. “… That spirit carries over. The want to not let your teammate down carries over. And we’ve got a locker room full of guys that feel that way. Until that fat lady starts singing, we’ve got life.”
Even with Cunningham’s big numbers, Bickerstaff figures the outcome will be determined at the other end of the court.
“Our defense is what’s going to be key for us,” Bickerstaff said. “I still think there’s room for improvement (after Game 5).”
The Magic last advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs in 2010, sweeping the then-Charlotte Bobcats and Atlanta Hawks before losing to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Mosley knows they are close to getting the job done and expects them to play like it on Friday night.
“I think their resiliency was great,” Mosley said of his team. “I thought our guys did a really good job at the initial part.”
Banchero’s production in Game 5 came despite going 5-for-12 on free throws.
Mosley identified free-throw shooting (16-for-30) as one of the culprits in the Magic’s loss.
“Got to step up and knock them down,” Mosley said. “Those are things we can control.”
Ausar Thompson’s 15 rebounds gave the Pistons a boost in Game 5, particularly with rebounding a trouble spot for the Magic.
“His ability to get deflections, get steals and just create chaos out there,” Bickerstaff said of Thompson’s overall impact.
Orlando will be without forward Franz Wagner for the second straight game because of an ailing right calf. Wagner averaged 16.8 points per game in the first four games of the series.
–Field Level Media
#Deadspin #Pistons #shift #pressure #Paolo #Banchero #Magic #Game
Apr 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles on Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) in the second half uring game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Cade Cunningham and Paolo Banchero are proving they know how to put on a show, and they’re going to be called upon in another possible elimination game in their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.
Cunningham’s heroics Wednesday night bought the Pistons another game as No. 1 seed Detroit visits Orlando for Game 6 on Friday night with the Magic leading 3-2.
The Pistons struck the last blow to win Game 5, returning the pressure to the Magic to finish the series at home and avoid a trip back to Detroit.
“With a sense of urgency, with a sense of taking care of home,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said of the mindset of going back to Florida. “With the way we know how we play at home in front of our fans, with that energy and that excitement in that building. But we’ve got to make sure we’re doing the smart version of it. It’s not about hitting home runs. It’s about hitting singles all night long. And that’s doing the little things – the box-outs, the free throws being made. …”
Cunningham and Banchero scored 45 points apiece when the Pistons extended the series with Wednesday night’s 116-109 victory in Game 5. Cunningham’s output marked a franchise playoff record.
The Pistons are attempting to come back from a 3-1 series deficit against Orlando much like it did 23 years ago in the first round, when the teams held the same seeds.
“Now we got to go to Orlando and get one win there,” Pistons coach J.B Bickerstaff said. “And we’ve won on the road before. So it’s a simple formula for us. Stay in the moment, stay present, take it one at a time.”
The Magic won both games in Orlando (Games 3 and 4) 113-105 and 94-88.
“When our backs have been against the wall, we come out swinging,” Bickerstaff said. “… That spirit carries over. The want to not let your teammate down carries over. And we’ve got a locker room full of guys that feel that way. Until that fat lady starts singing, we’ve got life.”
Even with Cunningham’s big numbers, Bickerstaff figures the outcome will be determined at the other end of the court.
“Our defense is what’s going to be key for us,” Bickerstaff said. “I still think there’s room for improvement (after Game 5).”
The Magic last advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs in 2010, sweeping the then-Charlotte Bobcats and Atlanta Hawks before losing to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Mosley knows they are close to getting the job done and expects them to play like it on Friday night.
“I think their resiliency was great,” Mosley said of his team. “I thought our guys did a really good job at the initial part.”
Banchero’s production in Game 5 came despite going 5-for-12 on free throws.
Mosley identified free-throw shooting (16-for-30) as one of the culprits in the Magic’s loss.
“Got to step up and knock them down,” Mosley said. “Those are things we can control.”
Ausar Thompson’s 15 rebounds gave the Pistons a boost in Game 5, particularly with rebounding a trouble spot for the Magic.
“His ability to get deflections, get steals and just create chaos out there,” Bickerstaff said of Thompson’s overall impact.
Orlando will be without forward Franz Wagner for the second straight game because of an ailing right calf. Wagner averaged 16.8 points per game in the first four games of the series.
–Field Level Media
![WATCH | Sanjay Manjrekar breaks down the technical change behind Sanju Samson’s recent success It has been a 2026 to remember for Sanju Samson. After initially being dropped from India’s T20 team the 31-year-old returned to the team in memorable fashion, smashing three fifties in three knockout matches as India romped home to its third T20 World Cup title.He has carried that form forward into his maiden stint with Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, smashing two centuries in his first eight outings, and has been the lone bright spark in what has been a tough season for the Chennai Super Kings batting group with 304 runs at an average of 50.66 and strike-rate of 169.83. This recent form is the culmination of a recent turnaround for the batter, who has added the element of consistency to his much-vaunted batting style. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHZKfnILQsI[/embed]It is a change that Sanjay Manjrekar puts down to a technical change. “He has this very beautiful stance, slightly open and nicely balanced, very relaxed. Now, earlier, he had this one movement, a small step forward. And from this position, his whole batting would happen,” Manjrekar explained on Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast.“Now, what he has started doing in the same position, he goes right back. Now, the ball is further away from me, so I’m able to pull it and there is more time for me to react to that ball.”ALSO READ: Sanjay Manjrekar: KL Rahul can bat at any position, provided he doesn’t think his wicket matters “The other thing that happens is when you go right back, the bowler sort of becomes a little slower because I’m further away from him. So I get a little more time,” he further explained. Manjrekar also noted that Samson had added another shot to his repertoire, the dab to third man. “When there is a good ball that’s bowled very close to him, he’s doing a little tap down to the third man. If he was in the original position, there was no way he would be able to play that.”“So basically what he’s done is gone back and he’s made all these balls, good balls, scoring deliveries.“The one ball that can trouble him, if there’s a smart bowler, is if he pitches the ball right up and that troubles him. But he’s also a good front foot player, so if the pitch is not lively, the ball is not moving much, he’s able to drive off the front foot,’ Manjrekar concluded.Manjrekar also said that Samson’s mentality has contributed to his success, saying, ”Mentally he’s a very interesting character. He’s a very relaxed guy, and it’s not an act, he is genuinely relaxed.”“In the T20 World Cup, the thing to like about him was the demeanour he has. He played a game and was dropped, but when he came back, he was OK to get out, he didn’t mind getting out. He’s not someone who, because he was out of the team and needs to prove himself, will just pick up the ones and twos, and be the anchor. He’s very selfless. That is the thing to like about him.”Published on May 01, 2026 #WATCH #Sanjay #Manjrekar #breaks #technical #change #Sanju #Samsons #success](https://i0.wp.com/ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/eqrakg/article70928975.ece/alternates/LANDSCAPE_1200/APTOPIX_India_IPL_Cricket_74271.jpg?ssl=1 "WATCH | Sanjay Manjrekar breaks down the technical change behind Sanju Samson’s recent success It has been a 2026 to remember for Sanju Samson. After initially being dropped from India’s T20 team the 31-year-old returned to the team in memorable fashion, smashing three fifties in three knockout matches as India romped home to its third T20 World Cup title.He has carried that form forward into his maiden stint with Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, smashing two centuries in his first eight outings, and has been the lone bright spark in what has been a tough season for the Chennai Super Kings batting group with 304 runs at an average of 50.66 and strike-rate of 169.83. This recent form is the culmination of a recent turnaround for the batter, who has added the element of consistency to his much-vaunted batting style. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHZKfnILQsI[/embed]It is a change that Sanjay Manjrekar puts down to a technical change. “He has this very beautiful stance, slightly open and nicely balanced, very relaxed. Now, earlier, he had this one movement, a small step forward. And from this position, his whole batting would happen,” Manjrekar explained on Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast.“Now, what he has started doing in the same position, he goes right back. Now, the ball is further away from me, so I’m able to pull it and there is more time for me to react to that ball.”ALSO READ: Sanjay Manjrekar: KL Rahul can bat at any position, provided he doesn’t think his wicket matters “The other thing that happens is when you go right back, the bowler sort of becomes a little slower because I’m further away from him. So I get a little more time,” he further explained. Manjrekar also noted that Samson had added another shot to his repertoire, the dab to third man. “When there is a good ball that’s bowled very close to him, he’s doing a little tap down to the third man. If he was in the original position, there was no way he would be able to play that.”“So basically what he’s done is gone back and he’s made all these balls, good balls, scoring deliveries.“The one ball that can trouble him, if there’s a smart bowler, is if he pitches the ball right up and that troubles him. But he’s also a good front foot player, so if the pitch is not lively, the ball is not moving much, he’s able to drive off the front foot,’ Manjrekar concluded.Manjrekar also said that Samson’s mentality has contributed to his success, saying, ”Mentally he’s a very interesting character. He’s a very relaxed guy, and it’s not an act, he is genuinely relaxed.”“In the T20 World Cup, the thing to like about him was the demeanour he has. He played a game and was dropped, but when he came back, he was OK to get out, he didn’t mind getting out. He’s not someone who, because he was out of the team and needs to prove himself, will just pick up the ones and twos, and be the anchor. He’s very selfless. That is the thing to like about him.”Published on May 01, 2026 #WATCH #Sanjay #Manjrekar #breaks #technical #change #Sanju #Samsons #success")
![Carrick hopeful of Cunha return as Manchester United hosts Liverpool in Champions League race Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is hopeful Matheus Cunha will be fit to return when his side hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in one of football’s fiercest rivalries, with both teams chasing Champions League qualification.United, third in the Premier League, needs two more points to secure a top-five finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition next season, while fourth-placed Liverpool is looking to strengthen its own Champions League position in a congested race.Carrick said Cunha had returned to light training after a recent setback.“We are in good shape really,” Carrick told reporters on Friday. “Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we are hopeful. With Luke [Shaw], we aren’t sure if he will be ready but we are hopeful. Matthijs [de Ligt] is still a little bit further, he won’t be involved in the game.“Other than that, we are in good shape.”The possible return of Cunha, who missed Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford with a hip flexor injury, would be a timely boost for United in a fixture Carrick said retains its intensity regardless of league position.“It’s certainly always been one of my favourite games, without a doubt. It is a standout game,” he said.“Because of the history, the ups and downs this match-up has produced in the past, the entertainment and the emotion, all of those things make it a really special game.”United has climbed steadily since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim midway through the campaign, putting itself in position to finish above holder Liverpool and secure Champions League football with games to spare.“It shows the improvements of the group, we are getting stronger,” Carrick said. “We come into this game in such a good position off the back of good results and trying to achieve what we want.“But it is a one-off game. The league position is what it is but Sunday’s a whole different ball game.”Carrick has also restored academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo to the heart of the side, with the midfielder recently signing a new five-year deal after being marginalised earlier in the season under Amorim.ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho says no contact has been made with Real Madrid“He epitomises this football club,” Carrick said. “He is a young player who has come through the academy, is living and breathing the club, and has come through with real talent.“The natural thing for him was to sign a new contract so everyone is over the moon with it, including me because I think he deserves it.”Mainoo has started 12 of Carrick’s 13 league matches in charge, missing one game due to injury, underlining his renewed importance as United looks to finish strongly.Despite the league stakes, Carrick stressed the wider significance of a fixture that has shaped English football for decades.“When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years,” he said. “That emotion of the players and supporters has never changed.“Two incredible football clubs … to have such an impact over such a period of time is quite special and we all appreciate that.”United has 61 points from 34 games, 12 behind leader Arsenal, while Liverpool is three points behind United and level on points with fifth-placed Aston Villa.Published on May 01, 2026 #Carrick #hopeful #Cunha #return #Manchester #United #hosts #Liverpool #Champions #League #race](https://i0.wp.com/ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/65qm0v/article70929338.ece/alternates/LANDSCAPE_1200/2026-04-18T190824Z_1934087911_UP1EM4I1H5YY8_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-CHE-MUN.JPG?ssl=1 "Carrick hopeful of Cunha return as Manchester United hosts Liverpool in Champions League race Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is hopeful Matheus Cunha will be fit to return when his side hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in one of football’s fiercest rivalries, with both teams chasing Champions League qualification.United, third in the Premier League, needs two more points to secure a top-five finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition next season, while fourth-placed Liverpool is looking to strengthen its own Champions League position in a congested race.Carrick said Cunha had returned to light training after a recent setback.“We are in good shape really,” Carrick told reporters on Friday. “Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we are hopeful. With Luke [Shaw], we aren’t sure if he will be ready but we are hopeful. Matthijs [de Ligt] is still a little bit further, he won’t be involved in the game.“Other than that, we are in good shape.”The possible return of Cunha, who missed Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford with a hip flexor injury, would be a timely boost for United in a fixture Carrick said retains its intensity regardless of league position.“It’s certainly always been one of my favourite games, without a doubt. It is a standout game,” he said.“Because of the history, the ups and downs this match-up has produced in the past, the entertainment and the emotion, all of those things make it a really special game.”United has climbed steadily since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim midway through the campaign, putting itself in position to finish above holder Liverpool and secure Champions League football with games to spare.“It shows the improvements of the group, we are getting stronger,” Carrick said. “We come into this game in such a good position off the back of good results and trying to achieve what we want.“But it is a one-off game. The league position is what it is but Sunday’s a whole different ball game.”Carrick has also restored academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo to the heart of the side, with the midfielder recently signing a new five-year deal after being marginalised earlier in the season under Amorim.ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho says no contact has been made with Real Madrid“He epitomises this football club,” Carrick said. “He is a young player who has come through the academy, is living and breathing the club, and has come through with real talent.“The natural thing for him was to sign a new contract so everyone is over the moon with it, including me because I think he deserves it.”Mainoo has started 12 of Carrick’s 13 league matches in charge, missing one game due to injury, underlining his renewed importance as United looks to finish strongly.Despite the league stakes, Carrick stressed the wider significance of a fixture that has shaped English football for decades.“When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years,” he said. “That emotion of the players and supporters has never changed.“Two incredible football clubs … to have such an impact over such a period of time is quite special and we all appreciate that.”United has 61 points from 34 games, 12 behind leader Arsenal, while Liverpool is three points behind United and level on points with fifth-placed Aston Villa.Published on May 01, 2026 #Carrick #hopeful #Cunha #return #Manchester #United #hosts #Liverpool #Champions #League #race")
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