On Wednesday night, the Detroit Pistons secured a crucial 116-109 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 5, narrowing Orlando’s series lead to 3-2. As Game 6 approaches on Friday, the NBA has made a significant ruling regarding Cade Cunningham.
According to insider Brett Siegel, the league reviewed Cunningham’s foul on Jamal Cain with 24 seconds remaining in the second quarter of Game 5 and upgraded it to a Flagrant 1, citing unnecessary contact. Siegel reported that the NBA announced the upgrade after their review.
If the Flagrant 1 had been called at the time, Orlando would have been awarded two free throws and possession, potentially shifting the game’s momentum. However, the Magic won’t gain any advantage from the retroactive decision.
Since the foul wasn’t deemed a Flagrant 2, Cunningham remains eligible to play in Game 6. Nevertheless, with the league overturning the original call, officials might enforce a stricter game on Friday.
For the Pistons, the situation is win-or-go-home in the first round of the playoffs. A loss would eliminate Detroit, making them the first No. 1 seed since the 2023 NBA Playoffs to be knocked out in the opening round.
