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Cade Cunningham-Paolo Banchero stats comparison: Pistons superstar saves season by outgunning Magic counterpart originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Pistons and Magic's first-round series has proven noteworthy for several reasons. Few have proven as captivating as Cade Cunningham's duel with Paolo Banchero, either.
Rarely do two sides spearheaded by youth get the chance to joust with one another in the postseason. Then again, Cunningham and Banchero aren't your ordinary youngsters. They are comets, hurtling towards the top of their franchises' record books with record speed.
Things weren't perfect for Cunningham or Banchero heading into Game 5. Neither had been particularly efficient, struggling to get clean looks in a forest of trees.
Game 5 was a different story, though. Cunningham and Banchero were brilliant, reasserting their status as the NBA’s present and future. Cunningham had the better of the night, leading Detroit to a decisive 116-110 victory to pull within one game of Orlando. It was a performance that will live forever in the hearts of Detroit sports fans, especially if the Pistons come back to win the series.
But both players painted masterpieces atop the canvas that was Little Caesar Arena hardwood. Their performances won't be soon forgotten, either.
With that, here's a look at how Cunningham and Banchero's numbers compared to one another in their Game 5 tilt.
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Cade Cunningham-Paolo Banchero Game 5 stats comparison
Final score: Pistons 116, Magic 109
| Cade Cunningham | Paolo Banchero | |
| 43 | Minutes | 41 |
| 45 | Points | 45 |
| 4 | Rebounds | 9 |
| 5 | Assists | 7 |
| 1 | Steals | 2 |
| 0 | Blocks | 0 |
| 6 | Turnovers | 6 |
| 56.5% (13-23) | FG% | 54.8% (17-31) |
| 62.5% (5-8) | 3PT% | 54.5% (6-11) |
| 100% (14-14) | FT% | 41.7% (5-12) |
Both Cunningham and Banchero were at their best on Wednesday night, like two prizefighters caught in a tempest of blows. Cunningham was slightly more efficient scoring, tallying 27 points in the first half — 20 of which came in the second quarter.
Banchero didn’t lag too far behind, however. He led the Magic with 22 points in the opening 24 minutes. He arguably showed more than his counterpart in terms of all-around play, producing five rebounds, four assists and two steals to pace Orlando’s rally.
The second half saw the pyrotechnics continue atop Little Caesar Arena's glistening stage. Banchero saved his best for last, producing 15 points in the fourth quarter and 45 for the game. From crafty finishes around the cup to step-back triples from the nail, Banchero's shot-making prowess was on full display on Wednesday night.
He couldn't quite get past his fellow former No. 1 pick, though. Cunningham tallied an identical 45, although his were buoyed by mid-range jumpers and free throws. Cunningham settled the score for good as the action waned, jinking past Jalen Suggs with a crossover before splashing a 12-footer to put the game on ice.
Cunningham's last basket proved noteworthy for another reason, too. He set a franchise record for points in a single game with 45, moving past Hall-of-Famer David Bing.
Cade Cunningham-Paolo Banchero season stats comparison
| Cade Cunningham, 2025-26 | Paolo Banchero, 2025-26 | |
| 64 | GP | 72 |
| 33.9 | MPG | 34.8 |
| 23.9 | PPG | 22.2 |
| 5.5 | RPG | 8.4 |
| 9.9 | APG | 5.2 |
| 1.4 | Steals | 0.7 |
| 0.8 | Blocks | 0.6 |
| 3.7 | Turnovers | 3.1 |
| 46.1% | FG% | 45.9% |
| 34.2% | 3PT% | 30.5% |
| 81.2% | FT% | 77.5% |
Cunningham enjoyed the better of the two campaigns, being selected as an All-Star Game starter for the first time. He was felled by injury issues -- namely a collapsed lung he suffered in a March 17 matchup with the Wizards. Cunningham wasn't able to hit the vaunted 65-game mark needed to qualify for NBA awards. However, his heroics won't go unrecognized. Cunningham landed an injury exemption that will allow him to collect MVP votes and a likely spot on the All-NBA first team.
Banchero fell just short of an All-Star Game berth. But he posted numbers right in line with his career averages. He also anchored an Orlando roster that was cut down by injuries throughout the season.
MORE: Complete list of 2026 NBA Award finalists and winners
How old is Cade Cunningham?
Cunningham is 24 years old. He'll turn 25 on Sept. 25.
How old is Paolo Banchero?
Banchero is 23 years old. He'll turn 24 on Nov. 12.
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