Cunningham’s 45 Points Lead Pistons to Win, Houston & Cleveland Clinch Series Advantages
- The Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons both staved off elimination in the NBA playoffs on Wednesday, April 30, 2026, while the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a 3-2 series lead.
- Led the Houston Rockets with 22 points in their 99-93 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series.
- Despite the win, the Rockets were without star player Kevin Durant, who has only played in Game 2 due to an ankle injury.
The Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons both staved off elimination in the NBA playoffs on Wednesday, April 30, 2026, while the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a 3-2 series lead. The Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 99-93 on the road, and the Pistons topped the Orlando Magic 116-109 at home.
Rockets Extend Series Against Lakers
Jabari Smith Jr. Led the Houston Rockets with 22 points in their 99-93 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series. Tari Eason added 18 points for the Rockets, who now trail the series 3-2. Alperen Sengun contributed 14 points with nine rebounds and eight assists, and Amen Thompson scored 15 points.
Despite the win, the Rockets were without star player Kevin Durant, who has only played in Game 2 due to an ankle injury. The Lakers were led by Austin Reaves, who scored 22 points off the bench in his return from an oblique injury, and LeBron James, who added 25 points. Deandre Ayton scored 18 points and grabbed 17 rebounds for Los Angeles.
The Lakers will have another opportunity to clinch the series on Friday when the teams return to Houston. The Lakers continue to be without Luka Doncic (hamstring).
Cunningham Lifts Pistons to Victory
Cade Cunningham delivered a franchise playoff-record performance with 45 points, leading the Detroit Pistons to a 116-109 win against the Orlando Magic in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round series. This victory keeps the top-seeded Pistons alive in the playoffs, though they still trail the series 3-2.
Tobias Harris supported Cunningham with 23 points and eight assists. The Pistons’ win came as they faced elimination, needing a strong performance to extend the series.
Cavaliers Take Series Lead
While details of the Cavaliers’ victory were not immediately available, reports indicate they now lead their series 3-2 following a win against the Toronto Raptors. Further information regarding the Cavaliers’ game is pending.