Cade Cunningham Shines in Stellar Season with the Detroit Pistons
Making Strides After a Rocky Start
Cade Cunningham, the former No. 1 overall pick who initially struggled to find his footing in the NBA, is finally hitting his stride this season. On Saturday night, Cunningham impressed fans and critics alike by notching a triple-double to lead the Detroit Pistons to a 123-114 victory against the Toronto Raptors. The Pistons, riding high, have now won nine of their last 11 games, showing they are a far cry from last season's challenges.
Cunningham's Eye-Catching Stats
In this standout game, Cunningham recorded 22 points, 10 rebounds, and a jaw-dropping 17 assists, along with a steal and two blocks. This prowess marked his seventh triple-double of the season, placing him just behind NBA stars Nikola Jokic and LeBron James in terms of such achievements this year. Impressively, Cunningham has also surpassed Pistons legend Isiah Thomas for the most triple-doubles with a minimum of 15 assists in team history—a testament to his extraordinary vision on the court.
One assist shy of meeting his career high, Cunningham's 17 assists extended his growing list of impressive performances. Remarkably, it's the third occasion this season he has achieved a triple-double with at least 20 points and 15 assists, tying him with Chris Paul for similar feats in his entire career.
Mastering the Game's Closing Moments
Cunningham's impact in the fourth quarter of the Raptors game was crucial. With six points, three rebounds, four assists, and a block, he played a pivotal role. The highlight? Assisting Malik Beasley with a three-pointer that sealed the win with just two minutes to go.
Outstanding Season Averages
This season, Cunningham is averaging 24.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game. His precise shooting, marked by a 38% success rate from beyond the arc, underscores his all-around contribution. Presently third in league assists, Cunningham also caught the attention of All-Star fan voting, ranking seventh among Eastern Conference guards with 401,978 votes.
The Pistons' Resurgence
At 20-19, the Pistons stand in eighth place in the Eastern Conference. This marks the latest in a season they’ve been above .500 since the 2018-19 season. A remarkable turnaround, considering their dismal 3-36 record after 39 games and a staggering 28-game losing streak last year. Clearly, Cunningham’s elevated play is a major influence in the franchise's encouraging trajectory.