The Detroit Pistons are experiencing a resurgence, thanks in large part to the electrifying performances of Cade Cunningham. The former No. 1 overall pick has been a critical factor in the Pistons' improved record and is establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.
Cunningham's Rising Influence
On a recent victorious night against the Toronto Raptors, Cunningham recorded a sensational triple-double, leading the Pistons to a 123-114 victory. His contribution was nothing short of stellar: 22 points, 10 rebounds, and a remarkable 17 assists. This performance marked Cunningham's seventh triple-double of the season, ranking him just behind basketball titans Nikola Jokic and LeBron James in this category.
Cunningham's ability to deliver under pressure was evident in the game's critical moments. In the fourth quarter against the Raptors, he tallied six points, grabbed three rebounds, contributed four assists, and even managed a block, demonstrating his versatility and clutch abilities. His timely assist to Malik Beasley for a three-pointer with only two minutes remaining underscored his playmaking prowess and court vision.
Rewriting Pistons' History
Beyond his individual game performance, Cunningham's season has been noteworthy for rewriting Pistons' history books. He has surpassed the legendary Isiah Thomas for the most triple-doubles with a minimum of 15 assists in the franchise's history. This achievement accentuates his role not just as a scorer but as a pivotal playmaker for his team.
Moreover, Cunningham has achieved three triple-doubles this season with at least 20 points and 15 assists, tying him with the renowned Chris Paul for this career milestone. His ability to consistently deliver such high-caliber performances places him among the elite guards in the league.
The Pistons' Turnaround Season
Cunningham's impact is evident in the Pistons' remarkable turnaround this season. With a record of 20-19, they are eighth in the Eastern Conference—a significant improvement from last year's 3-36 record after 39 games, which included a debilitating 28-game losing streak. This season marks their latest point above .500 since the 2018-19 campaign, highlighting the team's dramatic improvement.
Currently, the Pistons have won nine of their last 11 games, a streak that can be largely attributed to Cunningham's standout performances. His season averages of 24.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game demonstrate his all-around game. Additionally, his 38% success rate from three-point range is a testament to his scoring efficiency.
All-Star Aspirations
As the Pistons continue their upward trajectory, Cunningham is increasingly catching the eye of fans and analysts alike. He is currently third in league assists and ranked seventh among Eastern Conference guards in All-Star fan voting, with 401,978 votes. This recognition reflects his growing influence and the increasing appreciation for his skills on the bigger stage.
Cade Cunningham is not just leading the Detroit Pistons to victories; he is making a case for himself as one of the league’s most exciting young talents. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Cunningham to see how far he can take the Pistons and whether he can continue to break records and redefine expectations.