The Detroit Pistons are riding a significant wave of momentum as they continue their journey through the current NBA season. The Pistons, who have shown a remarkable turnaround, boast an impressive record of nine wins in their last 11 games. With a current standing of 20-19, they sit in the eighth position in the Eastern Conference, marking the first time they've been above the .500 mark this late in the season since the 2018-19 campaign. This shift is especially striking compared to last year’s performance, where they had a dismal 3-36 record after 39 games, which included a devastating 28-game losing streak.
At the heart of this successful run is none other than Cade Cunningham, the former No. 1 overall pick, who has been delivering stellar performances and continues to shape the Pistons’ offense. In a recent clash against the Toronto Raptors, Cunningham led Detroit to a 123-114 victory, notching an impressive triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high 17 assists. This performance further solidified his status as one of the team’s most pivotal players.
A Record-Setting Performance
Cunningham’s exploits have propelled him into the rarity of the NBA triple-double elite this season. He has already recorded seven triple-doubles, placing him just behind the likes of Nikola Jokic and LeBron James. More notably, he has surpassed franchise legend Isiah Thomas for achieving the most triple-doubles with a minimum of 15 assists in Pistons' history. Such accomplishments are testimony to Cunningham's court vision and playmaking abilities, skills that he has honed remarkably well.
Impressively, this was Cunningham’s third instance this season of securing a triple-double with at least 20 points and 15 assists. In doing so, he matches the accomplishments of seasoned players like Chris Paul in achieving such a feat over a career. His performance against the Raptors is a testament to his dynamic ability to influence every facet of the game. In the decisive fourth quarter, he racked up six points, three rebounds, four assists, and a block, showcasing his all-around skill set and ensuring the Pistons maintained their lead.
Individual and Team Success
Currently, Cunningham is third in league assists, further highlighting his indispensable role in orchestrating plays on the court. His season averages of 24.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game clearly demonstrate his versatility and consistent contribution across key statistical categories. With a 38% success rate from beyond the arc, Cunningham also proves to be a reliable shooter, adding yet another layer to his offensive repertoire.
Off the court, Cunningham’s impact is equally noteworthy, as he ranks seventh among Eastern Conference guards in the All-Star fan voting with 401,978 votes. This ranking reflects both fan appreciation and recognition of his impressive performances, putting him in the spotlight as a potential All-Star representative.
The Pistons' transformation from a struggling team to one that’s in the playoff conversation can be largely attributed to the synergy and performance driven by Cunningham's leadership. His ability to elevate his teammates was on full display in the game, notably when he assisted Malik Beasley with a crucial three-pointer with two minutes remaining, sealing the win against Toronto.
As the Pistons continue to solidify their position in the league, eyes will be on Cade Cunningham as he leads the charge. His blend of scoring, facilitating, and defensive prowess makes him an invaluable asset to the Pistons and a player to watch as the season progresses.