Cade Cunningham put on an absolute show Sunday night, leading the Detroit Pistons to a thrilling 148-143 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. The Pistons, riding their hottest streak of the season, extended their winning run to six games, and Cunningham was at the heart of it all. He dropped a jaw-dropping 38 points, dished out 12 assists, and grabbed seven rebounds, proving once again why he's a force to be reckoned with.
A Record-Breaking Night for Detroit
The Pistons were firing on all cylinders offensively, putting up a season-high 148 points while shooting an incredible 59.1% from the field. Their three-point shooting was lights out, knocking down 20 of 40 attempts from deep. It was a statement game from a team that’s pushing hard for its first playoff berth since 2019. Currently sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference, Detroit is proving that they are no longer an easy matchup.
Big Performances Across the Board
While Cunningham was the clear star of the night, he had plenty of help. Malik Beasley had the hot hand from beyond the arc, drilling 6 of 10 three-pointers and finishing with 24 points. Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed 18 points, while Dennis Schroder made a huge impact off the bench, adding 16 crucial points.
On the other side, Trae Young did everything he could to keep the Hawks in it, matching Cunningham’s scoring total with 38 points of his own while also handing out 13 assists. Georges Niang was a major contributor as well, pouring in 27 points and tying his career high with seven three-pointers. Despite their best efforts, the Hawks fell short, dropping their third straight game.
Key Moment: Clutch Play from Schroder
With less than a minute remaining, the game hung in the balance. The Hawks had just gone on an 11-2 run to take the lead, and momentum seemed to be shifting. But that’s when Dennis Schroder stepped up. He drove hard to the basket, absorbed contact, and finished a tough layup while getting fouled. He calmly knocked down the free throw, giving the Pistons a 142-140 lead with 33 seconds left. That clutch play swung the game in Detroit’s favor and helped seal the win.
Defensive Battle: Cunningham vs. Daniels
One of the most fascinating matchups of the night was Cunningham going up against Dyson Daniels, a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Daniels, known for his defensive prowess, made his presence felt with four steals, adding to his league-leading total of 156 on the season. But despite his efforts, Cunningham was simply unstoppable. He dominated so much in the first half that the Hawks had no choice but to start double-teaming him on almost every possession—even in the backcourt.
Historic First Half for Cunningham
Cunningham didn’t just have a great game—he had a historic one. By halftime, he had already racked up 29 points and 10 assists, marking the first time in his career that he recorded a double-double before the break. His ability to control the game, score at will, and create for his teammates left the Hawks scrambling for answers all night.
Hawks Struggle to Capitalize
Atlanta had opportunities to shift the tide, especially with an 11-attempt advantage at the free-throw line. However, their inability to get key stops defensively cost them. The Pistons’ red-hot shooting proved too much to handle, and despite some late-game heroics from Young and Niang, they couldn’t overcome Detroit’s offensive explosion.
What’s Next?
The Hawks will look to bounce back as they wrap up their three-game homestand against the Miami Heat on Monday. Meanwhile, the Pistons return home for a crucial stretch, beginning with a showdown against the Los Angeles Clippers, the first of four straight games at Little Caesars Arena.
With Detroit clicking at the right time, this team could be making serious noise as the season winds down. And if Cade Cunningham keeps playing at this level, the Pistons might just be a team no one wants to face come playoff time.
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