Cade Cunningham’s impressive season leads Pistons’ revival

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Cade Cunningham is having a career year, averaging personal bests across the board with 23.3 points, 8.8 assists, 7.3 rebounds, and 37.1% shooting from beyond the arc. His versatility places him in elite company, as he’s one of three players in the league averaging 23+ points, 8+ assists, and 7+ rebounds, alongside two Kia MVPs: Nikola Jokić and LeBron James.

Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff highly regarded Cade Cunningham heading into the season.

“The sky is the limit for where he’s going to be able to go,” Bickerstaff said this summer. “I think he’s a stud, I don’t think there’s a lot he can’t do on the basketball floor.”

So far, Cunningham has delivered, propelling the Pistons to a much-improved start in the 2024-25 season. Last year, Detroit didn’t earn its seventh win until February 7. Through just 16 games this season,  they stand at 7-9, holding onto a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference — and Cunningham’s brilliance is a major reason why.

The 2024-25 campaign has also seen Cunningham notch multiple triple-doubles. After recording just two over his first three seasons, Cunningham has already racked up four this season — all in November. Three came in consecutive games, including a 20-point, 10-rebound, and 10-assist effort against the Charlotte Hornets on November 6. Though Detroit fell short in that contest due to a Brandon Miller

buzzer-beating tip-in

, Cunningham’s all-around performance stood out.

Tonight, the two teams face off again on NBA TV (7 ET) when Cunningham and the Pistons take on the Hornets on the road.