The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics">Boston Celtics</a> (10-8) secured a crucial 117-114 victory over the Detroit Pistons (15-3) at the TD Garden, successfully snapping Detroit’s impressive 13-game winning streak. Jaylen Brown was the catalyst for Boston, scoring 33 points along with 10 rebounds in the win. He also found himself in the spotlight for delivering a subtle shot at Cade Cunningham at the end of the contest.



With three seconds remaining and Boston leading 115-112, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cade-cunningham">Cunningham</a> was fouled by Jordan Walsh as he crossed halfcourt before he could get a shot off. After the referees reviewed the play, they determined it was a shooting foul, sending Cunningham to the free-throw line with three attempts and a chance to tie the game.



However, after successfully converting the first two, the 24-year-old guard missed the third free throw, squandering an optimal opportunity to equalize the match and potentially send it to overtime. Payton Pritchard secured the rebound for Boston, was immediately fouled, and sank two free throws with 2.4 seconds remaining to seal the triumph.



Following the Celtics’ epic victory—which ended the Pistons’ long streak—<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jaylen-brown">Brown</a> didn’t hesitate to take a subtle shot at Cunningham and the referees’ controversial ruling. “Ball don’t lie. Ball don’t f— lie,” the Boston forward said, implying the officials had incorrectly called a shooting foul on Cunningham.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Jaylen Brown on Cade Cunningham’s missed free throw at the end of the game 😭 “Ball don’t lie, ball don’t fu*king lie.” (h/t <a href="https://twitter.com/lockedupjb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lockedupjb</a>)<a href="https://t.co/pmhFIRD2Ti">pic.twitter.com/pmhFIRD2Ti</a>— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fullcourtpass/status/1993854250640875756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



Despite having an incredible night by scoring 42 points, along with eight rebounds and five assists, the missed final free throw that could have forced overtime ultimately tainted the excellent performance by the 2021 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> Draft’s first overall pick.



<h2>Brown makes Celtics history</h2>


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In the absence of Jayson Tatum, Brown is genuinely performing as a leader and is the driving force for the Celtics, ensuring they remain competitive this season despite not having one of the best players in the franchise’s history. The forward is currently averaging a career-high 28.2 points per game, along with 5.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists.



By leading his team to victory against the Pistons, Jaylen Brown etched his name into the franchise history books. After scoring 33 points against Detroit, Brown became the third player in Celtics history to reach 500 points through the first 18 games of a season, joining Jayson Tatum (2022-23, 2024-25) and John Havlicek (1970-71), according to Celtics Stats on X.



When Tatum is healthy, he and Brown form one of the best duos in the league, making Boston serious title contenders—a championship they already won in 2024. However, with Tatum sidelined for the remainder of the season, Brown faces the massive challenge of leading Boston in the fight for the trophy.

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miniaturas

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-pistons">Detroit Pistons</a> face a struggling Indiana Pacers team that has been dealing with a wave of injuries, and Detroit will look to capitalize on that advantage in hopes of securing another win. But one key question remains: Will Cade Cunningham play?



Guard Cade Cunningham has missed the team’s last two games with a hip injury, and he is listed as out for Monday’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers. 



Cunningham suffered the injury in an overtime win over the Washington Wizards, where he fell hard on his hip during a drive to the basket. The All-Star guard delivered a massive performance in that game, posting a 46-point triple-double — even if it took him 45 shot attempts to get there.



There is a strong possibility that the Pistons ultimately decide to sit <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cade-cunningham">Cunningham</a> tonight, especially considering Detroit has a back-to-back and will face a far tougher opponent in the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. Detroit, which has won nine straight games, should still be capable of beating the Pacers even if Cunningham does not suit up.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="344152" src="https://media.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-1920x1080.webp" alt="Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons. " class="wp-image-344152" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons. </figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h2>What happened to Cunningham?</h2>



Cunningham suffered a hard fall late in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards after Cam Whitmore fouled him during a dunk attempt. He briefly went to the locker room, returned to the floor, and finished the fourth quarter and overtime. 


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He closed the night with a career-high 46 points (on a franchise-record 45 field-goal attempts), 12 rebounds, 11 assists, five steals, and only two turnovers in 45 minutes, leading the Pistons to a 137–135 OT victory.



<h2>How both teams arrive</h2>



The Detroit Pistons enter the night as leaders of the conference with an 11–2 record, coming off a recent 114–105 win over the Philadelphia 76ers in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> Cup. Detroit has looked like one of the league’s best teams through the early stretch of the season and appears to be a legitimate title contender, strengthened by last year’s playoff experience.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana-pacers">Indiana Pacers</a>, meanwhile, find themselves in the opposite situation. After coming within one win of reaching the NBA Finals last season, they are now dealing with significant injuries — including to star guard Tyrese Haliburton — which have derailed their momentum and turned them into one of the league’s weakest teams. They sit near the bottom of the standings with a disappointing 2–11 record.

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The Detroit Pistons (10-2) are hosting the Philadelphia 76ers (7-4) tonight at the Little Caesars Arena for action in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> Cup group stage. The biggest uncertainty for the home team is whether star guard Cade Cunningham will be available for this crucial matchup.



According to the latest official <a href="https://official.nba.com/nba-injury-report-2025-26-season/">NBA injury report</a>, the Pistons have ruled out Cade Cunningham (left hip contusion) alongisde Jalen Duren (right ankle sprain) for tonight’s game.



The 24-year-old guard was held out of the recent victory against the Bulls because he suffered a hard fall in his last game against the Wizards, a moment that worried fans in Detroit. The franchise decided to rest <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cade-cunningham">Cunningham</a> against Chicago and Philadelphia to ensure he could return completely healthy without suffering any setback.



The first pick of the 2021 NBA Draft is undoubtedly the leader for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-pistons">Pistons</a>, and he is having the best season of his career so far in Detroit. Cunningham leads his team in scoring and assists, averaging 27.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per contest, making him a critical piece in J.B. Bickerstaff’s system.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251114_BUS_526942_cunningham-cade_c22fef68.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-526947"></figure><figcaption>Cade Cunningham during a game against the 76ers. (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Pistons dealing with multiple injuries</h2>



Despite dealing with multiple names on the injury report, the Pistons have managed to secure excellent results, which has left them with an impressive 10-2 record.


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In addition to the questionable status of Cunningham, Duren, and Stewart, the Detroit teams will be without Tobias Harris (right ankle sprain), Jaden Ivey (right knee arthroscopy), Ausar Thompson (right ankle sprain), and Marcus Sasser (right hip impingement), who are all out for the contest against the 76ers.



On the side of the visiting team, stars Joel Embiid and Paul George will not be present, nor will Jared McCain. Despite rookie VJ Edgecombe (back spasm) was listed as questionable early in the injury report, he will be available for this matchup.

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The Detroit Pistons (9-2) are hosting the Chicago Bulls (6-4) tonight at the Little Caesars Arena for regular season <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> action. The primary uncertainty surrounding this matchup is whether star players Cade Cunningham and Josh Giddey will be available for their respective teams.



According to the latest official <a href="https://official.nba.com/nba-injury-report-2025-26-season/">NBA injury report</a>, the Pistons and the Bulls have listed ruled out both, Cade Cunningham (left hip contusion) and Josh Giddey (right ankle sprain).



On the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-bulls">Bulls</a>’ side, Giddey is recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the third quarter of the 128-122 defeat to the Cavaliers on Saturday, November 8th. The Australian guard was held out of the recent loss to the Spurs to prioritize a full recovery.



Meanwhile, for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-pistons">Pistons</a>, Cunningham suffered a hard fall in the recent 137-135 overtime victory against the Wizards, a moment that worried all Detroit fans. However, the star was able to remain on the court until the end of the game, and the franchise are hopeful the injury is not serious.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Cam Whitmore injured Cade and stared him down 🤔 <a href="https://t.co/a7Y7XQA37E">pic.twitter.com/a7Y7XQA37E</a>— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrickCenter_/status/1988072680038564174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



Both teams will be without their primary stars tonight. Giddey is having the best season of his career so far, averaging 21.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game, while <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cade-cunningham">Cunningham</a> leads his team in scoring and assists, averaging 27.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per contest.



<h2>Injury report for both teams</h2>


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Both the Pistons and the Bulls arrive with more names on the injury report in addition to Cunningham and Giddey. The Detroit side will be without Tobias Harris (right ankle sprain), Jaden Ivey (arthroscopy of the right knee), and Marcus Sasser (impingement on right hip), who are all out for the contest. 



Furthermore, Isaiah Stewart is listed as doubtful (sprained left ankle) and Jalen Duren is listed as probable (right ankle sprain). On the Chicago side, they will be without Coby White (right calf strain) and Zach Collins (left scaphoid fracture).

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On a night filled with magic, it was not the Washington Wizards who stole the spotlight, but rather Detroit Pistons star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cade-cunningham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cade Cunningham</a>. The player etched his name into the history books, though not in the way he had hoped, as he exceeded an undesirable record held by NBA legend Kobe Bryant, while simultaneously equaling Michael Jordan in another significant statistic.



This bittersweet moment unfolded on Monday night against the Wizards, a team that has struggled in the early stages of the regular season. Cunningham joined the ranks of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jordan</a> as the only two players in NBA history to record 40+ points, 10+ rebounds, 10+ assists, and 5+ steals in a single game. However, he also surpassed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bryant</a> by missing more than 30 shots in a single game.



Despite these dramatic moments, the silver lining for Cunningham and the Pistons was the victory, as Detroit boasts an impressive 9-2 record at the onset of the regular season. This success ignites hope among the Pistons’ fan base, dreaming to achieve great things in the playoffs.



Cunningham’s leadership, alongside Dennis Jenkins, who excelled against the Wizards by scoring 24 points in 34 minutes, has generated considerable excitement among Eastern Conference teams. The Pistons currently top the standings, enjoying a comfortable lead over the New York Knicks.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Cade Cunningham went OFF in DET’s 7th straight win! 🏎️ 46 PTS (career-high) 🏎️ 12 REB 🏎️ 11 AST 🏎️ 5 STL 🏎️ 2 BLK He becomes the 1st player in NBA history to total 45+ PTS, 10+ REB, 10+ AST and 5+ STL in a game since 1973-74 😲 <a href="https://t.co/OdCRIZpokD">pic.twitter.com/OdCRIZpokD</a>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1988128508749770922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2025</a></blockquote></div>



<h2>Cunningham’s stellar stats this regular season</h2>



As the Pistons’ star continues to make headlines with his outstanding performance, his statistics are drawing attention within the Eastern Conference, providing insight into why the Pistons have enjoyed such a successful start to the season.


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Leading the league in games played so far (11), Cunningham has averaged 27.5 points per game, along with 9.9 assists in 37 minutes of playing time per game. On Monday night, Cunningham played 45 minutes, nearly scoring one point for every minute he was on the court.



<h2>Other key contributors to the Pistons’ strong start</h2>



Undeniably, Cunningham is spearheading the team in nearly every statistical category. Yet, the cohesion within the Pistons is fueled by the consistent performance of their starting lineup. Alongside Jalen Duren, Ron Holland, Duncan Robinson, and Javonte Green, Cunningham and the Pistons are enjoying an excellent start this season.



Significantly, Duren has been contributing 19 points per game, ranking second-highest on the team, while also securing 12 rebounds per matchup. Given these dynamics, the fan base holds high expectations for a team that is catching everyone off guard in the NBA.

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Cade Cunningham shares unwanted record with Kobe Bryant after matching Michael Jordan vs Wizards - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tyler-herro">Tyler Herro</a> has been with the Miami Heat since the 2019–20 season—almost the same stretch as one of his longtime teammates, who just left South Beach to sign a lucrative new deal. That teammate is now headed to Detroit, where he’ll join Cade Cunningham on a Pistons squad hoping to turn things around in 2025.



The former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Heat</a> player finished fifth on the team in scoring last season with an average of 11 points per game, and ranked third in free throw percentage, hitting 88% from the line. He appeared in 74 games for Miami, starting 37, and was a contributor in helping the team reach the playoffs.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cade-cunningham">Cade Cunningham</a> will now be teaming up with a veteran presence—someone who’s played seven regular seasons and appeared in the playoffs in six of them, logging 70 postseason games with an 8.5 PPG average in the playoffs.



<h2>Which former Heat player signed with the Pistons?</h2>



That would be Duncan Robinson, who signed a three-year, $48 million deal with Detroit. The new contract guarantees him $16.8 million for the upcoming 2025–26 season. It’s a smaller deal than the five-year, $90 million contract he signed with Miami back in 2021, which officially expired in 2025.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Duncan Robinson’s farewell video… From undrafted to summer league to two-way to earning a standard to an NBA starter. Capturing milestones, franchise records, and being a key piece to our Finals runs. One more time for Duc. One of the best undrafted stories. <a href="https://t.co/ukzcidAblD">pic.twitter.com/ukzcidAblD</a>— 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 (@HeatvsHaters) <a href="https://twitter.com/HeatvsHaters/status/1942405984778862597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Robinson now holds the fifth-highest contract on the Pistons roster. He’s the only player making over $40 million, slotting in just above Ron Holland II and below Tobias Harris, who is entering the final year of his $52 million deal. Cunningham, meanwhile, holds the team’s largest contract—$269 million.



<h2>Details of Robinson’s deal</h2>



Michael Scotto reported the full structure of the contract: “Sources: The Detroit Pistons signed Duncan Robinson to a three-year, $48 million deal, which is fully guaranteed at $16.8 million for the 2025–26 season, partially guaranteed $2 million out of a possible $16 million in the 2026–27 season, and non-guaranteed for the 2027–28 season.” The details suggest Robinson’s ability to earn the full $48 million will depend heavily on his performance moving forward.


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<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nikola-jokic">Nikola Jokic</a>’s Denver Nuggets are building their roster for the 2025–26 NBA season and have agreed to terms with a forward who was a major contributor to Cade Cunningham during the previous campaign with the Detroit Pistons.



“Free agent sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr. has agreed to a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets, sources tell ESPN,” reported NBA insider Shams Charania via his official X account Tuesday afternoon, noting that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denver-nuggets">Denver</a> officials are finalizing the details of the deal at this moment.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tim-hardaway-jr">Hardaway</a> played a significant role with the Pistons during the 2024–25 season, after joining the franchise last summer in a trade with the Dallas Mavericks. He appeared in 77 of the 82 regular season games, averaging 11 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. In <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-pistons">Detroit</a>, Tim regained a prominent role within a team after several years in Dallas, where his place as a starter had not always been guaranteed.



With <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cade-cunningham">Cade Cunningham</a> leading the team on the court, the Pistons delivered a surprisingly strong performance, finishing with a 44–38 record and making the playoffs for the first time in six years. In the postseason, however, their hopes were short-lived, as they were eliminated in six games by the New York Knicks in the first round.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250701_BUS_430774_Tim-Hardaway-Jr-1024x559_72de8002.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="Tim Hardaway playing with Pistons" class="wp-image-387760" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/29135247/Tim-Hardaway-Jr-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/29135247/Tim-Hardaway-Jr-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/29135247/Tim-Hardaway-Jr-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/29135247/Tim-Hardaway-Jr-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/29135247/Tim-Hardaway-Jr.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Tim Hardaway Jr. playing for the Detroit Pistons during the 2024-25 NBA season.</figcaption></figure>



Following the end of the season, Hardaway became a free agent, positioning himself as an appealing option for several teams around the league. The Nuggets moved quickly to secure him, adding a piece that could strengthen the rotation for head coach David Adelman.


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Despite having one of the best players in the world in Nikola Jokic, Denver lacked the tools to truly compete last season—something many attributed to the team’s limited roster depth. The Colorado franchise’s front office appears to have taken note of that, and in recent days has worked to bring in new players.



Tim Hardaway Jr. joins Cameron Johnson, Bruce Brown Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas as the new faces on the Nuggets for the upcoming season. With Cam Johnson, the Nuggets secure a high-level forward to replace Michael Porter Jr., who was traded to the Brooklyn Nets.



Valanciunas and Brown are expected to be valuable rotational pieces over the course of the season. As for Hardaway, it will be interesting to see what role he carves out on the team, and whether he can sustain the impact he had with Detroit last year.


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The Detroit Pistons put up a fight against the New York Knicks but were ultimately eliminated in six games in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. However, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cade-cunningham">Cade Cunningham</a> delivered a standout performance that allowed him to join an elite group alongside Luka Doncic and Oscar Robertson.



Cunningham finished his playoff run averaging 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, making him just the third player in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> history to post those numbers in his postseason debut.



The 23-year-old point guard reached the playoffs for the first time in his four-year NBA career and led <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-pistons">Detroit</a> in scoring in five of the six games in the series. His best performance came in the 100-94 win in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden, where he scored 33 points in 42 minutes on the court.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/luka-doncic">Luka Doncic</a> accomplished something similar in his second season with the Dallas Mavericks, when in the 2020 playoffs he posted averages of 31 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists during a 4-2 first-round loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250502_BUS_389926_cade-cunningham-1024x559_86e33c28.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="cade-cunningham" class="wp-image-363843" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25211422/cade-cunningham-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25211422/cade-cunningham-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25211422/cade-cunningham-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25211422/cade-cunningham-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25211422/cade-cunningham.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cade Cunningham averaged 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists in his playoff debut</figcaption></figure>



And before the Slovenian guard, the only other player to reach such numbers in his playoff debut was NBA legend <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/oscar-robertson">Oscar Robertson</a>. In his second year with the Cincinnati Royals in 1962, the Big O made his first postseason appearance and averaged 28.8 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 3-1 series loss to the Detroit Pistons.


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<h2>Cunningham is satisfied with Detroit’s performance</h2>



Despite the early exit against the Knicks, Cade Cunningham believes the team left a strong impression. “We proved to ourselves that what we have in the room works and can be very successful in the NBA,” he said, according to ESPN.



“I think at the same time, we proved that to the rest of the league as well that when they come play Detroit, it’s going to be a dogfight,” the guard added. “So I think that’s the thing that the whole league has taken notice, too, and just the belief in the locker room has grown a ton.”



<h2>The Pistons had a strong year</h2>



Even though the Pistons’ playoff run was short, just making it there was already an achievement. They finished sixth in the regular season with a 44-38 record and returned to the Eastern Conference playoffs after a six-year absence.



With a young roster and the increasingly clear leadership of Cunningham, Detroit has plenty of reasons to believe this season could be the start of something big. After making the playoffs this year, the next step in coming seasons will be improving that performance—something the franchise has struggled to do in recent years.



In the past 18 seasons, they’ve made the playoffs only five times. In four of those appearances, they were eliminated in the first round. The last time Detroit advanced past the opening round was in 2008, when they reached the Eastern Conference Finals after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic, before falling to the Boston Celtics.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="68151ef7d90c74f53c9fd27f" data-title="Will Detroit be a serious contender in the East next season?" data-options="2"></div>

Cade Cunningham Joins Luka Doncic, Oscar Robertson With Record Playoff Debut Averages in Pistons’ First-Round Loss

Cade Cunningham matches Luka Doncic, Oscar Robertson’s feat despite Detroit’s early playoff exit

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Cade Cunningham matches Luka Doncic, Oscar Robertson's feat despite Detroit's early playoff exit - Bolavip US

The New York Knicks and the Detroit Pistons are tied 1-1 in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs after facing off twice at Madison Square Garden. In the most recent matchup, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cade-cunningham">Cade Cunningham</a> stood out and played a key role in Detroit’s 100-94 win. But what really turned heads was an unexpected interaction with NBA legend Carmelo Anthony.



In the third quarter, Cunningham threw down a dunk and immediately pointed at <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carmelo-anthony">Anthony</a>, who was sitting courtside. Naturally, the gesture didn’t go unnoticed by the 10-time All-Star, who spoke about it on his podcast 7PM in Brooklyn.



“It’s a respect thing,” Carmelo said about Cade’s gesture. “I wear multiple hats. I wear the hat of representing New York, the Knicks; I wear the hat of being a player who played for the Knicks; and I also wear the hat of someone who (expletive) with this generation and talent.”



Anthony expanded on that idea, making it clear that beyond his <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-knicks">Knicks</a> fandom, he’s also paying attention to the bigger picture. “I see certain skills set, compartmentalizing the Knicks situation with myself, focusing on guys who can really play the game of basketball. I’m still a fan of that too,” said the former forward.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250423_BUS_383686_Carmelo-Anthony-2-1-1024x576_a0258a8f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Carmelo Anthony praised Cade Cunningham" class="wp-image-321395" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/25203102/Carmelo-Anthony-2-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/25203102/Carmelo-Anthony-2-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/25203102/Carmelo-Anthony-2-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/25203102/Carmelo-Anthony-2-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/25203102/Carmelo-Anthony-2-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/25203102/Carmelo-Anthony-2-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/25203102/Carmelo-Anthony-2-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/25203102/Carmelo-Anthony-2-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Carmelo Anthony praised Cade Cunningham</figcaption></figure>



“To that point of Cade, like him acknowledging (me), yeah, I’m here,” Carmelo said. “I’m here for the Knicks, but I’m here to come see you put in work. I wanna see what you got to do. This is a very important series for you.”


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<h2>Carmelo Anthony praises Cade Cunningham</h2>



In the same conversation, Carmelo Anthony made it clear how much he respects Cade Cunningham’s talent. “I always said I wanna work with Cade,” he stated. “I don’t know if he heard that or not. I would love to work with him.”



Speaking on what makes the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-pistons">Detroit</a> player so special, Carmelo explained: “He got everything. He’s a 6’6 point guard, big guard ability. I see him starting to get down there in the post. If he gets a couple one-twos out of that post… He just fits so seamlessly into what Detroit has going on.”



<h2>Carmelo Anthony respects Detroit</h2>



What the Pistons did during the 2024-25 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> regular season, combined with what they’ve shown in the first two games of the playoffs against the Knicks, has earned Carmelo Anthony’s respect. “They built that team the right way,” he said.



“They got the right pieces. They got physicality, athleticism, shooters, they can defend, and you got a really good coaching staff over there,” Anthony said about Detroit’s strengths. “And you got Cade who can lead now. That’s scary.”



Finally, the Hall of Famer class of 2025 shared his thoughts on what he’s seen at the start of this playoff matchup against the Knicks. “We saw that. For them to come in there and take Game 2 in the Garden… That notion of like, ‘Team is too young or inexperience,’ that (expletive) is out the window now. Them notions is over.”


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="680949476322de585807ae63" data-title="Do the Pistons have what it takes to get past the Knicks in the playoffs?" data-options="2"></div>

Carmelo Anthony calls Cade Cunningham’s Game 2 gesture a sign of respect

NBA legend Carmelo Anthony sends strong message to Cade Cunningham after Knicks vs Detroit Game 2

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Lakers head coach JJ Redick makes blunt statements on NBA most improved player award

NBA legend Carmelo Anthony sends strong message to Cade Cunningham after Knicks vs Detroit Game 2 - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> have emerged as one of the top contenders for the NBA Championship. JJ Redick’s arrival has played a key role in developing several players. Among them, Austin Reaves has shown significant growth. He continues to prove that he is a versatile and reliable piece for the franchise’s future. Although many praise <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jj-redick" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Redick</a> for bringing out the best in his players, he recently voiced strong criticism toward the NBA’s Most Improved Player award.



“I hate that award. They fail to define it. I think the spirit of it has been taken out of wack. I don’t like that award. Just call it the ‘high draft pick who’s one a max contract now and is an All-Star.’ Just call it that award because that’s what it is now…Am I wrong? That’s what it’s become. In the last five years, that’s what it’s become. I don’t think that’s in the spirit of the award,” stated JJ Redick as reported by Lakers Nation.



JJ Redick’s criticism does not target any of the potential winners individually. Instead, it focuses on the overall subjectivity of the award itself. As he pointed out, fans and analysts alike are often left guessing what the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> is actually prioritizing when selecting a winner.



Given the impact <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/austin-reaves" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Austin Reaves</a> has made this season, JJ Redick was asked whether he believed the Lakers guard had a legitimate shot at winning the award. The head coach did not hesitate with his response: “He’s not gonna win it, but I’ve sang his praises all year.” 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250404_BUS_370208_austin-reaves-2-1024x559_7f053b70.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="austin-reaves 2" class="wp-image-342074" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/22140621/austin-reaves-2-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/22140621/austin-reaves-2-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/22140621/austin-reaves-2-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/22140621/austin-reaves-2-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/22140621/austin-reaves-2.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on October 22, 2024.</figcaption></figure>



Austin Reaves has notably increased his numbers throughout the season. In fact, he scored a career-high 45 points this season against the Indiana Pacers. He also recorded more than 24 points in four of his last five games. After Luka Doncic arrived, many believed the team might move Reaves due to limited space. However, he adjusted quickly and proved that he deserves a key role in the franchise.


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<h2>2024–25 NBA Most Improved Player candidates: Who’s in the running this season?</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cade-cunningham">Cade Cunningham</a> is one of the favorite candidates to win this season’s NBA Most Improved Player award. The Detroit Pistons guard has taken a major leap. In his fourth NBA season, he is averaging 25.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game. These numbers reflect his impressive versatility and growing impact on both ends of the floor.



Moreover, Cunningham has taken full control of the Pistons’ offense. He leads the team with confidence and consistency. Detroit currently holds a playoff spot and looks ready to make a deep postseason run. With Cunningham setting the tone, the Pistons have become a serious threat in the Eastern Conference.



Nevertheless, Dyson Daniels or Norman Powell could also be candidates to earn the most improved player award. Even, some NBA experts have stated that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dyson-daniels" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dyson Daniels</a> have become the clear favorite for the award. Having the playoffs ahead, there is still the most important part of the season to come. For that reason, naming a clear candidate may be wrong since it could vary along the run.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="67f0617f0c8fd1e7fdf26ca4" data-title="Who do you think will earn the NBA\&apos;s Most Improved Player award?" data-options="4"></div>

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Lakers head coach JJ Redick makes blunt statements on NBA most improved player award - Bolavip US

A generation of NBA legends is nearing the twilight of their careers. LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and James Harden are among the players who have defined an era and are slowly approaching the end of their careers. In their place, others must step up, and one young star with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-pistons">Detroit Pistons</a> is ready to take on that challenge.



“I think I can be the best basketball player in the world. I think I’m on my way,” said <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cade-cunningham">Cade Cunningham</a> during an interview with ESPN. “I want people to understand that, and that’s what I’m working to show people every time I play.”



The 23-year-old point guard is posting career-best numbers this season and has been one of the main reasons why the Pistons have significantly improved their performance compared to last year. Detroit has gone from a dreadful 14-68 record to tripling their wins this season, and they’re now close to securing a spot in the playoffs.



“Winning. I think that’s the main difference, for real,” said Cunningham about his transformation and that of the team. “It’s a lot of fun winning games. It’s not fun losing at all, so playing in meaningful games and constantly putting ourselves in a position to win has been a lot of fun this year.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250403_BUS_369062_cade-cunningham-1024x559_8951921e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="cade-cunningham" class="wp-image-363843" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25211422/cade-cunningham-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25211422/cade-cunningham-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25211422/cade-cunningham-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25211422/cade-cunningham-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/25211422/cade-cunningham.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Cade Cunningham </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Cunningham’s numbers</h2>



Detroit’s improvement this year mirrors Cade Cunningham’s individual performances. He had already posted his best season last year, even amid the team’s disappointing showing. But now, the guard has taken his game to another level, becoming one of the most interesting players in the league.


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Cunningham is averaging 25.7 points per game and 9.2 assists, logging 35.2 minutes on the court this season. These numbers are not only career highs for Cade, but also the best on the Pistons this season, showing the significant impact he has on the team.



<h2>Cunningham could win NBA’s Most Improved Player</h2>



Cunningham’s performances make him a strong contender for the league’s Most Improved Player award. He is considered the top favorite for the George Mikan trophy, surpassing other young talents like Dyson Daniels, Christian Braun, Tyler Herro, and Evan Mobley.



Given his evolution, Cunningham spoke about his relationship with the fans and how the criticism from previous seasons has now turned into praise. “There was a time where I didn’t give them much else to think about,” admitted the first overall pick of the 2021 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> Draft. “But I felt support since day one being here, though, and more than anything, I wanted to hold up my end of the bargain.”


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="67edd3800c8fd1e7fdf26bff" data-title="Will Cade Cunningham become one of the NBA\&apos;s top players in the near future?" data-options="2"></div>

Thunder’s Alex Caruso makes a huge comparison between Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham

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Detroit star puts himself at the top of the NBA: 'I can be the best basketball player in the world' - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-pistons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Detroit Pistons</a> have been a modest team in the NBA for several seasons. Their last championship came 21 years ago. However, this season has shown surprising consistency. The team is currently on track for a direct spot in the NBA Playoffs. They also have several promising young players on the roster. Draymond Green took notice of their progress. The Warriors veteran made a bold prediction about the Pistons, led by rising star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cade-cunningham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cade Cunningham</a>.



“I think he will. I think I see it happening, he got the mentality, he got the talent, he got the demeanor, he got the size – which a lot of people underrate – to put a team on his shoulders and actually carry. Cade Cunningham will bring a championship basketball, championship rings, at least a ring back to the Detroit Pistons,” affirmed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/draymond-green" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draymond Green</a>.



For Draymond Green, talent is not enough to win an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> championship. Leadership and mentality matter just as much. Cade Cunningham brings both to the Detroit Pistons. This season, he has also showing his true potential on the court. He is averaging 25.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game. Against the Dallas Mavericks, he scored 35 points and looked unstoppable.



Nonetheless, the Pistons have been rebuilding for years. But Cunningham might be the player who finally changes their future. Green’s prediction of a championship feels bold. Still, Cade’s growth makes it hard to dismiss. Detroit have a proud history of winning. Their fans are hungry to see it again. If Cunningham stays healthy and keeps improving, Green’s words could become reality.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250326_BUS_363790_Cade-Cunningham-1024x576_0fe7a394.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-344152" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons during the 3-Point Contest as part of the 2025 All-Star Weekend. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Cade Cunningham: The future leader of the Detroit Pistons?</h2>



The Detroit Pistons appear to have found their franchise cornerstone in Cade Cunningham. He is having an outstanding season as the team’s offensive leader and has emerged as one of the most improved players in the league. His winning mentality, combined with undeniable talent, has earned the franchise’s full trust as they build toward the future.


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It does not mean the Pistons are suddenly contenders for an NBA title. The team is still working to establish a stable, long-term vision. However, if the franchise can build a strong foundation around its core, it has the pieces to become a competitive force in the years ahead.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="67e355c2e70a37cf6214841b" data-title="Do you think that Cade Cunningham will bring a NBA ring to Detroit Pistons? " data-options="2"></div>

Warriors star Draymond Green makes a surprising prediction on Cade Cunningham

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Warriors star Draymond Green makes a surprising prediction on Cade Cunningham - Bolavip US

On Saturday night, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/oklahoma-city-thunder">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> will face off against the Detroit Pistons, and all eyes will be on Cade Cunningham, the rising star of Detroit. Adding to the intrigue, Thunder guard Alex Caruso recently compared Cade Cunningham’s skill set to that of Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic, drawing attention to Cade’s growing reputation in the league.



While many consider <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/luka-doncic">Doncic</a> a top-five talent in the NBA, Caruso was careful to frame the comparison as more of a stylistic observation than a direct equivalence. Still, Caruso sees flashes of Luka’s game in the Pistons’ All-Star guard, who continues to emerge as Detroit’s franchise player.



“I don’t want to throw out too many comparisons, but just with his size and skill set, he’s got a little bit of Luka [Doncic],” Caruso said, via The Thunder media availability. “Obviously, Luka’s a very special, unique player. He’s got six First Teams or five First Teams in his first however many years in the league. That’s a high standard, but he’s got a little bit of that. Big guard, main handler, can shoot, can post up, good at drawing fouls; he kind of plays in the midrange, too. He’s got a little bit of everything.”



<h2>Caruso has seen Cunningham up close</h2>



Having previously played for the Chicago Bulls, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/alex-caruso">Caruso</a> got a firsthand look at Cunningham when defending him in the Eastern Conference’s Central Division, making his insights particularly valuable.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250315_BUS_356295_Cade-Cunningham-1024x576_5e47cabc.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-344152" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons during the 3-Point Contest as part of the 2025 All-Star Weekend. </figcaption></figure>



“His pace has really slowed down. I saw it last year a little bit, playing against him in his first year,” Caruso said. “Then, last year, he’s a big guard. He’s like 6-foot-7, probably 200-something pounds. He gets you on your hip and then gets to that 10-foot floater. He can post up smaller guys. And this year, he’s shooting the three-ball well, which I think really complements his game.”


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<h2>Key differences between Cunningham and Doncic</h2>



Despite the stylistic similarities, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cade-cunningham">Cunningham</a> still has work to do to reach Luka Doncic’s elite level. From the moment Doncic entered the league, he established himself as a dominant scorer and playmaker, making an immediate impact and earning multiple All-NBA First Team selections.



Cunningham, meanwhile, has shown flashes of brilliance but has been slowed by injuries and the challenges of playing for a rebuilding team. Unlike Doncic, who took the NBA by storm as a rookie, Cade is still in the process of developing into a fully-fledged superstar.



<h2>Can Cunningham reach Luka’s level?</h2>



Caruso’s comparison may hint at Cunningham’s potential, but closing the gap with a generational talent like Doncic will require time, growth, and the right support around him. If <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-pistons">Detroit</a> can continue building a stronger roster and Cade remains healthy, there’s little doubt he has the tools to become one of the league’s premier players.



The bigger question is whether Cunningham can take that next leap — and whether he can lead the Pistons back to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> relevance in the years to come. For now, all eyes will be on Cade Cunningham Saturday night as he takes the court against a surging Thunder team — and perhaps offers another glimpse of the star he may yet become.

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Thunder’s Alex Caruso makes a huge comparison between Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham - Bolavip US

The race for playoff spots in the NBA’s Eastern Conference is heating up. While the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics continue to set the pace, a few unexpected contenders are making noise, and one of them is the Detroit Pistons, led by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cade-cunningham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cade Cunningham</a>.



Fresh off an appearance at NBA All-Star Weekend alongside stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and James Harden, Cunningham is putting together an impressive season. With his scoring and playmaking, he has been the driving force behind a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-pistons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pistons</a> team that hasn’t reached the playoffs since his arrival in 2021.



Now, Detroit fans are buzzing about the possibility of a postseason return. After defeating the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-celtics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Celtics</a> and extending their perfect record to 8-0 this month, the Pistons find themselves in striking distance of a playoff berth. Following their latest victory, Cunningham addressed the media, sharing his thoughts on the team’s resurgence.



“This is everything we wanted to do. Restoring this franchise has been our goal from the start. Seeing it come to fruition now is a great feeling. I’m happy for the city, but I’m not satisfied at all. I know there’s still a lot of work to be done,” Cunningham said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250227_BUS_344998_Cade-Cunningham-1024x576_e0c095b2.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-344152" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons during the 3-Point Contest as part of the 2025 All-Star Weekend. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Cunningham’s playoff mindset</h2>



Pistons star isn’t just focused on making the playoffs this season, he has his sights set on something bigger. With Detroit in the postseason mix, Cunningham made it clear that his ultimate goal is to bring a championship to the franchise, exuding confidence as the season progresses.


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“I think the city wants a lot more. The city wants a championship. We are slowly building toward that. This is a great start—it’s been a great year for us so far,” Cunningham said. His statement reflects the trust he has in his team and their ability to compete with the league’s top contenders.



<h2>Cunningham’s impact on the Pistons’ success</h2>



As the leader of the team, Cunningham has been instrumental in the Pistons’ strong standing in the Eastern Conference. Averaging a career-high 25.7 points per game this season, along with 9.5 assists and a 50% shooting percentage from two-point range, he continues to showcase his ambition and drive.



Thanks to Cunningham’s stellar performances, the Pistons have been on an impressive run. Their 33-26 record keeps them within striking distance of top contenders like the Milwaukee Bucks, the reigning NBA Cup champions. Recent victories over the Celtics and Clippers have only strengthened their playoff aspirations, making Detroit a team to watch down the stretch.

Cade Cunningham speaks out on Pistons’ playoff hopes after upset win over Celtics

Cade Cunningham speaks out on Pistons’ playoff hopes after upset win over Celtics - Bolavip US

The Detroit Pistons are climbing up the Eastern Conference standings, fueled by an impressive run: they have won 8 of their last 10 games and currently sit in sixth place with a 32-26 record. A significant part of that success is due to the exceptional performances of Cade Cunningham, who has earned praise from none other than Los Angeles Clippers star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden">James Harden</a>.



“He had nothing around him,” Harden began noting during an interview shared by journalist Law Murray on his X account. “He’s finally healthy, finally has some pieces he can work with—shooting, bigs, defenders—and the result of that is he’s playing like one of the best players in the league.”



This massive compliment came on the heels of a remarkable performance by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cade-cunningham">Cunningham</a> in the Pistons’ 106-97 victory over the Clippers at Little Caesars Arena on Monday night. There, the 23-year-old point guard led his team with 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists during the 37 minutes he was on the court.



“So far, he’s done an unbelievable job,” Harden later added. “Like I said, he’s healthy. Step one is you have to be on the court, and then the front office has done an unbelievable job of putting pieces around him to where he can be successful.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250225_BUS_344137_Cade-Cunningham-1024x576_8439f4aa.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-344152" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/25170816/Cade-Cunningham.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons during the 3-Point Contest as part of the 2025 All-Star Weekend. </figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers">Clippers</a> star also predicted big things for Cunningham in the future, as long as he can maintain his physical health and winning mentality. “Kudos to him, he’s done an unbelievable job this year, and he’s going to continue to get better… I know he’s going to have an unbelievable career,” Harden said.


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<h2>Cunningham overcomes physical struggles</h2>



James Harden specifically highlighted Cade Cunningham’s fitness as a key factor in his stellar performance this season. The young and promising point guard had previously faced significant injury challenges early in his career. A couple of years ago, he underwent surgery for a stress fracture in his left shin, which sidelined him for much of the 2022-23 season.



Although Cunningham encountered additional setbacks last season, none were as severe as that injury. Such struggles had hindered his ability to maintain consistent attendance, as he hadn’t reached 80% participation in any of his first three NBA seasons. However, this season, Cade has played in 53 of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-pistons">Detroit Pistons</a>‘ 56 games, highlighting his remarkable physical resilience.



<h2>Cunningham’s impressive numbers</h2>



Games played aren’t the only statistic where Cade Cunningham is setting new personal bests this season. He currently boasts a career-high average of 25.8 points per game, ranking him among the top 12 players in the league.



Cunningham also ranks third in the NBA in assists, with an average of 9.5 per game, trailing only the Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young and the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic. Additionally, he records 6.3 rebounds per game and has a solid plus-minus rating of +2.5, underscoring his all-around contributions to the Pistons’ success this season.

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