The Detroit Pistons continued their strong run of form heading into the Playoffs with a 116-113 win, punctuated by a game-winning three-pointer.
The Detroit Pistons have won 13 of their last 18 games, nearly securing a spot in the top six of the Eastern Conference. They hope to end a six-year playoff drought this season, with their fans hungry to see Playoff basketball in the city again.
The Pistons are doing all they can to achieve that goal. In head coach JB Bickerstaff’s first season, the Pistons have developed a cogent defensive and offensive identity. While the entire team is expected to defend at a high level or lose minutes, the offense is often left up to the team’s point guard.
Cade Cunningham has excelled at leading Detroit this season, making his first All-Star appearance. He’s averaging 25.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.3 assists this season, even being compared to Luka Doncic. He’s always been a top-tier prospect and is proving that the last few Pistons seasons being held against him was a bad idea.
During the 116-113 Pistons win over the Miami Heat, Cunningham rose to the spotlight and delivered a moment every NBA player dreams of.
Fans loved seeing Cade hit the game-winner
Cade Cunningham is one of the brightest young talents in the NBA. He’s singlehandedly bringing the Pistons back into relevance for the first time in over a decade.
As a result, it’s not surprising to see that Cade’s game-winner has led to an even stronger groundswell of support for the guard. The same can be seen on social media after his game-winner to dispatch the Heat.
“We need more Detroit games on national TV. Time to put more of a spotlight on Cade Cunningham.”
“Watching Cade Cunningham blossom into a bona fide superstar has been a consistent source of joy this season”
“He’s taking over the NBA.”
“I don’t think it’s crazy to say Cade Cunningham is a top 10 player right now.”
“ESPN ranked Cade the 67th best player in the league before the season started. Tonight, with a game on ESPN, he showed the world who he really is…”
“Cade Cunningham is the best thing to happen to DFW hoops this year.”
“That’s what superstars are made of.”
Cunningham ended the night with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. This loss dropped the Miami Heat to a 29-40 record. It was significant for Detroit to beat a franchise motivated to win games.
The fact it took a game-winner to beat them should be impressive. Regardless of the respect the franchise commands, they have a 4-16 record since the Jimmy Butler trade.
This was their 10th straight loss. Miami looks like a team without a direction, something the motivated Pistons led by Cade have plenty of.
Cade Cunningham fulfilled a childhood dream with game-winner
Cunningham spoke to reporters after his sensational performance capped off with the game-winner. It was a childhood dream come true for the Pistons guard. He revealed it was his first three-point game-winner ever.
“Yeah, it’s a great feeling. It’s hard to put into words. It was my first three-ball game-winner. It’s fun man, it’s stuff you always dream of as a kid in your driveway. You count down and shoot the ball, one of those moments. But to be on the biggest stage, doing this is what I love to do.”
This has been a true breakout season for Cunningham, who’s firmly establishing himself as a star in the NBA. With NBA legends now backing the Pistons to be a potential Playoff dark horse, it will be a fascinating Playoff run for the young franchise.
While It’ll be Cunningham’s Playoff debut, he’ll hope to continue impressing in a postseason setting.