The Detroit Pistons started the stretch run right with a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesar’s Arena behind a nice all-around game from Cade Cunningham
The Pistons entered the final 24 games with a lot of question marks, but they got some answers last night against Cleveland, who was shorthanded without Darius Garland, Collin Sexton and Caris LeVert.
It was a team effort for Detroit, who got some nice contributions from the bench, including newcomer Marvin Bagley III, who had his best game so far for the Detroit Pistons.
The Pistons aren’t going to make he playoffs or even be close but piling up wins in these last games will help them build some confidence and chemistry moving forward, so wins are more important than the slight possibility of lower lottery odds.
Here are three takeaways from the Detroit Pistons’ win over one of their division rivals.
Cade Cunningham vs. Evan Mobley
The Rookie of the Year may come down to the final 23 games for Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley, who many believe are neck-and-neck in the race.
Cade got the better of Mobley last night, putting up superior numbers and getting his team the win at the free-throw line down the stretch.
Both players were quiet at times, but I thought Cade really showed his value with a couple of high-IQ passes off rebounds in the first half that led to easy Pistons’ buckets.
Mobley had three blocks while Cade had two, one of which was on Mobley as he tried to take it up from under the rim.
Cade controlled the offense, ran the fast break well and ended the game with 17 points, six rebounds, six assists, two blocks and only two turnovers, showing the myriad ways he can affect a game.
Mobley had 11 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, but was really quiet offensively and got beat at the rim a few times by Marvin Bagley III.
This round goes to Cade Cunningham, who is making a late case for Rookie of the Year.