Cade Cunningham was brilliant leading the Pistons to victory in Game 1 against the Cavaliers, but he actually could have played much better if he made his usual shots. Cunningham finished the game shooting just 6-of-19 from the field, but still boosted the offensive with timely buckets and playmaking. If he can return to his usual scoring efficiency in this year’s playoffs, the Pistons should perform even better against the Cavaliers.
Cunningham still has room for improvement
Throughout Game 1, Cade looked completely in control but he knows he can do even better if he just makes his shots. In comparison, his second option Tobias Harris was able to score more efficiently to the tune of 20 points on 6-of-14 shooting. Both Harris and Cunningham got a lot of favorable looks, but weren’t always able to convert them.
Cade was able to overcome the Cavaliers’ best wing defenders, such as 6’9” Dean Wade and 6’6” Jaylon Tyson, to get good looks but just wasn’t able to convert. Many of Cade’s makes from Game 1 were tougher than the easy shots that he missed. And compared to the intensity of Orlando’s defenders in Round 1, Cleveland didn’t bring the same physicality that could slow him down.
This year, Cade has been electric as a scorer in the playoffs. He’s averaging over 30 points per game and we just saw an extended sample size of him cooking against an elite Magic defense. The Cavaliers don’t have the same quality of defenders, and it’s only a matter of time before he reaches the same heights in this series.
The Pistons are right where they want to be
Even without a good shooting night from Cade, the Pistons still won Game 1 by double digits. The game did admittedly get close in the fourth quarter as Cade took a breather on the bench, but Detroit quickly regained control when he checked back in. Even without efficient shooting, Cade sealed the game with his playmaking and a clutch basket over a mismatch.
Both teams should expect Cade to shoot better in Game 2. If the Pistons can retain their possession advantage driven by dominating the glass and forcing turnovers, an efficient Cade game should make for smooth sailing. However, they will need to be wary of a potential 3-point barrage from the Cavaliers, who are top-3 in threes made this postseason.
The Cavaliers might not have the same offensive sloppiness and interior softness in Game 2, but fortunately the Pistons also have another lever to pull as well. Cade Cunningham returning to typical form will be a huge difference, and it should be expected based on his playoff excellence so far this year.
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