The Detroit Pistons defeated the New York Knicks 126-111 in the first game after the All-Star break behind a monster 42-point double-double from Cade Cunningham. The superstar was unstoppable and made sure his Pistons swept the season series over the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year.
Fans know winning the MVP takes monster stats, a narrative, and team success. Cunningham is averaging over 25 points per game and sits second in the NBA in assists. He has led the Pistons to the best record in the Eastern Conference, and they could surpass the Thunder for the league’s best record down the stretch. Cunningham has the narrative of leading Detroit to heights nobody expected them to reach, but he needs a few signature performances.
The 24-year-old had one on Thursday night. He went into Madison Square Garden and dominated the Knicks with his team down their two best centers. Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart were both suspended for the fight against the Hornets. It didn’t matter. Cade made sure the Pistons got the win in New York City.
Cade Cunningham strengthened MVP case with win over Knicks
Some NBA fans are still questioning the Pistons, but those in Detroit know this team is special. It starts with their superstar. Cunningham is one of the best creators in the NBA, and the Pistons have put an elite defense around him. Players give Cade the love he deserves, and the star keeps silencing his critics.
Cunningham had 42 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds, one steal, and two blocks in 38 minutes in the win over the Knicks. He made 17 of his 34 field goal attempts, including five 3-pointers. The Pistons outscored New York by 12 with Cade on the floor, and he unquestionably controlled the game.
Detroit got their first playoff experience last season, and the seasoned Knicks bounced them in six games. The Pistons haven’t forgotten. Cunningham made sure his team swept the season series against New York and is leaving no doubt about who is the best player in the East.
Cunningham was fourth in the NBA’s latest MVP ladder, but things can change quickly on the award front. Nikola Jokic can only miss one more game and remain eligible for the award. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is currently injured, and Luka Doncic is flirting with the 65-game rule. Cunningham keeps strengthening his case as others fade. A few more performances like Cade had on Thursday night could have him quickly jumping to the front of the MVP race.
Going to MSG and dominating the Knicks is never easy. New York is in the middle of an NBA Finals or bust season, and the Pistons keep destroying them. Cunningham makes that possible. He is the best player in the East and has Detroit thinking championship.
Cade Cunningham just had a statement win over the Knicks, where he dropped 42 points. The Detroit Pistons swept the Knicks in the regular season series and are a true championship contender. Fans should be excited. The Pistons are here, and Cunningham might just be the league’s Most Valuable Player. Stay tuned because the best is yet to come.