The Pistons finally saw their record-tying win streak come to an end against the Celtics as they came up short in the clutch. Even in the loss, a massive improvement for Cade Cunningham was apparent in his ability to draw fouls and earn free throws. Cade has dramatically increased his free throw rate this season and it's played a big role in elevating him to superstar status.
Cade has figured out how to earn free throws
Cunningham is up to a career-high 28 points per game this season despite struggles shooting from outside and even overall efficiency. He's converting just 44% of his field goals and 30% of his threes, but gains an efficiency boost by taking 8.1 free throws per game. Previously, his career high for free throws in a season was just 5.3 from last season.
The increase in free throws is representative of Cade's aggression attacking the rim this season. The Pistons have committed to a physical brand of basketball that relies on paint dominance rather than an abundance of 3-point shooting. Cade has done his part by going up strong on drives and forcing referees to call fouls. In the past, he used his finesse to avoid contact which not only led to a lack of foul calls but also tougher finishes.
This season, Cade has taken another step in his player progression into the NBA's superstar tier. He's hovering around the top 10 in the league in points per game and free throws attempted per game. As he earns more respect around the Association, he will surely get some more "superstar calls" that less established players might not receive. But his route to getting those calls is earning tougher trips to the free throw line in the meantime by embracing physicality.
In the loss against Boston, Cade also showed that he has a mastery of how to manipulate defenders in fouling positions. With 4 seconds remaining and the Pistons down by 3, Cade caught the ball at halfcourt. Aware that the Celtics would be looking to foul him right away to take away the possibility of a made three, he launched an attempt towards the rim and earned three free throws.
Unfortunately, he did miss the last of his three free throws leading to the Pistons' loss. But his excellent timing shows that his cerebral understanding of the game has expanded to the foul game. Cade being able to manipulate defenses to foul him in key situations can make the difference in playoff games. As a career 85% free throw shooter, drawing fouls can be a reliable method of scoring easy points for Cunningham.