Pistons star Cade Cunningham
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Cade Cunningham makes franchise history with 42-point outing vs. Knicks
During his rapid rise to stardom over the past two seasons, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has shown he isn’t scared of the bright lights. He once again proved he is a big-time player by putting together a dazzling showing in arguably the NBA’s most historic venue.
In their first game out of the All-Star break, the top-seeded Pistons traveled to the Big Apple to take on the New York Knicks. These teams have no love lost for one another following their hard-fought series in the opening round of last year’s playoffs.
Cunningham might have had the postseason exit on his mind in this matchup, as he was nothing short of dominant against the Knicks on February 19th. The All-Star point guard stuffed the stat sheet as he usually does, ending the night just shy of a triple-double.
In 38 minutes of action, Cunningham finished with 42 points, eight rebounds, and 13 assists. Behind this strong effort, the Pistons were able to walk out of Madison Square Garden with a 126-111 victory.
Along with picking up a win over one of their biggest rivals in the conference, Cunningham also managed to etch his name in the history books. He is the first Pistons player to notch at least 40 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, and five made threes in a single game.
StatMuse
Cade Cunningham vs New York:
42 PTS 8 REB 13 AST 5 3P
The first player in franchise history with 40 PTS, 5+ REB, 10+ AST, 5+ 3P in a game.
Cade Cunningham Continues to Have His Way Against the New York Knicks
Given their array of defense and length at the wing positions, the Knicks are a team equipped with the personnel to handle a jumbo-sized guard like Cunningham. However, that has not been the case. Dating back to last season, he’s shown he can have his way against New York when he so chooses.
This is not the first time this year Cunningham has put up big numbers against Jalen Brunson and company. He had a quiet showing when these teams met on February 6th, posting just 11 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. However, in Detroit’s first battle with the Knicks in January, the former No. 1 pick erupted for 29 points and 13 assists in what was a blowout win for the Pistons (121-90).
Given Cunningham’s continued success against New York, it makes a potential playoff rematch this year all the more interesting.
Pistons Coach Speaks on MVP Buzz Around Cade Cunningham
As the top player on the team that has sat in first place almost all season, Cunningham has entered the MVP discussion in his age-24 season. The chatter was brought up once again following his dominance in this victory over the Knicks.
During his postgame media availability, Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff was asked about this being a statement performance from the star guard. He doesn’t think one game should make or break Cunningham’s MVP case, and that people should be surveying his entire body of work this year.
“He’s been that all year long,” Bickerstaff told reporters. “I don’t think you pick an MVP based off one game or one statement. He’s been this way the entire season. He’s dominated both ends of the floor and impacted winning in a major way.”
Between his continued high-level all-around play and Detroit sitting atop the East, Cunningham is sure to remain in MVP talks in this final stretch of the regular season.