Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons
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Cade Cunningham took to Instagram after the Detroit Pistons' win over the New York Knicks to make a statement.
In a shocking development, the NBA has made a major change by elevating a game to a national program.
On March 19th, the Detroit Pistons vs. the Miami Heat will be a nationally televised game taking the slot before the marquee matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Pistons/Heat matchup replaces the previously scheduled New Orleans Pelicans vs. Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Pistons, who are in the midst of a breakout year, are one of the most exciting teams to watch and are considered a must-see on NBA League Pass. The young team is led by NBA All-Star Cade Cunningham and is one of the best fast-break teams in the NBA. The Pistons are a solid playoff team and play like a College team, and the team is incredible to experience.
The teams the league flexed out of the spot aren’t exactly slouch teams. The Pelicans, regardless of their record, still have an exciting core of young players, including forward Zion Williamson. Since reportedly dropping his weight to 264 lbs, Zion has played like the star fans expected out of Duke University. Minnesota hasn’t been the force they were last year since trading center Karl Anthony Towns, but still feature the sensational guard Anthony Edwards, who continues to elevate his game.
The Heat, while losing Jimmy Butler, still features two in-prime stars with forward/center Bam Adebayo and guard Tyler Herro, both of whom have two NBA finals appearances with Miami. The elevation of this game gives both a chance to showcase their talents in year that has been trying for Heat fans and players.
The schedule move is mostly about the young Pistons, who have taken the league by storm and have one of the four best records since the All-Star Break. The 8-3 Pistons are rolling over opponents, including a blowout win over the defending Champion Boston Celtics. Detroit is on the roll heading into the NBA Playoffs and will have the opportunity to showcase Detroit basketball to a broader fanbase as the premium spot on ESPN.
The Detroit Pistons are a brand-new team. This is a team that deserves its national showcase and is proving game after game to be a potential playoff threat. Whether a casual fan or a diehard basketball aficionado, this game has both the pace and the stars to garner attention.
The Detroit Pistons vs. the Miami Heat is set to be one of the most fun primetime games in years. Be sure to tune it.