Cade Cunningham’s Impact on the Detroit Pistons
Nearly a year ago, Cade Cunningham revitalized the Detroit Pistons, shifting the team’s dynamics forever. On April 22, 2025, during a playoff clash against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, Detroit was battling a daunting 15-game playoff losing streak lasting over 6,000 days. However, it was Cunningham who led the charge, helping secure the team’s first postseason victory in a long time.
Dominance in the 2025-26 Season
Fast forward to February 19, 2026, and Cunningham’s influence is being felt even more strongly. The Pistons showcased their dominance with a staggering 126-111 victory over the Knicks, celebrating a clean sweep of the series this season and achieving an impressive 41-13 record, the best in the NBA. In their matchups against New York, Detroit outperformed expectations with an average victory margin of 28 points.
Cunningham’s 42-point, 13-assist, and 8-rebound performance on Thursday was nothing short of spectacular, demonstrating the potential of this Pistons team to make waves in the Eastern Conference. When asked if the team’s dominating performance served as a statement, Cunningham replied,
“I thought it was a good game for us. We want to impose our identity every night and come to win.”
MVP Considerations
Currently, many analysts are beginning to see him as a leading candidate for the Most Valuable Player award. Despite playing without key All-Star center Jalen Duren, who was suspended, Cunningham delivered an exceptional showcase against two of the league’s top wing defenders, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. He exhibited remarkable control over the game, pushing the pace and allowing his teammates to thrive under pressure.
Finishing the night with a shooting split of 17-for-34, including 5-of-11 from beyond the arc, Cunningham remarked,
“The ball went through the rim, bro. It was just one of those days.”
His performance placed him alongside NBA legends LeBron James and Allen Iverson as the only players to score 40 points and dish out at least 10 assists at Madison Square Garden.
Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson acknowledged Cunningham’s prowess, stating,
“We didn’t slow him down fast enough — or even at all.”
Season Statistics and Future Prospects
In the ongoing season, Cunningham’s stats reflect his impact, with averages of 25.7 points, 9.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds across 48 games. Although there are several players outscoring him, no one else is contributing as significantly to their team’s success.
Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff proclaimed,
“He’s a superstar. It’s hard to think of five players who can do as much on both ends of the court as he does. He takes on tough defensive assignments while being a primary scoring option without complaint. That’s what defines a superstar.”
As teams adapt their strategies to challenge stars like Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić, it’s clear that Cunningham’s defensive versatility adds immense value to his game. In stark contrast to Detroit’s previous season, where they wound up with a dismal 14-68 record, this year they have already surpassed the 40-win mark before the All-Star break.
At just 24 years old and in his fifth season, Cunningham’s trajectory suggests he is only going to improve. Bickerstaff hinted at a bright future, positing,
“He’s on a path to eventually enter the Hall of Fame. Cade is performing at that level.”
While conversations about such accolades may be premature, one thing is certain: if the NBA season were to conclude today, Cade Cunningham would be the favorite for the 2025-26 MVP award.
