Cade Cunningham Shows Fire, Ausar Thompson Ejected as Pistons Battle Mavs in Dallas
The Detroit Pistons rolled into Dallas on Thursday night looking to push through the growing pains of a young, evolving roster. At the center of it all was Cade Cunningham, who continues to shoulder the load as the Pistons’ engine. From warmups to the final buzzer, Cunningham brought energy and assertiveness - and for better or worse, so did his teammates.
Cunningham wasted no time setting the tone. Early in the first quarter, he took flight with a statement dunk over Mavs forward Daniel Gafford and guard Brandon Williams - a highlight-reel moment that was as much about attitude as it was athleticism. It was the kind of play that says, “We’re here to compete,” even if Detroit is still learning how to win consistently.
But Cunningham wasn’t just attacking the rim. He stayed active throughout the first half, pushing the tempo, directing traffic, and engaging officials with the kind of fire you want from your franchise player. At one point in the second quarter, he was seen having an animated exchange with referee John Goble - a clear sign of a player invested in every possession.
The Pistons also got some strong early work on the glass from Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson, who battled for boards against a physical Mavericks frontcourt. Jalen Duren added his own exclamation point in the second quarter with a powerful dunk over Gafford, giving Detroit another jolt of energy in a tightly contested stretch.
But the night wasn’t without its drama. Ausar Thompson, one of Detroit’s most promising young wings, saw his night cut short after a heated exchange led to his ejection in the second quarter.
It was a flash of raw emotion from a player known for his intensity and defensive grit. Teammate Tobias Harris had to step in and restrain Thompson as he reacted to the call - a moment that underscored both the passion and volatility of this young Pistons squad.
On the other side, Dallas had its own stars making noise. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg showed poise and vision, working to create space against defenders like Thompson and Duren. Meanwhile, veteran big man Anthony Davis took control inside, muscling his way to the rim against Isaiah Stewart in the second quarter.
The Mavericks also got a highlight of their own when Gafford threw down a dunk over Robinson, answering Duren’s earlier slam with authority. It was a back-and-forth battle in the paint all night, with both teams trading physical plays and momentum swings.
Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff looked on with a mix of focus and frustration - a coach guiding a young team through the ups and downs of development. There were flashes of brilliance, moments of immaturity, and everything in between.
This game in Dallas didn’t just offer another data point in the standings - it gave a snapshot of where the Pistons are right now. Cade Cunningham is clearly the leader, showing growth in both his game and his voice.
Jalen Duren continues to develop into a force in the paint. And while Ausar Thompson’s ejection will draw headlines, it’s also a reminder that this team is still learning how to channel its fire the right way.
For Detroit, it’s not just about wins and losses right now - it’s about building an identity. And Thursday night in Dallas, they showed they’re not afraid to bring the fight.